This page was last updated on July 23, 2008 © Copyright - Timothy J. Barron Scale Modeling This page contains information on the hobby of scale modeling of naval warships. Scale modeling can be very hi-tech, with highly detailed kits and "super detailed" parts made from photoetched brass and other materials.                        --- Pictured to the right is a photograph of a 1/2400 scale model of the CVN 72 Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, which I completed in 2003.

One hobby that interests me is the scale modeling of naval warships. The most popular scales for modeling of warships are 1/350 scale and 1/700 scale. Below are two projects that I have completed. One is 1/700 scale, while the other is the more uncommon 1/2400 scale. 1/2400 Scale Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group (CSG) This is a diorama that I finished in December 2003. It portrays the nine ships of the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group (CSG), as deployed during Operation Enduring Freedom in 2002. The ships are 1/2400 scale, which is most commonly used for war gaming, and they are made of pewter. All of the ships are from GHQ Models, except for the Camden, which is from Pfc CinC. This was my first experience with 1/2400 scale, and I found that it required the near exclusive use of a magnifying device and tweezers. Besides painting and assembly, multiple items were modified or added to each ship in order to "super detail" them. These items include brass wire, micro marbles, optional decals, and (believe it or not) paint brush bristles. All of the surface ship models were missing several round radomes that are on the real ships. A fellow modeler, Ed Grune, suggested that I use micro marbles to add these. Micro marbles are tiny round marbles that are smaller than the head of a pin, and actually come in varying sizes. I was having trouble finding super fine brass wire to use as antennas. Another fellow modeler, Loren Pike, suggested that I use paint brush bristles. Upon close examination, I determined that paint brush bristles actually come in varying widths. Except for the carrier, none of the ships came with decals. I used decals from SeaBat, which I believe, unfortunately, is now out of business. The ships are mounted on a small piece of "hammered" (rippled) shower door glass. The glass was spray painted a gloss dark blue, and the wakes were made from a combination of silicone caulk and white paint. All photographs are un-retouched, except for cropping, and minor brightness or contrast adjustment. All photography was done outdoors to provide natural light for a more realistic effect. Individual Photos The following are some various photos of the strike group Lincoln Carrier Strike Group (CSG) Overhead View CVN 72 Abraham Lincoln Nimitz Class Aircraft Carrier CG 67 Shiloh Ticonderoga Class Cruiser CVN 72 Abraham Lincoln Nimitz Class Aircraft Carrier FFG 57 Reuben James and SSN 718 Honolulu CVN 72 Abraham Lincoln Nimitz Class Aircraft Carrier DDG 60 Paul Hamilton Arleigh Burke Class Destroyer AOE 2 Camden and DD 992 Fletcher DDG 60 Paul Hamilton Arleigh Burke Class Destroyer CVN 72 Abraham Lincoln Nimitz Class Aircraft Carrier CVN 72 Abraham Lincoln Nimitz Class Aircraft Carrier Montage Photos These are some montage photo collections including a set for each respective ship Lincoln Carrier Strike Group (CSG) - Operation Enduring Freedom Lincoln Carrier Strike Group (CSG) - Operation Enduring Freedom CVN 72 Abraham Lincoln - Nimitz class Aircraft Carrier CG 53 Mobile Bay - Ticonderoga Class Cruiser CG 67 Shiloh - Ticonderoga Class Cruiser DDG 60 Paul Hamilton - Arleigh Burke Class Destroyer DD 992 Fletcher - Spruance Class Destroyer FFG 37 Crommelin - Oliver Hazard Perry Class Frigate FFG 57 Reuben James - Oliver Hazard Perry Class Frigate SSN 718 Honolulu - Los Angeles Class Attack Submarine AOE 2 Camden - Sacramento Class Combat Support Ship After completion of the diorama, I shared these photos with GHQ Models, the manufacturer of the ship models. I was humbled that GHQ selected to use some of the photos of my models in their online product catalog. Below are website links to GHQ's catalog that features my models. Nimitz Class Carrier Ticonderoga Class Cruiser Spruance Class Destroyer Arleigh Burke Class Destroyer Los Angeles Class Submarine 1/700 Scale Oliver Hazard Perry Class Guided Missile Frigate (FFG) This was my first scale model of a warship that I completed in June 2003. The ship was built from a 1/700 scale injected plastic kit of an Oliver Hazard Perry class frigate made by Dragon Models. Extra brass details (railings, radars, etc.) were from a photoetch brass detail set from Gold Medal Models, and some brass wire for antennas, etc. I mounted the ship on a small piece of "hammered" (rippled) shower door glass. The glass was spray painted a gloss dark blue, and the wake and water was made from a combination of silicone caulk and white paint. The ship was intentionally photographed on a partly cloudy day for visual interest. Carefully and securely the edge of a table on my deck, I propped the model up at an angle pointing at the sky. Using a tripod and my digital camera, I photographed the model angling up so the glass and the sky met with a horizon effect. The different numerals on port and starboard is not a mistake. I completed the model for a friend who served on both FFG 10 Duncan and FFG 19 John A. Moore, who asked for a ship modeled with both numerals. 1/700 Scale Perry Class Frigate FFG 10 Duncan FFG Oliver Hazard Perry Class Frigate Overhead View 1/700 Scale Perry Class Frigate FFG 19 John A. Moore FFG Oliver Hazard Perry Class Frigate Bow View FFG Oliver Hazard Perry Class Frigate Port Side View FFG Oliver Hazard Perry Class Frigate Stern View FFG Oliver Hazard Perry Class Frigate Starboard Side View FFG Oliver Hazard Perry Class Frigate View with a Penny for Scale Effect FFG Oliver Hazard Perry Class Frigate Bow / Starboard Side View Scale Modeling Links The following are links to some scale modeling websites. If you wish to see some "museum quality" scale warship models by some highly skilled modelers, be sure to visit the model galleries at these websites. Look for models built by individuals such as Peter Van Buren, Kelly Quirk, Paul Simpson, etc. ModelWarships.com provides a variety of resources for scale warship modeling. Included are a model gallery, product reviews, and a message board. SteelNavy.com provides some helpful resources for scale warship modeling. The website includes product reviews, a model gallery, and a message board. Warship Models Underway provides resources for the modeling of large scale warships, many of which are radio controlled for ponds, etc.