USS Nimitz

Modeling Subjects Ships
1

I have a 1/48 F-14A in my stash with some decals for VF-84 Jolly Rogers. I thought it might make for a nice display if I built a model of the Nimitz to go along with it. I haven’t built a ship, and know next to nothing about ship kits. What would be a good kit to get that would have a flight of Tomcats to go with the display?

2

It depends on how much money you are willing to spend and the effort you are willing to make detailing the model. For example, Italieri and Revell offer the Nimitz in 1/720 scale for around $30.00, but you will need to use photoetch extensively as well as some minor “surgery” to improve the model. Trumpeter makes an extremely nice 1/700 Nimitz for almost triple that amount but it builds into a very detailed model out of the box. Trumpeter also makes a 1/500 scale Nimitz that is little more than a toy. It retails for over $50.00. Finally, Trumpeter make a beautiful 1/350 model that is quite expensive at almost $200.00. As always, photoetch parts will enhance any of the kits.

I hope that I helped!

Bill

3

Thanks Bill! After a short look around for PE sets for the Italeri and/or Revell kits all I can find are 1/700 sets. At that size, would the scale difference be that noticeable? Sorry if that’s a dumb question, but like I said, I know next to nothing about building ships…

4

Bob,

Gold Medal Models also makes a 1/720 photoetch set for American supercarriers that works nicely. I have used this set. It helps a lot!

Bill

5

Awesome! Thanks, I think that would work perfectly

6

I forgot to also mention the Arii/Otaki/Academy/KiTech/KangNam 1/800 USS Nimitz (all the same molds) which is quite good except for what appears to be four Aegis panels on the island, two each on the port and starboard sides. You can easily sand these off. These kits can usually be found at under $20.00. However, there is no photoetch set for them.

Revell of Germany also sells a 1/1200 kit.

Bill

7

Also, Gold Medal Models makes decal sheets to replace and correct the markings of the Italeri decals. They Italeri set is grossly inaccurate and oversized. Check out the various reviews of the Italeri Nimitz to make other corrections.

Bill

8

Thanks for all the info! I’m going to make a run to the hobby shop when I get a chance and see what they have

9

I was able to get the 1/350 Trumpter Nimitz off e-bay for just over 100.00 w/ shipping. builds into an impressive kit.