Calling all Tarawa-class (LHA) & Wasp-class (LHD) fans

[rbargoalie19]

Hi all,

I am new to the forums and have just got back into modeling after about a 35 year layoff. I am currently building a Trumpeter 1/350 USS Texas BB-35 and roughly halfway through the build.

I have a Trumpeter 1/350 USS Wasp LHD-1 with the complete WEM photo etch upgrade kit in queue for my next build. I would like to put LED lights in both the well deck and the hangar deck, so that you are able to see inside each deck.

I have a couple questions for those that have added lighting to their models:
1. What is a reputable company to buy LEDs from?
2. What is type is better to use, chip, strip or fiber-optic?

[Admhawk]

You can get lots of decent LEDs on eBay from China. I've never had an issue with any of the ones I've purchased. I like to get the ones that already have the resister attached. Strip lighting vs individual LEDs doesn't really matter, they all work great. What matters is where and how you mount them. If you want a row in a hangar bay, get strip lights.

Keep an eye on voltage, many are 12v, if you don't want that, look for other voltages.
Something you may want to experiment with is putting 6v on a 12v led. Modern LEDs are very bright, way too bright for small models. Reducing the voltage will help make them look more too scale.

Also look at the sizes, there are a few standard sizes for small LEDs. Make sure you get the size you need. And finally, if you get strip lights, check the spacing. Some strips have the lights closer together. Get the one that's close to what you want.

[One-Oh-Four]

Hi guys,

I'm currently building USS Iwo Jima LHD-7 in 1/350. One area that I can't wrap my head around is the UNREP-crane with the hose attachments on the island. Does anyone have good photos of the attachment of the hoses to the fuel pipes from the ship? How the fuel probes are stowed? I assume they are not just hanging around, only kept in place by the line that wraps around the hoses..? And preferably too of the lines go from the drums, through the crane to the hoses? The best pic I have is the included US Navy Photo.
I know I don't ask much...

Thanks!
Erik

[MAJOR-B]

Good day I have the wasp in 1/350 doing research right now.. how hard would it be or is it possible to convert to the Mankin Island. The biggest difference I see is the stacks they are angled.. I not looking for a perfect build just something that looks like it..I saw this in Facebook said that a great project [img][img][/img][/img]

[ESzczesniak]

How commonly are the hangar doors open on the LHD class? Most pictures are from a slightly high angle and that area is in the shadows. But I think I�m seeing them mostly closed.

I�m trying to decide if it�s worth trying to scratch build something on the 1/700 Hobby Boss LHD-1 USS Wasp. I feel like I�ve seen them open a lot on the CV�s, but as I�m digging in to tue LHD�s I don�t know if I�m seeing this very often.

[Admhawk]

How commonly are the hangar doors open on the LHD class? Most pictures are from a slightly high angle and that area is in the shadows. But I think I�m seeing them mostly closed.

I�m trying to decide if it�s worth trying to scratch build something on the 1/700 Hobby Boss LHD-1 USS Wasp. I feel like I�ve seen them open a lot on the CV�s, but as I�m digging in to tue LHD�s I don�t know if I�m seeing this very often.

A quick look through my photo collection and I see the doors open more than I see them closed. That said, they are closed more often than on the Carriers. I also see them half open a lot.

Possible reasons, Less aircraft in the hangar than a carrier. Carriers get pretty crowded and it can get pretty stuffy in the hangar, especially with jet fuel, oil leaks, grease and vehicle exhaust. (forklifts, cranes, towers, etc)
Also, with more aircraft comes possibly more elevator usage, making the door operation a time waster.
Could also be that Marines think they're tougher than sailors, so don't need fresh air.

You're probably good with either open or closed.