USS Arizona (BB-39)
The USS Arizona is one of the most powerful icons in American history. The story of her tragic destruction on that fateful day at Pearl Harbor is told in many places; it is very appropriate that she came to symbolize the beginning of the United States' full involvement in World War II. As I was working on the model, I tried to impress on Joshua the debt we all owe to her crew and her memory. I think I succeeded; for an 8-year-old, he knows her story pretty well.
The Revell models are in a class of their own; they are much simpler in design, and the scale used by Revell differs from ship to ship, and does not follow the usual 1:350/1:700 standards used by so many other manufacturers; however, the models, if properly built, still look impressive and they will turn heads. This was a good kit to begin with, not only because of the historic significance of the ship, but also because of the relative ease of assembly. I certainly needed that... Anyway, here are a few pictures of the model, in various stages of its completion. I think Joshua's pleasure with his ship is apparent...
In spite of the leaning masts and the unusual position of the midships cranes, it's not too bad for the first battleship model in about 30 years... (don't bust my bubble, please)
Click on the thumbnail image for a larger picture.
The Revell 1:426 scale USS Arizona (BB-39), in her final completed form. I offered to re-paint the boats more accurately, but Joshua likes the white hulls, and it's his model...
Port-side view of Arizona
Joshua and Jessica, ages 5 and 8, showing off the new model (not quite finished, but he liked it...)
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