USS Iwo Jima, LHD-7, model in 1/350 scale

The Build - Placing equipment and aircraft on the flight deck and elevators, completing the model - March 10, 2015

Well, all that was left at this point was to glue down the island, and then place the equipment (cranes, fork lifts, tugs, etc.) and the aircraft on the flight deck and elevators.

I ended up placing the aircraft in a little different configuration than what I used earlier in my dry fit. Mainly, I decided to place the Sea Knights forward of the island, with most of the Super Stallions aft of the island.

Once that was done and dried well, it was time to simply take the finishing pictures.

Here are the main pics:

...and some close ups:

...and the lighting system seen through both elevators and from aft, showing the well deck and vehicle deck:

...and some more detail shots:


...and finally, full shots from the port and starboard sides:


She is one nice looking vessel.

I have to say, this has been one of the top two most enjoyable 1/350 scale model ships I have built. This Gallery, USS Iwo Jima, LHD-7, and the 1/350 scale Tamiya USS Enterprise, CVN-65, that I built earlier added so much scratch build and lighting system to.

I would recommend both...an particularly this one...to anyone who enjoys building modern naval vessels. The detail for the three interior sections (vehicle deck, well deck, and hanger) and the ability to add details (photo etch kits, scratch builds, etc.) are simply phenomenal and make for a lot of enjoyment.



Now adding an escorting Ticonderoga and an escorting Burke will round out my ARG...though I do not have a 1/350 scale LSD and am not aware of a kit for one. Just the same, my completed ARG will include:

1 x Wasp Class Landing Helicopter Dock (USS Iwo Jima)
1 x San Antonio Class Landing Platform Dock (USS New York)
1 x Missouri Class Battleship (USS New Jersey - modernized)
2 x Independence Class Littoral Combat Ships (USS Independence and USS Coronado)
1 x Arleigh Burke Class, Flight IIA AEGIS Destroyer (USS Chafee)
1 x Ticonderoga Class AEGIS Cruiser (USS Gettysburg)
1 x Ohio Class Guided Missile nuclear Submarine (USS Ohio)
1 x Los Angels Flight III class nuclear submarine (USS Boise)

Having that group in conjunction with my entire US Navy Carrier Strike Group centered on the USS Enterprise is the culmination of a goal set many years ago.

One day I hope to add a 1/350 scale Zumwalt class destroyer to replace the New Jersey, and a Landing Ship Dock (LSD). Still, its a powerful group as it is.