Prepping for Build - Tamiya 1/350 USS New Jersey

Modeling Subjects Ships
1

Good morning all -

For Christmas I was given a 1/350 USS New Jersey by Tamiya. I am prepping and reading up (and taking my time) in doing this build as its probably the most complicated model I’ve built.

I did order the Prontos, wood deck and chain and I also ordered the Veteran Model 1/350 CIWS.

I am looking for some good tips and some advice as well as some suggestions. For instance, I am a fan of Tamiya’s paints but not sure if they are suited for this build. What would you recommend for the paints for the red on the hull and overall gray? Haze Gray is what I am thinking but I heard Tamiya’s Haze Gray is a little dark.

Thanks in advance.

2

Sounds like you’re going to build as an '80’s rebuild.

For the anti-foul red, suggest Mission Model Paint, MMP-111. Might look at their greys as well.

If doing a full hull, mounted on a base, drill your mount holes and epoxy either wood blocks or nuts in the hull before putting on the decks. If you temporarily mount on a board of the appropriate width, with an upright board on one end, (an L shape), you’ll have a stable base to work on, And can lay on either side without damage

3

Because that L board will allow you to lay her on her side on the bench.

Tamiya is not a good paint choice.

there are quite a number of alternates:

80s Haze Gray is not 40s 5 H.

Bill

4

I have this exact kit with full Pontos set. I was hoping to get going on it this year as my father in law served on her in the 80’s. He passed in 2019.

The idea of mounting it to a base to help build it is a great idea, thanks for that.

As far as paints, I will most likely use Vallejo or Mig. I also have lots of Gunze, but I’ll have to research the colors more.

BK

5

You are likely going to need around three entire bottles of paint–it’s a big kit.

Note that the decks, other than wood-clad ones, will be in Deck Gray. Gunship Gray tends to “scan” about right for new deck paint (and as a flagship, she’s kept in good nick; there’s 150-200 hands available 6 days a week to paint and re-paint).

The flight deck surfaces, when new, are a darker, near charcoal, gray-black.

NJ has a distinct advantage for you as the Museum ship, she has over 600 videos by her curator, and there are a number of nice close-in detail shots. There’s a video specifically on all the “grays” used, too.

6

Better yet, she’s only 45 minutes from me. But this is very helpful. Thank you sir.