Nimitz running lights

Just which lights are you referring to? The navigational lights or the flight deck lights? I can go down the pier to look at the G. Washington later on today and check on them for you if you want, they should be in about the same place.

That would be a real help! I am referring to the red (port) and green (starboard) navigational running lights. I at first thought they were mounted on the island mast but a close look at the parts indicates that all of the parts to be mounted on the yardarm are each slightly different, so the running lights must be mounted somewhere else on the island.

Also, the port light on the yardarm is split into two separate elements, which I am guessing are two separate colors. If you can spot those colors too, it would be helpful.

One final request, if you are making a visit. The Trumpeter Nimitz kit has the ensign mounted on the stern. Naval vessels (unlike yachts) fly the ensign from the stern only in port - one of the first commands issued when getting underway is "Shift the colors". Since the GW is in port, that's probably where the ensign is, but there should be a spar somewhere above the island - probably angled off at about 45 degees - for displaying the ensign underway. Could you see if you could spot its location?

Thanks! Although the Trumpeter kit is sadly lacking in narrative detail, the kit itself is great and I am really enjoying the build.

Sorry about taking so long to get back to you on this, I was called away to the submarine piers so I couldn't get over to to carriers. I will try again today. Thanks for being so patient.

OK, I have just returned from my little field trip. I checked both the G. Washington and the Teddy Roosevelt. Their port and starboard running lights are mounted on the catwalk that runs around the navigation bridge at each corner. They project out past the actual catwalk about a foot.
The ensign is hoisted to one of the after trucks when under way. On the G.W., it looks as if it is running from the starboard flag hoist on the signal bridge. On the T.R., there is a different configuration. On both vessels, the angle that the ensigns' are flown at seems to be about 5-10 degrees at the most.
By the way, while in port, the ensign is flown from a temporary staff mounted on the flight deck, not the fantail. That goes for the jack staff, as well.
Check reference photos to be sure, the Nimitz might have her own idiosyncrocies.

Thanks 10**6, Lee. Just a small detail, but I am trying to be as complete as possible.

I really wish Trumpeter had made a list naming all the bits and pieces, particularly the island detail. This would really help in understanding the role of the gear. That aside, I really like the kit and it is turning into a spectacular model. Mystic Seaport (I keep my own boat in Mystic) has a beautiful model of the RR (scale about 1:100) which I am using as a reference guide.

All the photos I can find of Nimitiz concentrate on operations and the Air Group. This makes for great pics but doesn't aid much in modeling. I hope the History or Discovery Channel reruns City of Steel sometime soon.

I got back into modeling by a desire to build New Jersey - I served on her in the '50s. That planted the bug and I have since built Hornet (CV-8) and now Nimitz. Next winter I am going to build Titanic, then maybe Yorktown, which my grandfather commanded at the time of her sinking, and Midway, which my father commanded, if I can find a good 1/350 kit of the latter.

Thanks again. I hope you and yours have a joyous Christmas.

You are more than welcome. This is probably the only area that I can really contribute in a real way to this forum. I see a lot of ships here. And right now the fleet is in for the holidays. Just about every ship in the Atlantic fleet is tied up outside.
I served on the Ranger, Lexington and Theodore E. Chandeler (DD 717). in my four years of active duty. But, since my career at the Norfolk Navy Yard began, I guess I must have worked on hundreds of Naval vessels and have never gotten tired of them.
And may you and yours also have a happy holiday season!
ps. I am sent to the New London Sub Base on occasion and stay in Mystic while there. It is a beautiful little place. You are fortunate to able to berth your boat there.