I just saw on the Free-Time Hobby Website a preorder for the 1/350 USS Enterprise from Merit International. Hopefully it will not be a rekit of their USS Yorktown with different decals. I have not seen anything on their Merit’s website yet so I am not sure when this model will be out or if this will be a late war version or early war.
Steve
There were subtle differences between Hornet and Enterprise, which is often true for ships within the same class. I would love to see a version of her when she was the only carrier the US had in the entire Pacific theater. To say she saved our bacon during that crucial time is an understatement, and she ended up earning more battle decorations than any ship in Navy history. I was happy to see the Navy listened to the recent petition to have a new Ford-class carrier named Enterprise. That name has been with the Navy for over 200 years, and is a tradition as much as Ranger and Hornet, (which also should be names for new carriers). I’m annoyed that carriers are now being named after politicians.
Since I’m currently building the Merit Yorktown, I’ve noticed a few parts like 40mm Bofors mounts included on the sprues. So I’m not surprised there’s an Enterprise planned.
I imagine it will represent the ship in 1942-43 since doing the ship post her '43 refit would require a different hull molding.
Mike,
Thanks of the heads up, I haven’t gone through the spurs yet since I am not going to build her for a bit. It would be nice if they would have her outfitting a bit later, but I am sure there are modelers who will reconfigure the hull and add all the bells and whistles.
Steve
The Islands were different between Yorktown and Enterprise, particularly in the bridge area. So hopefully the Merit kit will reflect that in their Big E release.
The kit will be of Enterprise as she was at the time of the Battle of Santa Cruz in later 1942. She had a much different AA fit than Yorktown by then, so the kit will not be a re-pop with different decals.
That’s good to know.
There will be detail changes in some new sprues and unused parts from Yorktown that will work fine.
The model won’t have the major changes that occurred during the '43 refit.
Thanks for the update Tracy.
Steve
She has always been my favorite Lady, and can’t wait to get hands on her. Fitting time frame for when she was the only thing holding the line. Keep us posted as to availablity.
I just looked at the site myself and oh my, did anyone else notice the upcoming 1:350 John F. Kennedy? 
I have to wonder how much work would be involved to convert her to CV-64 USS Constellation?
I have already started saving for the JFK! But, there would be a lot of work to make that conversion to the Connie. You would have to rebuild the overhang and deck around the leading edge of the angled deck, reshape the funnel and island to reflect differences, alter all side sponsons, etc. It would be a major project. It would be easier to start with the Tamiya USS Enterprise hull, but that would present its own difficulties, including shortening the hull. Good luck!
Bill
I have the Yorktown and the Trumpeter Saratoga and planned on buying the Essex when I can find one at a decent price. Too bad, no one makes the Langley, Ranger or Wasp in 1/350 injection molding! I really do not want to take out a loan to buy a resin kit.
Steve
On another subject, Tracy, any plans for a new WWII USS Missouri or a New Jersey in 350 scale?
bump