trumpter 1/350 CV 13

Modeling Subjects Ships
1

I recently came in procession of the trumpter 1/350 aircraft carrier #13.

this is a two part question.

  1. I would like to model this kit as the uss ticconderoga what change’s are needed.

  2. Does anyone know if their are any aftermarket products to upgrade these fine models to post wwII

ie the angle flight deck… thanks.

2

The Franklin (CV13) was a short-hulled Essex. The Ticonderoga (CV14) was a long-hulled version.

While the waterline length of the ships was the same (820’), the long-hulls had a different shaped bow that resulted in them being 16 feet longer (888’ vs 872’). There are also flight deck shape and length differences. You really cannot get to a long-hull from a short hull without major surgery.

I recommend that you check out John Sheridan’s Essex class guide on the SteelNavy website for more info

http://www.steelnavy.com/essex_data.htm

As far as aftermarkets to get you to the angle deck – there are none aviailable now. A long-hulled Essex in 1:350 is on the horizon as the Hancock. Aftermarkets to make the change are sure to follow.

I think I’d watch Nautilus Models for a laser-engraved wooden deck. They also did an Enterprise/Yorktown for the Trump Hornet – so they would likely be among the first sources for the updated island. James Corley at Nautilus is likely also working on new & different conning towers for the upcoming Revell Gato sub - so aircraft carriers may be somewhat low on the priority list. I know he has the references for the carriers

3

thanks ed for the info: I thought it was just another reissue kit with different decals. I found an article by r bean in scale ship modeler dec 93 and jan 94 on coverting a 1/700 scale model from an hasegawa kit into a scb-27c in 1968. I also found a kalmbach book on her sister ship the uss lexington. thanks bruce

4

There might be an aftermarket release of resin parts for a SCB27C modification towards the end of the year in 1/350.

As far as making a 1/350 Trumpeter kit into a SCB125 (this has the angled deck and hurricane bow), you will be building about 89% of the model from scratch. That much had changed from the WW2 configuration. Even using a SCB27 resin island is going to require some extensive modifications by adding a Pri-fly and other little boxes that contained electronics and avionic radars.

I am insane enough to have started one of these conversions in both 1/700 and 1/350. But boy is it fun.

Scott

5

thanks scott for the update: I saw your picture great job; I may be placing this project on hold due an upcoming deployment thanks again bruce