Trumpeter USS Hornet?

supposedly is not shaped properly in the bow & under the waterline as tho it looks like a tanker hull.

I don't know how the rivet counters feel about the kit, but I've seen several builds online, that expressed enthusiasm for the kit.  If I may recommend, look over at Modeling Madness, I'm sure there are kit reviews and a build report over there.

I do seem to recall that it was noted that Trumpeter got the shape of the flight deck forward correct, and the front of the island.  Though she was a Yorktown--though originally approved as the first of the Essex program, but the plans weren't ready--she differed from her sisters in the shape of the flight deck at the bow, and in the platforms on the flight deck in front of the island, and at the front of the island itself, if I remember correctly.

Hope that helps, best regards,

Brad

don't remember any big fit issues,the flight deck is in three pieces so that requires some attention.

Thanks for the info guys!

Mike

I've acquired the Tamiya kit in 1/700, along with 2 copies of their Enterprise.  I prefer 1/700, due to lack of space    I also have Trumpeter's Saratoga in 1/700, and it's a very nice kit, right out of the box, so, if Trumpeter is consistent in the quality of their ship kits, I think you'll enjoy it.  I hope we see some pics soon!

Best regards,

Brad

the Baron

I've acquired the Tamiya kit in 1/700, along with 2 copies of their Enterprise.  I prefer 1/700, due to lack of space    I also have Trumpeter's Saratoga in 1/700, and it's a very nice kit, right out of the box, so, if Trumpeter is consistent in the quality of their ship kits, I think you'll enjoy it.  I hope we see some pics soon!

Best regards,

Brad

The Trumpeter 1:350 scale Hornet is among the first of their kits,  probably 8 to 10 years old.  The problems with the shape of the hull are mentioned above and are due to the shape of the hull of the resin model which they "borrowed from " to make their molds.    

Trumpeter has a production and marketing agreement with PitRoad Models of Japan for most of their 1:700 scale items   PitRoad develops the kits and has the first sales and marketing options in the Orient under their label.    Trumpeter manufactures the kits and has first marketing options in the West.    PitRoad has also taken some of Trumpeter's 1:350 items and has sold them under their label in the Orient.

All in all,  Trumpeter's model development and production skills have improved in the last decade,  but also has been inconsistent in design & quallity.   Take for example their USS England destroyer escort and their USS The Sullians destroyer.    They were released at approximately the same time.  The England is a top-notch kit while the Sullivans is decidedly mediocre.   Their "A" team was on the former while their "B" handled the latter.  

Comparing a more recent 1:700 scale co-developed subject with a older 1:350 scale prirated subject is comparing apples & oranges

I will have to take a look at their 1/700 kit.

Thanks again everyone for your input!