Hornet to Enterprise

constructor wrote:

Since there is no available 1/350 kit of the USS Enterprise, can I use the Hornet to build one? Will there be a big difference between the two?

The differences include the shape of the bridge-face on the island, the shape of the flight deck, and some minor differences in the armament layout.

Nautilus Models makes a resin conversion set to make either a Yorktown or Enterprise out of a Hornet.  Nautilus also has laser-engraved wooden decks for all three.   Aftermarket weapons are generally available.   Pair them with the excellent photo-etch sets from either Gold Medal Models or White Ensign.

Be aware though, the hull shape on the Trumpeter Hornet is wrong.   It is too bluff and tanker-like.  It should be more sleek.  The correction is doable but requires major surgery.

Constructor,

I just finished doing something like you are planning in 1/700 scale. I posted lots of photos of progress shots, etc., on this forum.

If you use the conversion islands Ed mentioned, you'll be doing an "early" Enterprise. The project will be a good one, but there's confusion with some documentation regarding weapons, island upgrades, etc. It will help to select a specific time period of the ship and really focus your references on that specific look.

All WW2 carriers changed as the war progressed. Enterprise, being there for almost the whole thing, had more changes than most. It's easy to get the "correct" radar with the "wrong" guns.

Again, as Ed mentioned, everything is available as photo etch, etc.

Have fun.

Mike

Check out several Hornet to Enterprise conversions on modelwarships.com

 

it can help you get it up and running