Completed....The ship that wouldn't sink. USS Franklin. March 19th 1945 + 1 day

[spanner570]

Whilst steaming within 50 miles of the Japanese mainland the carrier USS Franklin was attacked by a lone and undetected Japanese bomber. She was hit aft by two 500lb AP bombs. At the time of the attack all her aircraft on the flight and hanger decks were armed and ready to take off on a raid. The resulting explosions and fires killed and injured around a 1000 men and destroyed 56 aircraft.

Refusing to abandon the ship, the crew fought the fires for two days....and succeeded. She eventually made it back to a safe port for repairs.
During the firefighting the phrase "If a ship won't sink, it can't be sunk!" became the 'Rally cry' for the crew as they fought to save the ship.

I recommend further reading of the incident.

I used a Revell 1/720 kit for this. A very old and not much detailed version, but I didn't want to waste money on a better kit only to trash it!

As per title, I've tried to model the ship a day after the attack when the crew are getting the fires under control. I didn't want all of the stern hidden in the dense smoke at the time of the start of the conflagration.......

I hope you approve of this finished offering.













































Cheers all and thanks for looking in.

Ron

 

[JayCee]

Excellent, Ron. Are you sure they are not stills from a film?
John.

 

[JayCee]

The last photo answers my question.
John.

 

[The Smythe Meister]

Excellent,so realistic,top stuff Ron .

 

[Jim R]

That's a very effective model of a tragic and yet heroic event. Well done Ron.

 

[stillp]

Brilliant model Ron.
Pete

 

[adt70hk]

That's brilliant Ron. Very evocative!!

ATB.

Andrew

 

[papa 695]

Fantastic work Ron.

 

[Mickc1440]

Another masterpiece Ron

 

[spanner570]

Chaps, thank you for all your nice, positive comments on my bash at the Franklin's 'suffering'

Although I've read about it, I find it impossible to imagine the carnage aboard. Particularly in the confines of the enclosed hanger deck......

Thanks again boys.

Ron

 

[peterairfix]

Another masterpiece Ron

Beat me to it

 

[Gern]

I ran out of superlatives for your work many years ago Ron. Suffice to say this is as good as anything I've seen - and better than most!

 

[spanner570]

Thanks Peter.

...and thanks to you too 'Big Box' for your most generous comments.

Cheers.
Ron

 

[eddiesolo]

Oh yes, your royal Ronness. A outstanding diorama, again the B&W pictures just enhance the atmosphere of the piece.

Not sure of the great big paw though

 

[David Lovell]

I think its all been said apart from the use of swear words ,as their the only ones that spring to mind I'll use my limited knowledge of sign language and give a whopping thumbs up. Dave

 

[spanner570]

Si and Dave. Thanks for the great comments on my model.

I'm well happy you approve.

Ron

 

[Tworrs]

Wow Ron just wow, an outstanding depiction of a tragic event.
Well done Sir.

 

[Valeron]

Amazing Ron. Great work. It's so effective and realistic.

 

[spanner570]

Garry and Mike, thank you ever so much for your most generous comments on my model.

Cheers.
Ron

 

[Ian M]

I hope you approve of this finished offering.

How could I do anything but approve!
Dude I almost missed this! Glad I saw it befor it got lost in all the other posts!
A most excellent result Ron.