USS West Virginia Model Boat – GN

Description

About the USS West Virginia

The USS West Virginia was the third member, belonging to the Colorado class of dreadnought battleships. She was built at Newport News, Virginia in December 1923. Throughout the 1920s and 1930s she served in the U.S. Fleet, participating in routine training exercises aimed at preparing for combat, as part of the U.S. Navy.

The USS West Virginia was moored in Pearl Harbour in 1940 and was there on 7 December 1941, when Japan initiated an attack. This surprise military strike marked the beginning of the U.S. involvement in World War II. During this raid, the USS West Virginia received a blow to her side, as she was targetted by two bombs and at least seven torpedoes. Badly damaged, the ship sank to the harbour bottom and 100 lives were lost. Fortunately, the water was shallow and the USS Virginia was retrieved and repaired. She sailed to the Puget Sound Navy Yard in 1943, to receive final repairs and additional renovation.

In July 1944, the USS West Virginia re-emerged, with extensive renovations. She was fitted with a wider hull and a more advanced anti-aircraft gun battery. She was transferred to the Philippines, where she led the American fleet in the Battle of Surigao Strait. During this battle, Japanese battleships attempted a night attack. She was able to use her radar to target Japanese vessels in the darkness, which marked the final action between battleships in World history.

Later on, the USS Virginia took part in the battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. She also participated in Operation Magic Carpet, transporting troops back home after the end of the Pacific War. She retired from service in 1947 and was sold for scrapping in 1959, after a long and eventful career as part of the Pacific Reserve Fleet.

Making the USS West Virginia Ship Model

The construction process begins with extensive research and planning, to ensure that the ship model is replicated as accurately as possible. The ship model is then scratch-built by master craftsmen, using her original plan and photographs.

The making of this model requires hundreds of hours of work before completion and undergoes a stringent quality control process before leaving the workshop. The team of master craftsmen make use of their skills and expertise to build the hulls and bridges exclusively out of hand picked hardwoods, in order to create the structure of the ship model. The plank-on-frame technique is then employed to follow the unique curve of each ships hull. In order to create a smooth finish, the model ship is sanded and varnished, before the painting begins. An undercoat layer is added, to create a smooth and even surface. The paint is then selected and matched to the colour of the original ship. The details on this ship have been replicated using polished brass and metal finishes. Each of these processes are executed in sync with the customer’s customisation requirement or matched perfectly with the ship’s original layout. The ship model is then packaged carefully, to ensure that ensure for a smooth and safe transit to our clients.

This USS West Virginia model ship is mounted on a solid wooden base with brass name plate, and would make a stunning addition to any space.

This model is ready for display and not a kit.

About the Manufacturer

At Premier Ship Models, we are committed to building quality partnerships. With more than twenty years of experience, our manufacturers are specialised in the production of luxury hand-crafted model boat and ships. What originally began as an artisanal family workshop, now produces an extensive range of highly sought-after collectibles; Including classic speedboat models, historic tall-ship models, cruise ship models, moderns yacht models and battleship models. These ship models are carefully hand crafted and made from the highest quality hardwoods, sourced from local exotic wood resources.