Reviews : HobbyBoss USS Arizona BB-39

This kit has been released by Trumpeter, Banner, MiniHobby and now HobbyBoss. The hull is split into upper and lower halves which makes building a waterline model easier. The tripods for the fighting tops don't fit very well and I replaced them with brass tube and where they passed through the lower superstructure had to be adjusted to fit right. The forward and main fighting tops lack detail so I used Gold Medal Models photoetched detail set for this kit to upgrade the surfaces of both units and the lattice work yard arms on the forward top are included in the set and they replace the incorrect solid ones in the kit. The bilge keels should be lower down than molded on the kit. I replaced the main turrets and guns with 3-D printed items from Model Monkey since these are more accurate than the kit pieces and cost less than resin or metal parts. If I build another one of these I will no doubt use Model Monkeys' superstructure sets to avoid dealing with the fit issues with the kit parts. I built the Tom's Modelworks resin kit of the Arizona some years ago and even though it was well made and accurate it was a long, tedious and complex build. So even with all the fit issues of this one and aftermarket parts used it took a fraction of the time and it is a respectable replica of the the ship that symbolizes and embodies 'A day that will live in infamy'.

Overall, this is a fun kit to build. I had very little flash on the parts and found that both paint and glue adhered well to the plastic. The kit has a mixed amount of detail built into it - somethings you might like more details on and on other sub-assenblies there is maybe too much detail. Parts fit and engineering was good - with 2 exceptions...on both of the observation towers two of the tripod legs are miscut, so you'll have to wallow out the attachment holes in the towers in order to attach the legs properly. And when it comes to assembling these towers, I highly advise the use of cyanoacrylic glue to ease assembly - working with just model cement will be an exercise in futility I believe. Overall, I'm glad I bought this kit and enjoyed the build.

I decided to build this one as the USS Pennsylvania using the pre WW2 paint scheme, making sure the turret tops also indicated which battleship division it was part of. Made it into a waterline ship so could make it into a diorama by not fitting the bottom hull to the ship. Also the price was right for this size model. Did have some problems with fitting the tripod legs to both the foremast and main mast though as the holes were not quite right and had to do some jury rigging. Painted the upper works from funnel top in a light gray instead of white as there is some question as the painted top at Pearl Harbor.

I have put together Tamya 1/350 scale USS New Jersey and USS Missouri. In putting together this model I have encountered several flaws in which peaces dont totally fit together like they should which causes gaps you have to try and cover up. There are holes missing in which I had to drill my own. I think this model could have been better made based on the scale and compairing it to tomya. Instruction could also be more clarifying as well. I wouldnt recommend buying this USS Arizona from this company do to so many flaws.

Fun build with some challenges. The two towers on the ship are a definite challenge due to the alignment of the pre drilled holes. The holes are off and thus provide some work to get the towers lined up correctly. The ships deck is also an issue with the seams showing when the deck pieces are joined. Luckily I purchased a wood deck for the kit and thus eliminated the issue.

I bought this model back in May. It is a nicely detailed set but a lot of flashing issues and seams needed work. I have been using the eduard upgrade kit on the Arizona which is making it even more detailed. I have bought a lot of models and this is by far the most detailed I have purchased.

Having a model cheap and big is good, but this model has something that makes it look really good. Decently big, parts look good, not flashing, and already painted hull.