1:350 USS NEW JERSEY BB-62 (For Tamiya 78017)

A 1:350 USS New Jersey BB-62 wooden deck (Artwox Model)

This is an accessory, not a kit. The thin wood veneer with pre-printed laying of the deck planks has an adhesive backing and is glued onto the plastic deck of the model. The cut matches the Tamiya 78017 kit, including the openings for the superstructure and the turrets, so check the match before you buy.

Laying from the center out to the sides

The deck of an Iowa class battleship is long and narrow, and it is exactly here that it pays not to rush. The proven procedure is to start in the middle of the piece and work toward both ends. Take the protective film off the central part only, line the deck up along the centerline and by the openings for the barbettes, press it down and only then carry on. The air is driven out to the sides that way and does not stay trapped in the middle of the surface. If the piece settles slightly off on the first attempt, lift it carefully and move it while only a small area of adhesive is exposed. Once the whole length is stuck down, no correction is possible.

Finishing the surface

Check the edges at the sides and around the openings against the light to see whether a gap is left anywhere. Trim overhanging wood with a fresh blade. The shade can be adjusted with wood stain, and a fine darkening of the seams between the planks can be done with a very thin wash fed in by capillary action, the excess of which is wiped off at once. A matte varnish is appropriate at the end, as it unifies and protects the surface.

Who the set is for

• Builders of large American battleships who want a faithful deck texture.
• Modelers who combine a wooden deck with photo-etched accessories.
• Those looking for a quick and visible step up in quality without modifying the structure.
• Collectors who build the model for a display case and judge it from close up.

This is an accessory for a plastic kit. The kit itself, glue and paints are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.