The Comprehensive Series Scale Model Ship Manual Number 4
Building & Detailing the Tamiya 1/350 USS Missouri BB-63
by Mike Ashey


 
 Reviewed by Martin J Quinn
August 2019

Mike Ashey Publishing has released a new book, the 4th in it's Comprehensive Series Scale Model Ship Manual line.   This one focuses on the 1/350 Tamiya USS Missouri (BB-63), the legendary "Mighty Mo", on who's decks the surrender documents ending the Second World War were signed. 
This book - available in both printed and PDF formats - features 86 pages with hundreds of photos, all in color.   Just like earlier editions, this manual is not a bunch of random techniques. It is a step by step illustrated set of instructions to guide you through the process. 

Along with using the contents of the 1/350 Tamiya, this Mike Ashey also makes use of the following upgrades for the build: 

  • Gold Medal Models USS Missouri photo-etch set
  • Gold Medal Models USS Missouri fine details photo-etch set
  • Eduard USS Missouri photo-etch set
  • Blue Ridge Models 3D printed 20mm guns
  • Black Cat Models 3D printed Mk 37 directors, 40mm quad bofors, 5"/38 cal twin mounts, Mk 51 gun directors and 36" searchlights
  • HO scale chain
The kit is built in it's September 1945 appearance and is painted in the Ms-22 camouflage scheme.  Mike shows you how to build and paint the model, with lots of great tips on how to bring this 1980's vintage kit up to modern standards.    Some of the things that stood out to me was how to build new capstans from plastic rod, technique for uniformly drilling new portholes and adding photo-etch doors and hatches, making a attachment on the hull for a minesweeping chain to attach to, as well as unique ways to fill and hide seams. 		 click to
enlarge images
Conclusions:

Though this manual is specific to the 1/350 Tamiya USS Missouri, it's a also guide to techniques and ideas on how to build better scale models in general, as the tips and tricks that Mike uses throughout this manual are applicable to other models as well.   If you are building the venerable Tamiya kit, this manual will definitely help you build a better Mighty Mo.   Recommended. 

This is Mike Ashey Publishing's "Comprehensive Series Scale Model Ship Manual Number 4, Building and Detailing the Tamiya 1/350 USS Missouri BB-63". It is 86 pages with over 450 color photos.  The printed paper edition is $15.00, while the PDF manual is only $10.00 .   The manual is available from Mike's website.

Thanks to Mike Ashey Publishing for the review sample. 
 

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