1:700 USS California BB-44 1945 (For trumpeter 05784)

Wooden deck USS California BB-44 1945 in 1:700 scale

This version of the set is finished in a natural wood tone. The package holds a self-adhesive veneer cut-out of the deck with pre-printed plank laying. It is not a model or a kit but an accessory for an American battleship kit in 1:700 scale you already own. A version with a blue-toned deck is made as well. The set is meant for the Trumpeter 05784 kit.

Toning, wash and varnish

The veneer can be used just as it is, but it is the finishing of the surface that makes the biggest difference. A very thin stain or an oil paint spread with a cloth will even out the tone and bring out the grain. A dark wash brushed on and drawn into the seams deepens the impression of individual planks. Work in layers and let each one dry out; veneer soaks up quickly and too wet an application makes it buckle. Always finish with a light matte varnish, which seals the surface and keeps the edges from lifting later.

The real subject

USS California was an American battleship of the Tennessee class. After the damage she took in the attack on Pearl Harbor she was raised and rebuilt from the ground up, so she returned to later fighting with new superstructures and modern anti-aircraft armament. Her appearance in 1945 matches that rebuilt configuration at the end of the Pacific operations.

Before you reach for paint

Try the toning on an offcut from the edge of the sheet. The shade of the wood once dry differs from how it looks wet.

Who it suits

• Modelers who want a deck in a natural wood tone
• Builders of American battleships in 1:700 scale
• Anyone who enjoys finishing the shade with stain and a wash
• Collectors who pair wood with a gray hull for maximum contrast

The set is an accessory for a model. The kit, glue and paints are not part of the delivery.