Marine Modelling – Revisited Re-Issue 12

Marine Modelling – Revisited
The year 2014 sees nearly thirty years of Marine Modelling International magazine and for the author over fifty years of
waterline ship collecting. So here is a chance to re-visit some of those early and not so early articles virtually as they were
– minimal editing/updating apart from the addition of new digital illustrations and the deletion of any ‘swapmeet & model
news’. Please remember that reported model availability and any prices quoted were at the time of writing. Each re-issue
will attempt to maintain a theme and this time it is the Unites States Navy.
Re-Issue 12: Modern United States Navy
MMI Nov-Dec 2010 & March 2011: Post-war Aircraft Carriers of the USN
This article traces the development of USN aircraft carriers since 1945 and of course related 1/1200-1250 waterline models
from the Essex class right up to the USS Gerald R Ford.
Essex Class
The Essex class provided the backbone of the USN fast carrier striking forces of World War 2, with a total of 23 (out of 32
planned) completed before the end of the war. Most were quickly placed in reserve when hostilities ceased but in 1948 two
ships, USSs Essex and Wasp, were brought forward for a modernisation programme known as SCB27A, SCB standing for
Ship Characteristics Board. The major features of SCB27A
were more powerful hydraulic catapults, partial flight deck
strengthening, the removal of all 5" twin turrets and a
reduction in size of the island, to include an integral funnel. A
total of eight ships received SCB27A between 1948 and 53,
each ship typically spending some two years in dockyard
hands. A further ship, the USS Oriskany, which had been
unfinished at war’s end was also completed to this standard. A
further three ships received SCB27C between 1951 and 1954
which, in addition to the features of 27A included a fully
strengthened flight deck, side lift and steam catapults. All these
modifications enabled the operation of the jet aircraft then
coming into service, such as the McDonnell Douglas Banshee
(F2H) and Douglas Skynight (F3D).
The next series of modifications gave the Essex class ships
their most familiar post-war appearance commencing with
three further ships which received SCB27C/SCB125 between 1951
and 1955. SCB125 added the installation of an enclosed 'hurricane'
bow and angled flight deck to the other 27C features, and was also
applied between 1955/57 to those ships that had already received
27C; finally seven of the eight ships originally modified to 27A
received 125 between 1954/57, some 18 months work being
required for each ship. The Oriskany benefited from a three year
programme known as SCB125A which added the basic 125
improvements, plus steam catapults and a stronger arresting system
than the other ships. Being the most capable of the class, Oriskany
was in fact the last Essex to see operational service. One other
carrier, the USS Antietam, also received an angled flight deck as
early as 1953, but this was a trials conversion not forming part of
the SCB programmes.
USS Intrepid, now a museum ship in New York
Thus by the end of the 1950s the USN possessed a total of 14 fully
modernised Essex class, which may be subdivided in terms of
USS Bennington, modified to SCB125
but unusually carrying troops
capability into those with hydraulic catapults (7), and those with the more powerful steam catapults (7). In operational
service five of the latter were selected to support tactical air, i.e. strike, and became known as the Ticonderoga class
(CVAs) whilst the remainder were classified as CVSs and optimised
for an anti-submarine warfare (ASW) role, the exception being the
SCB27C/125 USS Lexington which was relegated to a training role
from 1963. A further three ships were configured to serve as
amphibious assault carriers (LPH) and formed the Boxer class. Those
remaining ships which were not modified were all withdrawn from
service by the early 1960s. During the 1960s the ASW types, which
retained the name Essex class, received SCB144 as part of the overall
FRAM II programme (Fleet Rehabilitization and Modernisation; II
because it was the second such programme), which provided additional
equipment for ASW, principally a bow sonar and CIC improvements to
help run the undersea battle. Another interesting development was the
installation in 1956 of a launcher for the Regulus missile on several of
the class. The various modernisation programmes are detailed in the
table.
USS Hancock fully modernised as an attack carrier
Most of the Essex/Ticonderoga class carriers were taken out of service
in the early 1970s and by 1983 just two ASW and two strike types
remained, all in reserve with the Pacific Fleet, plus the USS Lexington
active with the Atlantic Fleet in a training role. In 1990 all five were
stricken with CV59 USS Forrestal (see below) taking over as training
ship and operating in the Caribbean.
Name
Hull
Program
Program
Essex
CV9
}
}
Yorktown
CV10
}
}
Hornet
CV12
}
} SCB125
Randolph
CV15
} SCB27A
} (1954-57)
Wasp
CV18
} (1948-53)
}
Bennington
CV20
}
}
Kearsage
CV33
}
}
Lake Champlain
CV39
}
not further mod.
Intrepid
CV11
}
}
Ticonderoga
CV14
} SCB27C
}SCB125
Hancock
CV19
} (1951-54)
} (1955-57)
Lexington
CV16
}
Bon Homme Richard CV31
} SCB27C/125
Shangri-La
CV38
} (1951-55)
Oriskany
CV34
} completed SCB27A
} SCB125A (1957-59)
Boxer
LPH1
Princetown
LPH5
Valley Forge
LPH8
NOTES:
Essex class CVs: CVs 9, 10, 11, 12, 15, 16, 18, 20, 33, 39
Ticonderoga class CVA: CVs 14, 19, 31, 34, 38
Typical Durations: SCB27A 2 years, SCB27C 3 years, SCB27C/125 3 years
SCB125 18 months, SCB144/FRAM II less than one year
Program
}
}
} SCB144/
} FRAM II
} (1962-66)
}
}
}SCB144 (1965)
}
} FRAM II
} (1962-64)
Essex Class Modernisation Programs
WATERLINE MODELS
The table lists various models that have been issued. The American line Superior included a 1/1200 generic Essex
Class/SCB125. You may also see listed Ta10115 USS Boxer (LPH1) – this model was never released. Of the models listed
only those by Argos and Mountford are currently available; carrier aircraft are made by Cap Aero.
Hull
CV 11
CV 12
CV 14
CV 18
CV 34
CV 38
Ship
USS Intrepid
USS Hornet
USS Ticonderoga
USS Wasp
USS Oriskany
USS Shangri-La
As in
1968
1959
1946
1959
1959, 1967
1957
Model(s)
Argos AS-74
Hansa S 190/1
Ta 10110
Hansa S 190
Mountford 250, Ta 10360
Quadrant-26
Hansa USS Wasp with a Regulus missile launcher added
Mountford USS Oriskany
Midway Class
The three Midway class ships were laid down during World War 2 but were completed too late to see service; the Midway
(CV41) was first commissioned in September 1945, Franklin D Roosevelt (CV42) one month later, and the Coral Sea
(CV43) much later in 1947. A further three of the class were projected, but were cancelled prior to any construction work
being undertaken. These
were the last US fleet
carriers completed with axial
flight decks and all initially
served in the Atlantic and
Mediterranean
until
temporarily withdrawn from
service for modification in
the mid-1950s. As an aside
the Midway is quoted as
Rare Quadrant model of USS Franklin D Roosevelt
being the first ship to shoot
down a missile in flight, the
missile in question being a German V2. This event took place in 1947 although using what weapon is not clear! Between
1954 and 57 both Midway and the FDR were modified under the SCB100 programme which provided for an 8 degree
angled flight deck, an enclosed 'hurricane' bow, new steam catapults, new electronics, a revised lift layout and the removal
of some of the original heavy gun armament. The Coral Sea received a SCB110A update between 1957 and 60, essentially
as described above, but with more powerful lifts designed to handle the heavier aircraft then coming into service, plus a
third catapult amidships along the line of the angled deck.
The Midway was modernised a second time between 1966 and 70 (SCB101.66) and this time a virtual rebuild resulted in a
one third larger flight deck area, much more capable lifts and catapults, and in general brought the ship up to a similar
standard to the Forrestals (see later). SCB101.66 was also scheduled for the FDR but the huge, and substantially over
budget, cost of the refit caused this to be abandoned. As a result the FDR was eventually stricken in 1972 and scrapped
some six years later, although her two sisters remained in service for a further two decades, albeit with a much modified
weapon and sensor fit. Final weapon fit was two Mk 25 Sea Sparrow launchers and two Phalanx CIWS (Close In Weapon
System) in CV41, and three Phalanx in CV43; aircraft complement was about 70. Full load displacement is given as 67,500
tons (1988 figure for CV41). It was originally planned that the Coral Sea would replace the Lexington as fleet training
carrier, but she went for scrap in 1990 with the USS Midway in reserve as of 1992 and unlikely to re-commission.
Forrestal Class
The Forrestals (Forrestal CV59, Saratoga CV60, Ranger CV61 & Independence CV62) were the first US carriers designed
from the outset to operate jet aircraft. Construction of the lead vessel (CV59) was initiated just seven years after the end of
the war and all four were in commission by 1959.
Like the Midways before they had an armoured
flight deck, but an additional fourth lift and four
catapults gave significantly improved aircraft
handling capabilities. On first entering service all
four were equipped with eight Mk 42 5" guns,
although these have long since been removed and
defensive armament now comprises two Mk29
Sea Sparrow launchers (3 in CVs 60 and 62), plus
three Phalanx. CVs 60 and 62 have undergone
modification under the Service Life Extension
Programme (SLEP) which was intended to enable
the ships to operate effectively well into the next
century; CV61 did not receive SLEP, but in
1984/85 received a major overhaul which, as well
USS Saratoga with early jet aircraft
as sensor/electronics improvements, added the
three Phalanx. The Forrestal became fleet training
carrier in 1991, receiving a ‘complex overhaul’ in 1991/92 to improve her training capabilities and remove unneeded
sensors and weapons. Aircraft complement is 86. Displacement varied by ship but is in the order of 81,000 tons. All were
de-commissioned by 1998.
CM model of USS Forrestal is currently available
Long discontinued is Wiking’s USS Saratoga
Kitty Hawk class
Two further Forrestals were planned in the
mid-1950s but ultimately were completed
in 1961 as the Kitty Hawk (CV63) and
Constellation (CV64). Compared with the
earlier class the port side lift was shifted
aft to permit simultaneous operation of the
lift and the two waist catapults, and to
starboard two rather than one lift was sited
for'ard of the island. This latter change
resulted in the island superstructure being
located farther aft than in the Forrestals.
The overall size of the flight deck was also
somewhat greater enabling more aircraft
Amazing 1/1250 model of USS Kitty Hawk
to be parked on deck. Thus, in general, aircraft handling arrangements were improved giving the two ships enhanced
combat effectiveness. From the outset these vessels were missile armed with the Terrier medium range surface to air
system. Two launchers were mounted aft, each with a 40 round magazine. In 1977/78 Terrier was superseded by Sea
Sparrow, with three launchers fitted, supplemented in recent years by three Phalanx. A third vessel USS America (CV66)
was completed in 1965 to the Kitty Hawk design, although minor detail differences, such as a smaller funnel, has often
resulted in the America being identified as a single ship class. In CV66 alone the Terrier system was upgraded to fire the
Standard missile, although all three ships now share a common weapon fit. CVs63 and 64 completed SLEP in 1991 and
1992 respectively, whilst CV66 remained un-modernised and paid off in 1996, being sunk as a target in 2005 . Prior to the
SLEPs new sensors such as the Mk 23 low altitude radar were fitted to enhance the detection of sea-skimming missiles,
such as the soviet SS-N-22. 88 aircraft may be carried and full load displacement is 81,800 tons (CV66 79,400 tons).
CV64 de-commissioned in 2003 and CV62 in 2008.
USS America with (l to r) Skyhawks, Phantoms and Vigilantes
WATERLINE MODELS
The table lists various models that have been issued. Avoid HL’s angle-deck USS Midway (HL15) which is badly under
scale. Wiking (WM) and Trident Alpha models are cast in plastic. Carrier aircraft are available from Cap Aero; a nice
item that came with WM’s carrier was a little bag of early jets – F2H banshee, F7U Cutlass and F6 Skyray. The newest
releases (as of July 2013) are the four from Mountford (MM328-331).
Hull
CV 41
CV 42
CV 59
CV 60
CV 61
CV 62
CV 63
CV 64
CV 66
Ship
USS Midway
USS Frankin D. Roosevelt
USS Forrestal
USS Saratoga
USS Ranger
USS Independence
USS Kitty Hawk
USS Constellation
USS America
As in
1950, 1971, 1991
1950, 1956
1955
1965
1970
1975
2001
1961
1965
Model(s)
Hai 543, HL15, Argos AS-106
Hai 177, Quadrant-21
CM-P 1010, WM, MM328
MM329
MM330
MM331
Argos AS-75
Ta 335
Ta 315
USS Enterprise
Constructed almost in parallel with CV64 USS Constellation (the second in the Kitty Hawk class) was the world’s first
nuclear powered aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN65). The Enterprise was commissioned in 1961 and until the Nimitz
entered service in 1975 was the worlds largest warship.
Apart from power plant and the distinctive bridgework
with the fixed antennas of the SPS32 and 33 radars,
CVN65 shared much in common with the Kitty Hawk
class. Lift layout and catapult arrangements were the
same and it had been originally intended to install
Terrier. High construction costs, however, led to no
defensive armament being fitted until 1967 when the
first of two Mk 29 Sea Sparrow launchers was added; in
recent years three Phalanx have also been added. During
a three year modification between 1979 and 82, the SPS
32 and 33 were replaced by conventional rotating radars
and the dome on top of the bridge removed - a mast
similar to those on the Nimitz class ships has now been
fitted. The nuclear power-plant consists of eight
Westinghouse reactors, two to a shaft, originally requiring core replacement at three year intervals, although this has now
been extended to eight years.
Full load displacement is 92,200
tons
and 88 aircraft may be
embarked. A third Mk29 and the
Mk23 radar were added at the
recent overhaul, undertaken by
Newport News Shipbuilding from
1991 to 1994. USS Enterprise’s
return to duty prompted the
retirement of USS Saratoga after
some 38 years of service. USS
Enterprise is planned to remain in
Skytrex model of the USS Enterprise shows her post-modernisation
service until 2013 when she will be
replaced by CVN 78, the first of the new ‘CVN 21’ class which was laid down in 2009.
USS John F Kennedy
Unexpectedly high costs resulted in the cancellation of five sister ships for the Enterprise and the selection of conventional
power for the next carrier to be built - CV67 USS John F Kennedy. The JFK was first commissioned in 1968 and was built
to an improved Kitty Hawk design, the most noticeable external differences being the cut down flight deck aft and the
funnel which was angled out to starboard to
reduce interference with flying operations. An
armament of two twin Terrier was planned but
ultimately three Mk25 Sea Sparrow launchers
(each with 8 missiles) were fitted,
supplemented now by the almost mandatory
three Phalanx. 78 aircraft are carried on a full
load displacement of 82,400 tons. The JFK’s
planned SLEP was cancelled and she entered
dockyard hands for a ‘complex overhaul’ in
1993. She replaced the USS Forrestal in the
Skytrex USS John F Kennedy
training role in 1996. Note that in 1993 the
SLEP programme, initiated back in 1979, was
abandoned in favour of a more limited ‘complex overhaul’ with just four ships receiving a full SLEP. Operational again by
2000, the 32 year old ship is said not to be in the best condition.
Nimitz class
The Nimitz class heralded a return to
nuclear propulsion with technological
advances requiring the use of just four
General Electric reactors. Overall
layout and appearance is not unlike
other American carriers but less
obvious is the ability to carry
considerably more aviation fuel and
munitions than earlier ships. For
example figures of 90% more fuel and
50% more munitions than the
Forrestal class is quoted. Other
features not outwardly visible are
improved damage control and fire
fighting capabilities and the extensive
use of armour. The lead ship, USS
Nimitz (CVN68) was commissioned
in 1975, followed by the Dwight D
USS Nimitz
Eisenhower (CVN69) in 1977 and the
Carl Vinson (CVN70) in 1982. Defensive armament for these ships is three Mk 29 launchers for Sea Sparrow and three
Phalanx (four Phalanx in CVN 70); 86 aircraft are carried on a full load displacement of some 94,000 tons.
Skytrex USS Carl Vinson with Phalanx guns added
Theodore Roosevelt Class
Although authorised in 1980, CVN71 USS
Theodore Roosevelt was not laid down until
October 1981 as a result of protracted debate
concerning the possibility of a much smaller
CVV design or perhaps a repeat of the
conventionally
powered
CV67
class.
Ultimately the 'big ship' school of thought
prevailed and CVN71 entered service in 1986
followed by CVN72 USS Abraham Lincoln
(1989), CVN73 USS George Washington
(1992), CVN74 USS John C Stennis (1995),
CVN75 USS Harry S Truman (1998), CVN76
USS Ronald Reagan (2003) and lastly CVN77
USS George HW Bush in 2009. These ships
are essentially slightly improved Nimitzs with
a full load displacement of approximately
96,500 tons and a similar complement of
aircraft and defensive weapons. Standard four
USS Theodore Roosevelt
lift/four catapult configuration has again been
adopted. Only the USA could build a class of 7 supercarriers; the RN will lucky to get even six Type 45s. Successors to
the Theodore Roosevelt class will be the 114,000 ton Gerald R Ford class, the first of which is under construction. All
these last three classes are built by Northrop Grumman Newport News (formerly Newport News Shipbuilding)
WATERLINE MODELS
The table lists various models that have been issued. Note that Trident Alpha’s first model (Ta1) is made entirely of plastic
(as is Wiking’s USS Forrestal) but is underscale. Also avoid HL’s angle-deck USS Midway (HL15) which is badly under
scale. Ta’s later CVA/N models are also cast in plastic whilst Skytrex’s are in metal apart from the resin hulls. Carrier
aircraft are available from Cap Aero.
Hull
CVN 65
CV 67
CVN 68
Ship
USS Enterprise
USS John F Kennedy
USS Nimitz
As in
1961, 1964, 1982
1968, 1979
1979
CVN 69
CVN 70
CVN 71
CVN 72
CVN 73
CVN 74
CVN 76
CVN 78
USS Dwight D Eisenhower
USS Carl Vinson
USS Theodore Roosevelt
USS Abraham Lincoln
USS George Washington
USS John C Stennis
USS Ronald Reagan
USS Gerald R Ford
1982
1982
1986
1989
1992, 2005
2004
2003
20nn
Model(s)
Ta 1, AS-68, Skytrex R1623 & CM-P 1016
Ta 325, Skytrex R1620
Ta 250, Skytrex R1622, Triang P800
Revell 1/1200 kit due late 2012
Ta 275
Ta 300
CM-P 1017
CM-P 1018
CM-P 1019, AS-44a
AS-44
Mountford 200
Mountford 253
CM-P model of USS Theodore Roosevelt
USS Ronald Reagan
Mountford USS Ronald Reagan
An artist’s impression of the future USS Gerald R Ford
MMI May & June 2011: Holy Loch – the US Navy’s Refit Site One
Between 1961 and 1992 Holy Loch in Scotland was the home to the US Navy’s Refit Site One, a base created for servicing
and refit of US nuclear powered ballistic missile submarines
(SSBN). The USN unit assigned was Submarine Squadron
(SUBRON) 14 which comprised a submarine tender (US
designation AS), a floating drydock, several barges and tugs plus
up to nine SSBNs.
The Holy Loch base was established on 3rd March 1961 when
the submarine tender USS Proteus (AS-19) arrived and just five
days later the USS Patrick Henry (SSBN 599) berthed alongside
for the first refit. USS Proteus was built in 1942/43 and in
1959/60 lengthened & extensively modernised to support Polaris
equipped SSBNs, leaving a pair of 5” guns forard, recommissioning on 8th July 1960. When at Holy Loch USS
Proteus had just a single 5” gun forard and this was removed
during the 1970s. During the 1960s the USN operated four
USS Proteus (AS-19) at Holy Loch in 1961, USS
classes of Polaris SSBN: George Washington (of 5, completed
Patrick Henry alongside (USN)
1960-61), Ethan Allen (5, 1961-63), Lafayette (19, 1963-64) and
Benjamin Franklin (12, 1965-67). The last two classes were upgraded for the Poseidon missile (1971 - 77) and the 12
Benjamin Franklin’s to Trident (1979 - 81). No new
construction occurred until the Trident equipped Ohio
class of 1981 onwards.
During WW2 the US Navy built three types of large
Advanced Base Sectional Docks (ABSD, later redesignated AFDB), the third of which (ABSD 4 type)
comprised seven sections. In early 1961 four sections of
AFDB-7 were towed across the Atlantic to Holy Loch
where they were joined together by the Seabees of MCB4 as USS Los Alamos. Ready for use by 10th November
1961 she undertook her first docking – USS George
Washington (SSBN-598) - before the year was out.
In January 1963 USS Proteus was relieved by USS
Hunley (AS-31) the latter fitted at that time with
the huge 32½ ton ‘hammerhead’ crane. Digressing
briefly, USS Proteus appears again when SUBRON
16 with four SSBNs was established at Rota in
Spain in January 1964. USS Lafayette (SSBN-616)
was the first to refit and replenish at Rota. Later in
1964 USS Proteus moved on to Guam with AS
duties subsequently covered by various tenders as
shown in the table. Drydocking at Rota was
provided from June 1964 with the arrival of the
floating drydock USS Oak Ridge (Auxiliary Repair
Dock - Medium (ARDM) -1, ex ARD-19). She was
Mounford USS Hunley
one of many ARDs built during WW2 and was the
first of three taken out of reserve between 1962/68 and modernised for SSBN support. For ARDM-1 and ARDM-2 USS
Alamogordo (ex ARD-26) this involved an increase in length to 536ft and for ARDM-3 USS Endurance (ex ARD-18) to
513ft (source for all dimensions Polmar, 14th edition). By the end of 1979 SSBN operations at Rota had ceased
transferring to Kings Bay, Georgia.
AFDB-7 USS Los Alamos (USN)
Mountford USS Los Alamos and two George Washington class SSBNs
together with a modified Superior 1/1200 model of USS Proteus
recreate Site One circa 1962
USS Hunley and her sister-ship USS
Holland (AS-32) were completed in
1962/63 and were the first ASs designed
specifically for support of SSBNs
carrying Polaris. In August 1966 USS
Simon Lake (AS-33) took over at Holy
Loch and she in turn was relieved in May
1970 by her sister-ship USS Canopus
(AS-34), the latter having been upgraded
in 1969/70 to support Poseidon equipped
SSBNs.
The latter two ships were
completed in 1964/65 to support Polaris
missile SSBNs with USS Simon Lake receiving her Poseidon upgrade in 1970 /71 having returned home from Holy Loch.
At the same time both Hunley class were given a pair of new 30 ton cranes to the same design as those on the USS Simon
Lake.
Table 1 gives main details of the USN’s three classes of
SSBN tender; two more AS classes were built but for
support of SSNs: L.Y. Spear (AS-36 class of 2) and Emory
S. Land (AS-39, class of 3). For those closely following the
numbering sequence, ASs 35 and 38 were cancelled. All
SSBN tenders had been taken out of service by the end of
the 1990s, with USS Simon Lake in reserve for a few more
years. USS Proteus, having served as an accommodation
vessel from 1994 to 1999 was sold for scrap to Esco Marine,
USS Oak Ridge
Brownsville, Texas; this was not completed until 2008 so
she may well have been re-united with the remains of USS
Los Alamos.
Table 2 makes an attempt at identifying which SSBN classes
could have been at Holy Loch (and Rota) during the various
tenures.
Class
Fulton mod – USS Proteus
Hunley (& Holland)
Simon Lake (& Canopus)
Commissioned
1944 (1960)
1962 (& 1963)
1964 (& 1965)
Full Load
20,295 tons
19,819 tons
19,934 (& 21,089) tons
Dimensions
574 by 73 ft
599 by 83 ft
644 by 85 ft
Table 1 USN SSBN Tenders
USS Proteus by Mountford
Ship
Duty Period Servicing
USS Proteus
1961-63
George Washington & Ethan Allen classes
USS Hunley
1963-66
As above plus Lafayette class
USS Simon Lake 1966-70
All above plus Benjamin Franklin class
USS Holland
n/a
Lafayette & Benjamin Franklin classes
USS Canopus
n/a
as above
Lafayette & Benjamin Franklin classes upgraded to Poseidon missile 1971 to 1977
USS Canopus
1970-75
Lafayette and Benjamin Franklin classes (Poseidon)
Benjamin Franklin class upgraded to Trident missile 1979-81
USS Holland
1975-1982
Lafayette & Benjamin Franklin, except Trident equipped
USS Hunley
1982-1987
as above
USS Simon Lake 1987-1992
Trident equipped Benjamin Franklin class
Table 2 USN SSBN support at Holy Loch (& at Rota)
At Rota
1964
n/a
n/a
1964-66, 1969-70
1967-69
1976-79
1970-72
n/a
1972-76
USS Canopus (AS-34) (USN)
USS Holland (AS-32) original crane fit
In 1970 USS Canopus (AS-34) became duty tender supported as always by the floating drydock USS Los Alamos.
Between 1973 – 1975 the older Hunley class ASs (31 & 32) were modernised to support Poseidon and in November 1975
USS Canopus was relieved at Holy Loch by USS Holland (AS-32). At this time USS Holland was fitted with a large
structure aft known as the ‘T-shed’. In January 1982 USS Hunley (AS-31), returned for a 2nd tour and she too had the ‘Tshed’. Finally, in June 1987 USS Hunley was relieved by the USS Simon Lake (AS-33) (for her 2nd tour) and this ship
remained until the base was closed in March 1992. By 1985 she had certainly received her upgrade for the Trident missile
as carried by the modified Benjamin Franklin and Ohio classes although none of the latter ever visited Holy Loch.
Sometime after 1984, photographic evidence suggests that the drydock was fitted with new or modified cranes.
Various auxiliary craft were used at Site One including tugs USSs Piqua (YTB-793), Saugus (YTB-780) and Natick (YTB760). Limited accommodation and working space was provided by the barges YFNB-31 and YFNB-42 and always to hand
was the Floating Crane YD-245. The tender could have four submarines alongside with one in the drydock, the latter
always docked bow facing North (i.e. towards the
tender) because the keel blocks were set up that way
and left in place. Submarines in the dock would always
have their propellers hidden with a tarpaulin. RN boats
did come alongside but were difficult to berth because
of the bow planes – the only US SSBN with bow planes
was USS Daniel Webster (Lafayette class). When the
base closed AFDB-7 was disassembled and its four
sections returned to the US aboard the Mighty Servant.
Mountford USS Oak Ridge
In 1996 six sections of AFDB-7 were re-united at the
Keppel AmFELS Shipyard, Brownsville, Texas where,
configured in two rows of three with the inner walls removed, they form the Solomon Ortiz dock, servicing ships and oil
rigs (and can be seen on Google Earth).
Models of SSBN classes are in Table 3; of related interest is Trident Alpha model Ta 202 USS Oak Ridge although at a
scale 492ft the model represents an ARD as built. Fortunately we now have the new Mountford version. Two new
ARDMs were built namely ARDM-4 USS Shippingport (completed 1979) and ARDM-5 USS Arco (1986) but for support
of SSNs rather than SSBNs; these docks complete with a
full hulled Los Angeles class SSN are available from
Mountford (MM281) either as kit or assembled/painted.
Another full hulled SSN model is Argos-49VR USS
Connecticut (SSN22), a Seawolf class boat completed in
1998. For many years the only AS model was the old
Superior 1/1200 of the Fulton class circa 1944 although
modellers have been known to convert this to USS Proteus
as in 1961. Neptun later released USS Sperry (Fulton
class, as built). Again Mounford have now produced all
three tenders commencing with USS Hunley, meanwhile
Trident’s Ta 211 USS Palatka can reasonably double for
any of the Holy Loch tugs. Mountford also produce the
floating crane in ‘MM276K Barge cranes’.
An exciting 2012 release for USN submarine enthusiasts
is Mountford’s Bangor submarine base which is supplied
with 3 SSBNs. Also pictured isUSS Simon Lake.
Class (first commissioned)
George Washington (1960)
Ethan Allen (1960)
Lafayette (1963)
Ohio (1981)
1/1250 models (* signifies available)
Wiking, Delphin 4, Trident Alpha (Ta)188, Trident (T)166, Mountford* (full hull and
waterline)
HDS, T209, Mountford* (full hull and waterline)
Ta 174*, Star 159, HDS, Ta Z50 (full hull); Ts 144, 167 & 211, Mountford* (full hull
and waterline)
HDS, Ta 294, T 212, Argos 101*, Triang S890*, Mountford*
Table 3 USN SSBN models 1961 – 1992 era
Finally a special thanks to James D. Gray for the superb photographs of Site One from his time there in the 1980s.
USS Los Alamos with new cranes, USS Simon Lake in the background
USS Holland – new cranes (also fitted to USS Hunley)
Solomon Ortiz in 2007 (Michael Martin)
Pictures of Site One in 1984 (all courtesy James D. Gray)
Tugs USSs Piqua & Saugus, mini-sub NR-1 (red conning tower) and to her right the submarine rescue ship USS Sunbird
(ASR 15)
USS Hunley in the distance with boom extended
USS Hunley with two SSBNs alongside and a clear view of the ‘T-Shed’
USS Hunley disposing gash
A Brief History of the ‘Guide to Waterline Model ships’
The first issue of the guide was compiled in 1990 and was based on a series of eight articles published in Marine Modelling
magazine during 1989. In producing a booklet it was possible to include much additional detail and to provide listings for
certain manufacturers whose ranges were out of production and whose
models would therefore not be listed in dealers’ catalogues. Issue 1 then
contained listings for Eagle*, Ensign, Hornby Minic/Rovex*, Airfix*,
Casadio*, Triang*, Delphin, Hansa, Star and Wiking. Issue 2 (which
appeared in 1996) repeated those asterisked and added full lists for Len
Jordan Models, Pedestal, Fleetline and Nelson. With UK collectors in mind,
all British models produced by a further eighteen manufacturers were listed
in tables.
Issue 3 appeared in 1999, followed five years later by Issue 4 which was
available on CD only but added a digital photo library. Issue 5 in 2008/09
heralded the pdf download version with many new images. With all issues
most entries are reviewed and of course new manufacturers added.
Courtesy of Marine Modelling International (see www.traplet.com, then
'Online shop', then 'Marine Modelling', then 'Books') Issue 6 (2010) is the
first for many years to find its way into print. With new models constantly
appearing (and going out of production) it can only be a snapshot at the time
of writing so please refer to the monthly MMI-Waterlines column for all the
latest news and that extra level of detail re ships and models. Issue 6 was
last amended in January 2010.
The author continues to maintain the Guide with updated issues always in hand.