RAISE THE FLAGG PHOTO GALLERY
Build #9: Your Name Here!
Coming to JoeFest 2026 in Augusta, Georgia (June 26-28, 2026)
This build brings together everything I’ve learned and developed across eight previous USS Flagg builds—refined, expanded, and re-engineered into one custom base. Several of these updates were significant enough to drive a full rewrite of the book and an entirely new set of blueprints. It features all of the latest structural improvements alongside fully realized diorama environments, including: a redesigned Galley and Mess Hall, a fully finished Ready Room, and the long-awaited Brig. These additions build on the features established in Build #8, including enhanced Living Quarters, detailed medical furniture, and updated end caps and support beams.
My three favorite things about this build:
1. Construction Details: This build includes my favorite construction details—multi-layer platforms, integrated access panel, power bank system, the shape and features of the ship's forward, and matching truss systems for the lower decks.
2. New Diorama Environments: The new environments include a dry-goods storeroom, fuel storage, Damage Control station, and the fully developed Brig. These are in addition to the updates already made to the existing spaces.
3. New Diorama Detail: Security camera system in the Brig, convection ovens, and updated racks (bunks) that reflect real naval features of an aircraft carrier.
PHOTOS AND VIDEO COMING SOON!
My three favorite things about this build:
1. Construction Details: This build includes my favorite construction details—multi-layer platforms, integrated access panel, power bank system, the shape and features of the ship's forward, and matching truss systems for the lower decks.
2. New Diorama Environments: The new environments include a dry-goods storeroom, fuel storage, Damage Control station, and the fully developed Brig. These are in addition to the updates already made to the existing spaces.
3. New Diorama Detail: Security camera system in the Brig, convection ovens, and updated racks (bunks) that reflect real naval features of an aircraft carrier.
PHOTOS AND VIDEO COMING SOON!
Build #8: Brandon Brown (Tennessee)
This build features several "firsts." The support beams all have the "wrap-around" that gives a smooth edge to the 1x6 boards. All of the "end caps" are actual caps that slide onto the ends of the 1x2 and 1x4 boards. While I have done access ladders into the bow of the Flagg before, this is the first to feature the mesh grid platform at the top of the ladder. My three favorite things about this build (1) The Living Quarters features 12 racks complete with mattresses and hand-made pillows (see video below). A special shout-out to my wife, Cheryl, who hand-made the pillows with the classic blue ticking stripes. (2) The cabinets, sink, and desk in the medical bay - another first. (3) The updated end caps and support beams. Since this was a single layer build, I was able to load it up in the SUV instead of the cargo trailer and make the delivery to Knoxville.
Build #7: (Florida)
Featured at JoeFest 2025 in Augusta, Georgia
Build #7 was all about refining the construction of lower decks. Unlike other builds, this one was simply the framework without all the "bells and whistles."
Build #6: Sergio Campos (Florida)
Featured at JoeFest 2024 in Augusta, Georgia
This build was more than just raising the Flagg. It was about creating a large showcase piece for both figures and vehicles with the Flagg featured as the crown jewel. There are four levels below the Flagg with a mix of dedicated rooms as well as open spaces to display vehicles and figures. My three favorite things about this build: (1) The clean and uniform look of the multiple layers. (2) The added Galley and Mess Hall. The Galley features fryers, grills, ovens, refrigerator, stainless steel tables, baker's rack, and more. The Mess Hall features two buffet lines, an ice box, fountain drink station, coffee station, and more. (3) Notice the trussing in the Mess Hall photos. These are 3D printed trusses for the lower decks that match the design and shape of the support trusses on the Flagg. This is part of what gives the entire piece a uniform look from top to bottom.
Build #5: Corey Hilmas (Ohio)
This build has all of my favorite features. Three of those features include: (1) The pinstripes. Keeping with the red, white, and blue color scheme, this build has a wider red stripe that is centered on the white pinstripe. Since I knew this was going to Ohio, I was inspired by the collegiate "O" logo design from The Ohio State University. The "O" has a wide red with thinner white lines that outline the red. (2) The bow lip. You can see in these photos a lip along the top edge of the bow. This allows the Flagg's bow hull piece to rest firmly and straight on the platform. (3) This is the first time I added a hinged door to the exterior wall that is directly under the Superstructure. The hinged door is inspired by the design of the two doors on the USS Flagg's Superstructure. While the features are similar, they are unique in both design and function. The hinge and door are 3D printed as a single piece with moving parts (i.e. PIP Hinge). This means the door is not removable from the frame and gives it greater stability.
Build #4: Eric Mens (Virginia)
This Cobra-themed build inspired creativity! I didn't want to use the "99" or "USS Flagg" on any of the fixtures. Instead, I immediately began to consider how the Cobra logo and cobra images could be incorporated into the design. Three of my favorite features of Build #4: (1) Eric double stacked the coffee table for twice the space below the custom base. (2) The cobra heads that are part of the support beams. (3) The red and black pinstripes with the red pinstripe turning into a cobra head at the bow of the carrier. The edge banding was also black which matched the pinstripes quite well.
Build #3: Steven Smyth (Alabama)
Three of my favorite features of Build #3. (1) This was my first build with edge banding. The photos in Build #5 show how much edge banding improves the finished look. If you've seen it in person, then you know the edge banding is a game-changer in creating a very professional and finished look. (2) This was the first appearance of the bollard safety posts. In this case, they are used as bolt caps for the casters attached to the bottom. (3) The increased margin around the stern platform and the tapered design of the bow platform.
Build #2: Mathew Krogen (North Dakota)
It's hard to limit my favorite features of Build #2. (1) The "99" Support Beams. This was the first build with the end caps that feature the "99" and the "USS Flagg" moniker. (2) This is also the first build that I added pinstripes. The red, white, and blue colors are my favorite. (3) Finally, the additional ladders on the exterior and bow of the carrier. These features have become standard with every build I have done since. I even went back to Build #1 and added these features.
Build #1: Brian Dawson (North Carolina)
Featured at JoeFest 2023 in Augusta, Georgia
Featured at JoeLanta 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia
This was my first custom base and was retro-fitted with a new access panel, "99" Support Beams, end caps, and vinyl pinstripes. This was purchased by Brian Dawson. Three of my favorite things about this build: (1) The removable restroom at the back of the carrier. (2) The hinged door to access underneath the Superstructure. (3) The curved contour of the bow.
CUSTOM BASE DIY PROJECTS
Custom Made by Greg Basso
"Gotta say it again.. your book makes it much more fun and gives great ideas. Changing a few things, but so much is spot on, it is hard to deviate. :-)" -Greg Basso
Custom Made by Joe Britt
"Thanks for writing the instruction book!" -Joe Britt
