1:700 USS Missouri BB-63 (Trumpeter 05705)

Wooden deck USS Missouri BB-63 1:700 (Flyhawk)

This is not a kit of the ship but an accessory for a model of the American battleship USS Missouri in 1:700 scale. The deck is of thin wooden veneer cut by laser and replaces the plastic deck together with its engraved planking. The set is cut for the Trumpeter 05705 kit, which is a necessary distinction, because the maker also supplies a deck for the same ship in the same scale in a version for a kit of another brand.

The real subject

USS Missouri is an Iowa class battleship with the hull number BB-63. Her main deck was wooden, which on a model in 1:700 scale is a clearly visible area and is hard to imitate with paint. The ship went through refits during her service, so the particular look of the deck differs between periods and the maker's division of sets reflects that.

Fitting and painting tips

First try the deck dry and check that the cut-outs fit the bases of the superstructures, the turrets and the deck fittings. The base has to be flat, degreased and free of sanding dust, otherwise the edges will lift. Lay it down from one end and press it on gradually so that no air gets trapped under it. Around the precise cut-outs pointed tweezers or a toothpick will help. Go over the finished surface with a thin coat of matte clear, which protects the wood and evens the sheen out with its surroundings. It can be toned with a glaze or an oil, but only sparingly, otherwise the grain of the veneer will disappear.

Who the deck is for

• Builders of USS Missouri in 1:700 scale from the matching Trumpeter kit
• Modelers who want a deck of real veneer instead of painted plastic
• Modelers with experience of laying flat parts precisely

The accessory is supplied as a deck on its own. The model of the ship, glue and paints are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.