Step 5: Final Assembly Details

Position the Mark-48 turrets on top of the deckhouse as shown in this photograph.

When positioning the M49 turret on the bow ensure it is far forward as possible as shown here. I will explain why in a few photos below...

Add the M49 gun stops here. These are to limit the traverse of the gun so it would not shoot into the deckhouse.

A view of the boat with all gun turrets in position.

Here is a good shot of the starboard side of the deckhosue and positioning of the three vents.

Please notice the space between the M49 turret and deckhouse. If you do not move the M49 turret as far forward as possible, and slide the deckhouse back until it is touching the engine access hatch on the rear deck, the turret has no room to traverse.

A shot of the completed boat. On a final note for historical accuracy. Masterpiece Models has incorrectly named this boat as an "M49 or MK-49 Monitor". Please note that these boats were never referred to as "M49's". That nomenclature only describes the Howitzer turret. These boats were either simply called "Monitor's" or "Heavies".

If you follow this tutorial and the kit supplied instructions you should have no problems obtaining these same results. If you have a question you can always send me a message from my contact page. If you want more details on the Program 5 Monitors you can order my book Vietnam Ironclads at CreateSpace. Happy Modeling!