For Christmas I received Panda’s USS Cole in 1/350th scale. Upon examination of the kit I discovered both sides of the hull to be covered with small bumps. These are not molding imperfections, but purposely molded on to the hull. I have searched the internet for pics of Burke class DDGs and am unable to find any showing these bumps. Does anyone have any idea of what their purpose is or should they be sanded off?
Any assistance would be most appreciated.
Dick McC
They are rings which protrude from the hull. I have some really good pics on the Burke Class and they are clearly bolted on or welded to the hull. I don’t know their purpose but they are definitely there for a reason. I’ve got somereally small (N-Scale) lift rings that I may add to one of my Arleigh Burkes for added detail.
These fittings are similar to aircraft carrier tie-downs on the flight deck, except these are for scaffoldings and platforms that allow the crew access to the hull sides. Apparently, and maybe a DDG vet can chime in, these are fittings that are attached to the hull sides and are removed when not in use.
In close up photos, they are very small in size, so I removed them from my model.
Jeff
Now there’s an idea for a ship dio!