USS Saratoga CV-60

That is an excellent job so far! I can't wait to see the finished model!

Bill

One thing I forgot to mention . . . you will need to add bilge keels to the Revell kit.

 Bill

USN,

Remember, stay away from the Italeri Forrestal class carriers.  They are grossly inaccurate!  Their kits of the USS America and the Nimitz class ships are good, but their Forrestals are poor.  For example, the deep trenches meant to replicate the catapults are incorrectly placed and the Number three catapult extends onto the elevator. There is a bulge on  the starboard side of the island that the real ships do not have.  So much scratch building is required that you may as well scratchbuild the entire kit.

As far as cost is concerned, once you get the necessary tools and equipment, the cost should go down.  You really don't need much more than knives and blades, tweezers, paints, rubber bands, and cement.  Airbrushing is better than spray or brush painting but you can get by without it.  Sprue cutters, optivisors, etc. are also nice but not necessary.  Remember, have fun and build for yourself!

Bill

Thanks,

 Just wanted to say thanks for all the help and i decided to work on a practice one as mentioned.  I started working on USS Nimitiz 1:720 ITALERI.  It was the first ship i served on so i figured i would practice with her.  I did the research on alot of the materials needed and have spent a pretty penny getting it all.  The funny part was i decided to start modeling to save money and not have to leave all the time and find things to do, that didn't work lol.  I bought a Dremel and some different paints and i am in the process of purchasing an airbrush and compressor.  I will be saving that list of MODs on the Sara for when i am ready for her.  Thanks again for all the help.

Gold Medal Models makes a 1/542 scale PE set for the Revell Essex/Midway/Forrestal class carriers.  It is set #540-6 and sells for $48.00.

Bill Morrison

So USN,  Bill has outlined what needs to happen if you want to 'do it right'.   Print it out and file it away in the box so you can refer to it later.

Go back and re-read Monty's (MFSOB) post and his recommendation to start with a practice kit.   You'll go a long way farther in learning some techniques without the pressure of making it perfect.

Welcome aboard

Welcome!

Please allow me to outline the changes you will have to make. 

1.  The kit does include the radars for the Sea Sparrow launchers on the port quarter but not the  ones on the island for the starboard launcher.  You will need to scratchbuild them, pirate them from another kit, or use PE.

2.  Change the shapes of the JBD's (Jet Blast Deflectors) by scribing them onto the deck or by scratchbuilding them from plastic card.  Check photos for the correct shapes.

3.  The fantail needs detailing, especially around the engine test stand.  Check photos.

4.  The approach lights are missing.

5.  The azimuth dome for the SPN-41 radar is missing. Check photos.

6.  The flight deck extension aft of the Number Two Elevator is missing and needs to be scratchbuilt. Check photos.

7.  The forward boat deck on the port side is missing.

8.  The kit flight deck has six arresting cables and two barricades. I believe the Saratoga actually has four cables and one barricade.

9.  Do not use the lights provided as separate  pieces at each corner of the flight deck.

10.  Update the auxiliary conning station on the island.

11.  Remove the bumps around the elevators.

12.  Add an elevation dome for the SPN-41 radar, a fresnel lens, and the LSO's platform.

13. Replace the antennae from around the flight deck with thinner ones.

14.  Scratchbuild supporting structures under the elevators.

I think I got all of the necessary changes that need to be made to the new version of the Revell 1/542 USS Saratoga.  Or, you could go for the Arii 1/800 kit, which is much better.  Stay away from the Italeri/Revell/Testors Forrestal class ships; they are horrible.

Bill Morrison

Well ... first off, welcome back to the hobby!  

Second - and I am trying to be gentle here - reduce your expectations. Modeling has come a longggggggg way since we were kids, with new paints, new glues, new techniques, photoetch, resin casting, aftermarket parts, etc., etc. Trying to make your very first effort look as good as some of the efforts on here is going to frustrate you immensely and repeatedly, because modeling is an ongoing learning experience. I look at the first ship I built when I got back into the hobby about 5 years ago - and laugh to/at myself. It helps keep me humble.

I have built 1 - one - aircraft carrier. That was for a friend who's future son-in-law was on it. I don't want to do another one anytime soon because they are large projects that can be quite daunting. I would suggest, before you dive into the Saratoga, that you buy a couple of cheap kits to practice on first. Get familiar with the new glues, cyanoacrylates (Superglue), resin parts, photo etch, paints, etc. See what's out there aftermarket wise. Don't be afraid to ask specific questions. Grow your skills a little first. Then tackle that bad boy.

I also just purchased the 1/542.  This is my first model since i was a kid and i have been doing alot of research to try to get it looking perfect.  While serveing on two CVN's and not conventional i need to do alot of research.  I plan on adding the PE and putting some time in it.  The PE that they have is for three different carriers where the scale is 1/540 do you think that would make a big difference.  Also how do you get the flight deck to look more like non-skid instead of flat.  Sorry for all the questions but i need all the help i can get.  Thank You