When I first joined this forum in 2006, I asked for references on the Forrestal. I had bought an Airfix 1:600 scaled model of the Post-war carrier. SteelNavy.com helped with limited photos (most were B/W and distant shots). I was hoping to add rigging to my model in the near future but unless I can find better pics... I don't know.
Anyways here's a few shots of the carrier of many accomplishments (first jet fighter carrier, largest naval loss since WWII, largest ship to sail the Mississippi River, first carrier to have a C130 land and take off on its deck, et al...).
I cut off the hard plastic rails and replaced them with scale photo etched ones. I also replaced the radio towers(?) and the recovery crane on the starboard aft gun decking with photo-etching meant for radars on other kits. It took a lot of looking through the different etchings, but thanks to Brandon at our local hobby shop, I found some that were dang close.
I even scratchbuilt the Conn masts to look more like the real thing. I also scratchbuilt the deck for the the starboard aft (minus the turrets) as it was missing from the box.
I am currently painting the figures and planes for placement on the deck. I decided to use 1:700 scale for these. I was not happy with the toyish look of the model's planes package. I am using a mixture from Trumpeter and Pit Road. They are more realistic looking and appear to be close in size despite the smaller scale. (If you are wondering, I couldn't find planes or figures in 1:600). Anyway I hope to post more pics as I progress in the future.
Sorry for the blurred photos. My hobby (and passion) is finescale modeling, not photography.