MODELS

ADMIRAL USHAKOV (BCGN)

THE IDEA

This is my first Russian Navy (surface) ship and will play a vital part in my plans to one day build a carrier group around the Kuznetsov. However, that is still far away as my main focus is on USN ships at the moment. But having found this kit in my local model shop I just could not resist. I find this ship very impressive.

With this only being the second ship where I used PE parts, I am fairly happy with the outcome. There are of course some things that can certainly be improved, but there are more models to be built. Building the Admiral Ushakov has definitely made me wanting to build more Russian ships.

Here are some pictures of the finished model:

Model Kit:
USSR Navy Kirov Battle Cruiser (Trumpeter)

Accessories:
WEM PE 751 Kirov Class

Colors:
WEM 11 Russian Northern Fleet Grey
WEM 13 Russian Deck Red

PICTURES

								The final model sitting on its base. The base is self-made. I constructed the frame by cutting and gluing wood strips together. The water surface is the result of crumpled aluminum foil which was placed underneath the frame which was then filled with plaster. Everything was left to dry and turned over. Paint was applied giving the sea its color. The waves and water spray are modeled using 3D model paste applied by various small tools and brushes. After letting it dry, several layers of clear gloss were applied, hopefully giving the "water" a realistic look. I am not totally satisfied with the water surface itself but the waves can be very well modeled using the paste. A proper weathering will perhaps be added some time later.


								The hull comes in one piece and just needs the horizontal plates to be glued to. The super structures were built in segments which helps handling and painting the pieces. Then the PE parts were attached and after everything was dry fitted, everything was ready to be painted.
								Some close ups of the superstructure segments with some of the PE parts already attached and dry fitted. Some decals are still missing on the finished models which is shown here after having air brushed all the vertical areas and brush painted the decks and remaining horizontal surfaces. Additional antennas are from stretched sprues.

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