I’m doing the 1/700 TARAWA from Dragon (Shanghai) for a co-worker’s retirement from the Navy. The TARAWA model is the best choice because there are no SAIPAN’s out there. The kit only comes with the markings for the TARAWA (LHA-1), but I need the SAIPAN’s (LHA-2).
Any ideas on aftermarket decals? Most ships that I have done in the past included various hull numbers and names.
Thanks for the assistance.
Matt
Try Gold Medal Models. That firm offers a sheet of 1/700 decals that includes hull numbers, “Efficiency Es,” flight deck stripes, and all sorts of other stuff. The name on the stern will be tougher. If you’ve got a good hobby shop within driving distance, you might find a sheet designed for model railroaders with individual letters on it.
Spelling out the name in such small letters will take some trouble, but it can be done. If you have trouble getting them to line up right simultaneously, put one in place, let it dry for a while, and then move on to the next. Start with the middle and work your way to the ends. Good luck.
DML/Dragon does a waterline SAIPAN in 1/700 scale