I’m about to start this monster, and have obtained a PE set to add detail … but what about brass propellers? I have used G Factor props on other kits, but no one seems to make anything for the Big Mo. Any suggestions? Would battleship props from another battleship work on the Missouri? Thanks for any ideas!
G-factor recasts kit parts into brass, warts and all.
You may want to look at Flagship Models’ 1:350 scale etched propellers
As you research the subject you will find that the IOWAs mounted different props on their inboard and outboard shafts. Both four and five blades
Large ships did not use brass propellers- they were usually bronze. There is considerable difference in appearance between brass and bronze. Bronze is more of a gray/brown color with green patina. Look at large bronze statues in a park or museum.
As far as I am concerned, no one makes a satisfactory bronze paint. I use a gray undercoat, brown over that, and either drybrush or create a wash with a light to medium green. The green patina is a judgement call. If the ship is in the water, it will not have the green patina- the prop will be brown. However, if it were hauled out and displayed on pedestals, the prop would take on the green patina.
Ok, had to go check, make sure I was remembering right.
Inboard screws are five-blade, and outboards are four-blade.
(photo http://navsource.org/archives/01/063/016300h.jpg)
Inboard screws about 17.5’ diameter, outboard 18’–in 1:350 that’s 0.6" and 0.617" (15,24mm & 15.67mm) respectively.
Cannot find a picture which will define whether the shafts are painted to match the hull or not.
Thanks for this resource. I may be able to find something similar from other aftermarket kits, or (sigh) make an acceptable paint job on the kit’s plastic parts. BTW: The former web site of G Factor Models seems to have … uh … changed owners: http://www.gfactormodels.com/
I’m wondering why with all the super detailed PEs in the market nobody bothered to include a set of propellers with their set. They do not even have a separate set of props.
Constructor, the lack of aftermarket props has puzzled me, too; The Missouri seems to be a popular kit. So, is there any reason the G Factor 1:350 USS North Carolina props wouldn’t work? They have a set with two four-blade props and two five-blade props.
I’m sure the NC props will work with the Missouri kit but don’t we deserve four propellers for the cost of these PE’s? Just asking.