1/350 Essex Carriers

There is also the Trumpeter USS Hancock (CV 19) in 1/350. She differs from the others by being the "long hull" variant.

Bill

I have built the Essex and Franklin. Franklin has many added quad 40 mm units/sponsons. Both kits are very good; adding photo etch (Gold Metal Models is best) makes them excellent. Make sure you microsol the decals carefully into the flight deck. Good luck.

Chris Carl

Thanks Chris, Franklin it is!

Jack

I found the Franklin to be a good model in all areas .

If you plan to do the Franklin as built, you'll be challenged by the dazzle camo scheme.

If you want to show the ship near the time of her May '45 damage, the ship will need to be in the overall navy blue measure 21 scheme.  I've seen too many models or dioramas of the ship in the dazzle scheme while representing the ship's damage, list, etc.

The Essex-class is a fun class to research and model.  The constant changing of the radar antenna with all the advances in radar during that time,  rendering each ship refit resulting in changes to the islands lots of fun to pin down.  At least, I've enjoyed it.

Have fun with your Franklin.

Mike,

I've almost finished my USS San Francisco CA-38 in dazzle so I'm game for that on the Franklin if it comes to that. I'll wait to see the kit before I decide.

Thanks,

John

John,

OK on the dazzle.  The Franklin's pattern had a couple of interesting features you should find challenging.

Enjoy!