Note: You must be registered in order to post a reply. To register, click here. Registration is FREE!
T O P I C R E V I E W
Michael D. Smith
Posted - 03/12/2006 : 15:08:10 As soon as I make a few preparations I am going to start a column and make use of the heretofore unused Guidon. This will consist of Kit reviews, News, timely topics, and general ramblings that I hope you will find interesting and maybe amusing. This will leave the Backroom chat room for it's intented purpose. This is a way that we have to communicate with each other and it is alot of fun, just like when we gather at a meeting. In the mean time I would like to pass on my thoughts on "New" items using this form. Keokuk ? What the heck is a Keokuk ? I'm not sure but probably something like a buckeye. The USS Keokuk was another of the Union Navy's attempts to gain technical superiority over a resourceful enemey. Starting the war with numerical advandage, the U.S. Navy had a rude surprise with the introduction of the Confederate Ironclads. Having only wooden vessels at hand, the Yanks scrambled to bridge the gap. Having the huge industrial might of the North at their behest, they were able to try a number of different designs. The Keokuk was one of these. It's predecesor, the Monitor, had prove that the revolving turret was a sound idea. I guess the designer of the Keokuk figured that two was better than one, and thus doubled the fire power. There were several other Twin-turreted types inservice during the war. I'm not sure of the exact service of the Keokuk other than several engagements on the Mississippi River system. Anyway let's talk about the Kit. This is a new item to me and I was not aware of this series until Mike Davidson told me about them. There are both North and South ships available including the Monitor, and the Virginia of course. The Keokuk and all the rest are of a waterline nature which makes for an easy built and paint job. Molded in a gray resin there are but a few pieces. Hull, turrets, and lifeboats, and davits. This means less parts to lose. Being in 1/200 scale they don't take up much room but yet they are big enough to have nice details. You are free to devise your own method of display. But I would stay away from any kind of blue or green deep ocean effects as these fellas were pretty much river bound or at least calm water restricted. The Keokuk did feature a curved edge deck to aleviate floundering and deck wash problems. This won't be a very flashy paint job as it will be natural iron color but you could get happy with shading and weathering. But don't get carried away with to much rust, you landlubbers, after all this is a U.S. Navy ship ! The white life boats will add a bit of contrast and the paper flags are pretty well done. To be honest the price tag is a bit steep, but what isn't now a days. But I really like this little guy and it will be a fun and a easy project. It will be a refreshing change of pace from the usual treads, flaps and uniforms. I bet you will spend more time on the display base than you will building the model. This should be a must for Civil War buffs and ship builders and any one else looking for something unique to put on the shelf.
