Trumpeter Carriers

I’ve never built any kit put out by Trumpeter. Can someone tell me if the quality of the Trumpeter carrier kits is good ? Keep in mind that I have been spoiled by Tamiya. [;)] I want to build the Yorktown. I understand that they come as split hulls, allowing for either a full hull or waterline version. Is this true ? If so, I intend on doing a waterline version in a water diorama water created with Liquidex Gel Medium. Also, is there a cooresponding photoetch kit available ? Thanks, guys. [:D]

In my view the Trumpet model carriers in 1:500 scale are not as well researched in detail and there are alot of mistakes on the model I am presently building one and all I can say is be prepared to do a lot of corrections.
(could have been alot better)!!!

I believe that Trumpter are coming out with a 1:350 scale model of the USS Nimitz class carrier in the near future.

Thanks for the reply, Beau.

How about the new 1/350 scale Carrier kits by Trumpeter ? There are 3 of them, I believe. Have you or anyone else tried one of these ? Sorry, I should have been more specific in the scale I was interested in.

Hey Oz

I don’t know about the 1/500 scale carries. But the 1/350 scales are great and well worth the money they cost. I have the Hornet and Essex. Some Features are 433 parts on 17 sprues; plus lower hull, waterline plate, decks, flight deck and display stand. Finished kit is 28" long, 4" wide. Includes various deck aircraft including B-25 Mitchells. It has Markings for Tokyo Raid & Battle of Midway. The aircraft that come with the kits are small kits in them self and there is a load of after market stuff available. I understand Trumpeter is coming out with a 1/350 scale USS Lexington CV2 and USS Saratoga CV3 some time next year.

You can read in-depth kit reviews of both Trumpeter 1/350 carriers at www.modelwarships.com & all of the related photoetched parts from 3 diff. companies.

Regards,

Jeff

Bad and Jeff,

Thanks for the great input. [:D]

Sounds good. I’m going to go for it. I’m interested in the Yorktown. Squadron.com is taking pre-orders for her now. However, if the Lexington is going to be available next year, that’s a possibility too. I’m going to do a waterline version in liquidex gel medium. I did a 1/700 Scharnhorst like that, and it turned out nice. I can’t wait to see what 28 inches of Yorktown (and/or Lexington) will look like.

Good luck on the Hornet and Essex.

I have the 1:350 Hornet and only the shape of the bow isn’t very precise, but the kit worth the money it cost. Its a must have. Just beautifull.

I just saw the p/e kit for the B-25s at my local shop. It may be taking this hobby a bit too far. I thought it was amazing enough when I saw the detail on the a/c for this series of carriers but making p/e parts for them is incredible. I haven’t built a ship in a couple years though I have a few on the shelf, but these are very tempting.

Not sure what set you saw for the B-25s, but White Ensign does a PE cockpit set for the B-25s and naval aircraft…yup, a PE cockpit set for 1/350 aircraft. Instrument panels, floorboards, seat, rudder pedals and stick…

No wonder I’m going blind…errr…nevermind.

Jeff Herne
Modelwarships.com