USS Enterprise, CVN-65, in 1/350 scale, Tamiya Kit #78007
- Thread starter Jeff Head
- Start date
Re: My build and review of Tamiya's 1/350 scale USS Enterprise, CVN065
A fourth elevator is built/molded into the carrier model deck, the starboard forward elevator. That one could be cut out if desired, but since the other three will be operable, I will probably just leave that one attached as it is.
I have the other three built, painted, and now have the tie down holds completed on them too. Started detailing the main flight deck pieces (there are three of them) this evening, and will be gluing them onto the hull in the next week or so.
The elevators came as seperate pieces and are a small assembly...three of them. The one you see there is actually just set there in the opening on the deck. They will be installed into little grooves on each side in the respective locations so they can be manually raised and lowered once the model is completed.
A fourth elevator is built/molded into the carrier model deck, the starboard forward elevator. That one could be cut out if desired, but since the other three will be operable, I will probably just leave that one attached as it is.
I have the other three built, painted, and now have the tie down holds completed on them too. Started detailing the main flight deck pieces (there are three of them) this evening, and will be gluing them onto the hull in the next week or so.
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Re: My build and review of Tamiya's 1/350 scale USS Enterprise, CVN065
Dang...I just noticed how messy my work bench is getting. I really need to clean that up and get back to the orgnaized state that I enjoy much more.
Like this when I was completing the Haikou, DDG-171.
Dang...I just noticed how messy my work bench is getting. I really need to clean that up and get back to the orgnaized state that I enjoy much more.
Like this when I was completing the Haikou, DDG-171.
My USS Enterprise Flight Deck and Island installed onto hull
The Build - Decals/Marking, Attaching Flight Deck, Scratch Builds, Completing the Island (November 13, 2012)
The last six days have seen a LOT of progress. A three day weekend helped in that regard. There comes a time when you are building models, particularly these larger 1/350 scale warships, where all of the prepratory work and various individual sections and sub assemblies start to come together and within a day or two the entire thing comes together to finally start looking like what your end object was in mind. These last few days have been that type of experience as the pictures will attest.
First I began adding the deck decals. Since the flight deck is in three sections, I wanted to make sure that any linear or large decale that might cover the areas where those sections came together were not applied until the the three pieces had been affixed to the hull. So, using the very few decals that came with the vessel, but using seversl sets of decals specifically for the Enterprise and for US nuclear powered aircraft in general (most of these being provided by Gold Medal Models and Tom's Model Works and their large availability of aftermarket decals), I began marking up the deck. Note, some of these decal sets are older and the decals are ver fragile and tend to come apart. In addition a few sheets are not individual decals, but the whole thing is a single decale sub-surface so cutting the decals on those sheets as closely as possible to the actual lines is required. Nevertheless, after a few set back, re-cuts, some toch up paint work, and improvising, they all came together:
Then it was time to glue the flight deck down to the hull. These are large pieces of plastic and it was critical to prepare for this ultimate attachment by making sure that the hull pieces, the metal braces, the scratch built hangar deck and its roof, all provided for the eventual addition of the flight deck and that nothing interfered. Having done so, I added the deck setions starting at the rear and moving foward. There are interlocking flanges on the decks and a couple of screws on the forward portion of the center piece which must align with one another and with the holes in the metal cross structure there. Having alinged them all and done several dry fits, it was time to attach then, use the clamps, and make copious use of the many various size and strength rubber-bands that I have saved over the years for just this purpose.
Now, there are just a LOT of pieces to be placed all around the deck, and some scratch builds I needed to accomplish in order for the Enterpprise to more accurately reflect the 2000's configuration I wanted as as opposed to the 1980s configuration the model was built as...this included decal markings on the deck and on the Island.
One of the main pieces ofdeck equipment, located all around the flight deck are the hose spools for fire fighting purposes. I have photo etched parts for this, and their detai in terms of spool sides are great, but they did not include an inner spool to accomplish what I intended. The PE parts, and the parts that came with the kit are made to build, paint and then place, with no provision for the hoses that are wrapped around them. I wanted these spools to show as being filled with those hoses. So, I used the parts that came with the kit because they do have an internal spool structure, which I could wrap the proper twine around and achieve full spools. So that is what I did. It was a laborious, time consuming process because there are 38 spools, each of which must be glued trogether, and then have the same length of "hose" (in this case the proper weigh and color of thread) to wrap aroind the spool...and then of course you have to wrap them.
Then I scratch built some parts, and also built the straboard side Phalanx CIWS gun mount amidhsips next to the Island. On the island there are three platforms, two forward and one aft, which are new and carry newer sensors that have been added to the carrier. I needed to sratch build these, finding or making domes and platforms and supports from spare parts or just plastic I have on hand. In addition, the shape and equipment on the port aft automatic landing tower has changed considerably. I scratch built that too, and placed it in location.
On the CIWS deck, I used a photo etch ladder in place of the one that came with the kit. Very small and difficult to work with, but I ended up with an acceptable piece, though some of the railing is a little deformed.
Onto completion of the Island.
I had completed the island to the instructions, less the rigging, earlier in the process and it's been sitting, patiently waiting its time to be completed and then added to the flight deck. That time had arrived. I researched the Island to ensure that I was adding the latest decal/marking configuration, appropriately located to make room for the new platforms I had built. In addition I wanted to add campaign markings and performance eval markings appropriate for her final years. Once these decals were found and applied, I then attached the platforms for the new sensors, and then completed the rigging with four lines from the first main crossarms on each side, and then three lines from the higher main crossarm coming down forward and aft to the attachments off of the island on the port foreward side, and the aft starboard side.
Looking good.
I then added other equipment around the flight deck. The Optical Landing System, the side radar, other radars and sensors, .50 cal gun mounts, etc. All of which add a lot of detail to the vessel and continue to add to the overall, realistic look of the model.
As she sits then, here are some close-ups of the vessel, followed by some overall pictures from around the overall 1/350 scale model of the USS Enterprise, CVN-65.
That's very nice!
Now, I still have two sracth built decks to add to the vessel, both on the port side for...again...new sensors for the vessel which have been added in the 90s and 2000s. One is just aft of the side radar and forward of the optical landing system, and the second is further aft, just forward of the port side ESSM Missile launcher. In addition, as soon as I can find them, I will replace one ESSM launcher and one Phalanx CIWS with 21-round RAM missile launchers. As it is, less these minor additions (the two platforms which I already have built and partially painted and expect to add these evening), the carrier is ready now for me to start to build the airwing for the flight deck.
This will be a time consuming task which I expect will take at leat two weeks, if not longer.
I already have 14 aircraft (as shown and noted above) on the lighted hangar deck. I intend to build 36 more aircraft. They will include
2 E-2C Hawkeye AEW Aircraft
2 C-2 Greyhound cargo Aircraft
4 EA-6B Prowler Electronic Warfare Aircraft
6 F/A-18F Super Hornets
2 EA-18G Growlers
13 F/A-18C Hornets
2 S-3 Sea King ASW Helos
2 SH-60 Seahwak ASW/SAR Helos
3 S-3A Viking Aircraft
Once those are complete, I will add them to the flight deck, along with the various tow trucks, fire truck, cranes and other equipment and then add the props and rudders.
Finally at that point I will build the stand and attach the switch for the lighting and wire it in, add the many side mounted antennae, and then be done. Still hoping for a mid-to end of December completion.
SCHEDULE for Future Activities as of November 12, 2012
Once my USS Enterprise, CVN-65, is complete, I will be moving forward with my model building schedule as shown here:
- By Dec 15, 2012: Complete the .
- By Dec 31, 2012: Complete the USS Lassen, DDG-82.
- By Jan 31, 2013: Complete PLAN Xuzhao (FFG-53) and Huangshan(FFG-570).
- By Feb 21, 2013: Complete the USS Bunker Hill, CG-52.
At that point I will go back and complete the remainder of the PLAN Carrier group, centered on the already completed , including Mini Hobby's's PLAN Guangzhou, DDG-168; the PLAN Ningbo, DDG-139; and the PLAN ChangZhang5, SSN-405 by Hobby Boss. If a 1/350 scale model of the PLAN Type 071 LPD, Yuzhao Class, is added, I will add one of those, propbably LPD-999, Jinggangshan.
Then, it will be on to finish the US Carrier Strike group including Trumpeter's, USS Freedom, LCS-1, Trumpeter's USS Iwo Jima LHD-7, Trumpeter's USS The Sullivans DDG-68, Cyber Hobby's USS Independence, LCS-2, Gallery Model's, USS New York, LPD-21, Hobby Boss's USS Texas, SSN-775. (All of which I already own)
When a 1/350 scale USS Gerald R. Ford comes out from Trumpeter, Airfix, Tamiya, Dragon, or whomever else, I will add it to this group along with another AEGIS Cruiser.
Once the US and PLAN groups are built, I intend on building a complete UK Group including the Airfix HMS Illustrious (which I already own), two Airfix Daring Class DDGs (which I have now ordered and should arrive in December), then two Type 23 HMS Duke class Frigates (which I already own), and the Hobby Boss HMS Astute SSN and Airfix HMS Tragalgar SSN, both of which which I already own. One day, when a 1/350 scale HMS Queen Elizabeth carrier and a 1/350 HMS Ocean LPD come out, I will add both to this group.
Then it will be the French CSG centered on the Charles De Gualle (which I already own). All of these models are by Heller and are in 1/400 scale. I have purchased the French De Grasse, D612 DDG, which is an ASW DDG, the French Duquesne, D603 DDG which is an anti-air multi-purpose DDG, the French Aconit F713 FFG and Gueprattet F714 FFGs, both of which are Lafayette class frigates. These five vessels will round out my French CSG. As soon as a French Rbin class nuclear sub, like the French Perale S606 SSN comes out, I will add that to the group. Also as soon as the Forbin D620, Horizon class anti-air DDG is available, I will purchase it and add it to the group as well.
Then, finally it will be a complete Russian CSG (centered on Trumpeter's Kuznetsov) the Russian Slava Class cruiser, Varyag by Trumperter (which I have purchased as in route), two Trumpeter Udalaoy DDGs (which I have already purchased and are in route), and Hobby Boss's Akula II class SSN (which I already own) and the Russian Alfa Class SSN which I have already completed.
The Build - Decals/Marking, Attaching Flight Deck, Scratch Builds, Completing the Island (November 13, 2012)
The last six days have seen a LOT of progress. A three day weekend helped in that regard. There comes a time when you are building models, particularly these larger 1/350 scale warships, where all of the prepratory work and various individual sections and sub assemblies start to come together and within a day or two the entire thing comes together to finally start looking like what your end object was in mind. These last few days have been that type of experience as the pictures will attest.
First I began adding the deck decals. Since the flight deck is in three sections, I wanted to make sure that any linear or large decale that might cover the areas where those sections came together were not applied until the the three pieces had been affixed to the hull. So, using the very few decals that came with the vessel, but using seversl sets of decals specifically for the Enterprise and for US nuclear powered aircraft in general (most of these being provided by Gold Medal Models and Tom's Model Works and their large availability of aftermarket decals), I began marking up the deck. Note, some of these decal sets are older and the decals are ver fragile and tend to come apart. In addition a few sheets are not individual decals, but the whole thing is a single decale sub-surface so cutting the decals on those sheets as closely as possible to the actual lines is required. Nevertheless, after a few set back, re-cuts, some toch up paint work, and improvising, they all came together:
Then it was time to glue the flight deck down to the hull. These are large pieces of plastic and it was critical to prepare for this ultimate attachment by making sure that the hull pieces, the metal braces, the scratch built hangar deck and its roof, all provided for the eventual addition of the flight deck and that nothing interfered. Having done so, I added the deck setions starting at the rear and moving foward. There are interlocking flanges on the decks and a couple of screws on the forward portion of the center piece which must align with one another and with the holes in the metal cross structure there. Having alinged them all and done several dry fits, it was time to attach then, use the clamps, and make copious use of the many various size and strength rubber-bands that I have saved over the years for just this purpose.
Now, there are just a LOT of pieces to be placed all around the deck, and some scratch builds I needed to accomplish in order for the Enterpprise to more accurately reflect the 2000's configuration I wanted as as opposed to the 1980s configuration the model was built as...this included decal markings on the deck and on the Island.
One of the main pieces ofdeck equipment, located all around the flight deck are the hose spools for fire fighting purposes. I have photo etched parts for this, and their detai in terms of spool sides are great, but they did not include an inner spool to accomplish what I intended. The PE parts, and the parts that came with the kit are made to build, paint and then place, with no provision for the hoses that are wrapped around them. I wanted these spools to show as being filled with those hoses. So, I used the parts that came with the kit because they do have an internal spool structure, which I could wrap the proper twine around and achieve full spools. So that is what I did. It was a laborious, time consuming process because there are 38 spools, each of which must be glued trogether, and then have the same length of "hose" (in this case the proper weigh and color of thread) to wrap aroind the spool...and then of course you have to wrap them.
Then I scratch built some parts, and also built the straboard side Phalanx CIWS gun mount amidhsips next to the Island. On the island there are three platforms, two forward and one aft, which are new and carry newer sensors that have been added to the carrier. I needed to sratch build these, finding or making domes and platforms and supports from spare parts or just plastic I have on hand. In addition, the shape and equipment on the port aft automatic landing tower has changed considerably. I scratch built that too, and placed it in location.
On the CIWS deck, I used a photo etch ladder in place of the one that came with the kit. Very small and difficult to work with, but I ended up with an acceptable piece, though some of the railing is a little deformed.
Onto completion of the Island.
I had completed the island to the instructions, less the rigging, earlier in the process and it's been sitting, patiently waiting its time to be completed and then added to the flight deck. That time had arrived. I researched the Island to ensure that I was adding the latest decal/marking configuration, appropriately located to make room for the new platforms I had built. In addition I wanted to add campaign markings and performance eval markings appropriate for her final years. Once these decals were found and applied, I then attached the platforms for the new sensors, and then completed the rigging with four lines from the first main crossarms on each side, and then three lines from the higher main crossarm coming down forward and aft to the attachments off of the island on the port foreward side, and the aft starboard side.
Looking good.
I then added other equipment around the flight deck. The Optical Landing System, the side radar, other radars and sensors, .50 cal gun mounts, etc. All of which add a lot of detail to the vessel and continue to add to the overall, realistic look of the model.
As she sits then, here are some close-ups of the vessel, followed by some overall pictures from around the overall 1/350 scale model of the USS Enterprise, CVN-65.
That's very nice!
Now, I still have two sracth built decks to add to the vessel, both on the port side for...again...new sensors for the vessel which have been added in the 90s and 2000s. One is just aft of the side radar and forward of the optical landing system, and the second is further aft, just forward of the port side ESSM Missile launcher. In addition, as soon as I can find them, I will replace one ESSM launcher and one Phalanx CIWS with 21-round RAM missile launchers. As it is, less these minor additions (the two platforms which I already have built and partially painted and expect to add these evening), the carrier is ready now for me to start to build the airwing for the flight deck.
This will be a time consuming task which I expect will take at leat two weeks, if not longer.
I already have 14 aircraft (as shown and noted above) on the lighted hangar deck. I intend to build 36 more aircraft. They will include
2 E-2C Hawkeye AEW Aircraft
2 C-2 Greyhound cargo Aircraft
4 EA-6B Prowler Electronic Warfare Aircraft
6 F/A-18F Super Hornets
2 EA-18G Growlers
13 F/A-18C Hornets
2 S-3 Sea King ASW Helos
2 SH-60 Seahwak ASW/SAR Helos
3 S-3A Viking Aircraft
Once those are complete, I will add them to the flight deck, along with the various tow trucks, fire truck, cranes and other equipment and then add the props and rudders.
Finally at that point I will build the stand and attach the switch for the lighting and wire it in, add the many side mounted antennae, and then be done. Still hoping for a mid-to end of December completion.
SCHEDULE for Future Activities as of November 12, 2012
Once my USS Enterprise, CVN-65, is complete, I will be moving forward with my model building schedule as shown here:
- By Dec 15, 2012: Complete the .
- By Dec 31, 2012: Complete the USS Lassen, DDG-82.
- By Jan 31, 2013: Complete PLAN Xuzhao (FFG-53) and Huangshan(FFG-570).
- By Feb 21, 2013: Complete the USS Bunker Hill, CG-52.
At that point I will go back and complete the remainder of the PLAN Carrier group, centered on the already completed , including Mini Hobby's's PLAN Guangzhou, DDG-168; the PLAN Ningbo, DDG-139; and the PLAN ChangZhang5, SSN-405 by Hobby Boss. If a 1/350 scale model of the PLAN Type 071 LPD, Yuzhao Class, is added, I will add one of those, propbably LPD-999, Jinggangshan.
Then, it will be on to finish the US Carrier Strike group including Trumpeter's, USS Freedom, LCS-1, Trumpeter's USS Iwo Jima LHD-7, Trumpeter's USS The Sullivans DDG-68, Cyber Hobby's USS Independence, LCS-2, Gallery Model's, USS New York, LPD-21, Hobby Boss's USS Texas, SSN-775. (All of which I already own)
When a 1/350 scale USS Gerald R. Ford comes out from Trumpeter, Airfix, Tamiya, Dragon, or whomever else, I will add it to this group along with another AEGIS Cruiser.
Once the US and PLAN groups are built, I intend on building a complete UK Group including the Airfix HMS Illustrious (which I already own), two Airfix Daring Class DDGs (which I have now ordered and should arrive in December), then two Type 23 HMS Duke class Frigates (which I already own), and the Hobby Boss HMS Astute SSN and Airfix HMS Tragalgar SSN, both of which which I already own. One day, when a 1/350 scale HMS Queen Elizabeth carrier and a 1/350 HMS Ocean LPD come out, I will add both to this group.
Then it will be the French CSG centered on the Charles De Gualle (which I already own). All of these models are by Heller and are in 1/400 scale. I have purchased the French De Grasse, D612 DDG, which is an ASW DDG, the French Duquesne, D603 DDG which is an anti-air multi-purpose DDG, the French Aconit F713 FFG and Gueprattet F714 FFGs, both of which are Lafayette class frigates. These five vessels will round out my French CSG. As soon as a French Rbin class nuclear sub, like the French Perale S606 SSN comes out, I will add that to the group. Also as soon as the Forbin D620, Horizon class anti-air DDG is available, I will purchase it and add it to the group as well.
Then, finally it will be a complete Russian CSG (centered on Trumpeter's Kuznetsov) the Russian Slava Class cruiser, Varyag by Trumperter (which I have purchased as in route), two Trumpeter Udalaoy DDGs (which I have already purchased and are in route), and Hobby Boss's Akula II class SSN (which I already own) and the Russian Alfa Class SSN which I have already completed.
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Re: My build and review of Tamiya's 1/350 scale USS Enterprise, CVN065
I found out that my 1/350 scale USS Sommerset (A US Navy San Antonio Class LPD and a brand new model) is being shipped to me on Friday from Free Time Hobbies in Georgia. That's great news. It's being marketed by Gallery Models and will make a great addition to my combined force Carrier Strike Group/Amphibious Ready Group I am building for the US Navy.
If and when a Type 071 model comes out, I will add it to the Chinese Liaoning group I am building.
Also, I was surprised to see today that Fujimi had come out with a 1/350 scale JMSDF Hyuga Class, DDH-181, Hyuga! I have been waiting for that (among a few others). I placed an immediate order for it. They had an advance group of models at one of the Japanese Hobby stores online I keep an eye on, Hobby Search, and I got the last one (isn't the Internet and the World-wide Free Market great?). It shipped and I now have it (very nice model for which Fujimi is well known for - in fact, normally I would not have bought a Fujimi model because they are too expensive. This retails for $299.00, but this special promotion had them at $141.00, and so I got the last one). It will now serve as the centerpiece for the JMSDF group that I will build. I will build the Ise, DDH-182.
Finally, back to the Enterprise, here are some more detail pictures of the carrier's Island structure as she exists today on the model:
Thanks, so much Equation, for taking a look and the comments. It's details like those that make this 1/350 scale so enjoyable. They are big enough to be able to pack a lot of details into it...but not so big that you can't find room for them.
I found out that my 1/350 scale USS Sommerset (A US Navy San Antonio Class LPD and a brand new model) is being shipped to me on Friday from Free Time Hobbies in Georgia. That's great news. It's being marketed by Gallery Models and will make a great addition to my combined force Carrier Strike Group/Amphibious Ready Group I am building for the US Navy.
If and when a Type 071 model comes out, I will add it to the Chinese Liaoning group I am building.
Also, I was surprised to see today that Fujimi had come out with a 1/350 scale JMSDF Hyuga Class, DDH-181, Hyuga! I have been waiting for that (among a few others). I placed an immediate order for it. They had an advance group of models at one of the Japanese Hobby stores online I keep an eye on, Hobby Search, and I got the last one (isn't the Internet and the World-wide Free Market great?). It shipped and I now have it (very nice model for which Fujimi is well known for - in fact, normally I would not have bought a Fujimi model because they are too expensive. This retails for $299.00, but this special promotion had them at $141.00, and so I got the last one). It will now serve as the centerpiece for the JMSDF group that I will build. I will build the Ise, DDH-182.
Finally, back to the Enterprise, here are some more detail pictures of the carrier's Island structure as she exists today on the model:
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Building the flight deck aircraft wing for my 1/350 scale USS Enterprise, CVN-65
(November 22, 2012)
The last nine days have seen me building my entire flight deck contingent of aircraft in the evenings. These have included:
2 E-2C Hawkeye AEW Aircraft
2 C-2 Greyhound cargo Aircraft
4 EA-6B Prowler Electronic Warfare Aircraft
6 F/A-18F Super Hornets
2 EA-18G Growlers
13 F/A-18C Hornets
2 S-3 Sea King ASW Helos
2 SH-60 Seahwak ASW/SAR Helos
3 S-3A Viking Aircraft
The first job was to gather them all together and then put the initial coat of Model Master's Standard Navy Gray paint on each. I am using Standard Navy Gray for the upper portion of the aircraft and using Model Master's Light Gray for the bottoms.
The above pictures are of the entire group of aircraft, still on their sprues and painted the intial gray. Then showing the C-2 Greyhound cargo aircraft and the F/A-18C Hornets.
The above pictures are of the S-60 Sea Hawk helos, the E-2C Hawkeys and the S-3 Sea King helos, and then the initial building of an F/A-18C. After the aircraft were all painted their initial coats of Model Master Standard Navy Gray for the upper surfaces, Model Master Light Gray for the lower Surfaces, Floquil Weathered Black for the canopies/windows and tires and Model Master Steel for the landing gear and jet exhausts, it was time to take the aircraft off of their sprues and one by one build them. This took quite a bit of time as each is a miniature model with as many as 14 parts...times thirty-six.
Once the aircraft were completly built, I then went back and touched-up each aircraft, using the same paints mentioned above to fix/correct any areas necessary where the building process had marred the original paint. The results were the following pictures:
Those above pictures show the entire carrier deck airwing, a close up of the six F/A-18F Super Hornets, and two EA-18G Growler electronic warfare aircraft (which I created from two F/A-18 Super Hornets, by adding the electronic countermeasure pods from a couple of EA-6B aircraft models).
The above pictures are of the four EA-6B Prowler electronic aircraft, the two E-2C Hawkey Early Warning (AEW) aircraft, and the two C-2 Greyhound cargo aircraft.
The last three pictures are of the thirteen F/A-18C Hornets, the three S-3 Vikings, and the two S-60 and S-3 Anti-submarine (ASW) / Search and Rescue (SAR) helicopters.
This completes the building and painting of all of the deck aircraft...adding the 12 I have in the hangar bay my entire airwing totals 48 aircraft. This is a light load for the Enterprise which normally carries 55 or 60 aircraft lately, but is capable of carrying up to 90! (Which she regularly did during the Vietnam war days and during the height of the cold war)
Now I will next add the decals for all of these aircraft, which will also be a long process as they are very small and have to be handled very carefully and delicately. This will involve an initial coat of clear gloss coat and then adding the 4-6 decals for each aircraft (using a decal set for any areas requiring it to help the decal adhere and meld into the paint), and then a coat of clear dull coat after the decals dry. (Both clear coats are , again, Model Masters from Testors.) I find that this porocess is best for helping the decal edge lines disappear into the aircraft paint scheme, thereby making the decal itself standout as if though painted on directly.
Once that is done I will place tall of aircraft on the flight deck.
I intend to have a busy flight deck, with a rather larger strike package forming up, using three of the catapaults. An E-2S AEW, an S-3 for refueling and two two EA-6B EW aircraft from the port side forward catapault, two EA-18G Growler EW aircraft and four F/A-18F Super Hornets from the outside catapault on the portside amidships, and six F/A-18C Hornets from the inside catapault on the port side amidships. I will also have two helos, one S-3 Sea King and one S-60 Sea Hawk shown ready for launch, one amid ships near the island, and one towared the stern on the starboard side. This will be a total of eighteen aircraft, or half those built, forming up for launch. The other eighteen aircraft will be positioned around the deck with wings and rotors folded, several F/A-18C Hornets forward on the bow, others around the Idland, and others along the port side, with a couple of aircraft on the elevators.
Within a week or ten days, I hope to have the model completed to that point and then do an update and show some pictures of that...before the end of November if possible.
Then it will just be a matter of the carrier deck equipment, the props and rudders, and the stand with its switch, all of which I believe I can finish in aboutr a week after that next session.
SCHEDULE for Future Activities as of November 22, 2012
Once my USS Enterprise, CVN-65, is complete, I will be moving forward with my model building schedule as follows:
- By Dec 15, 2012: Complete the .
- By Dec 31, 2012: Complete the USS Lassen, DDG-82.
- By Jan 31, 2013: Complete PLAN Xuzhao (FFG-53) and Huangshan(FFG-570).
- By Feb 21, 2013: Complete the USS Bunker Hill, CG-52.
At that point I will go back and complete the remainder of the PLAN Carrier group, centered on the already completed in 1/350 scale by Trumpeter, including Mini Hobby's's PLAN Guangzhou, DDG-168; the PLAN Ningbo, DDG-139; and the PLAN ChangZhang5, SSN-405 by Hobby Boss. If a 1/350 scale model of the PLAN Type 071 LPD, Yuzhao Class, is added, I will add one of those, propbably LPD-999, Jinggangshan.
Then, it will be on to finish the US Carrier Strike group including Trumpeter's, USS Freedom, LCS-1, Trumpeter's USS Iwo Jima LHD-7, Trumpeter's USS The Sullivans DDG-68, Cyber Hobby's USS Independence, LCS-2, Gallery Model's, USS New York, LPD-21, Hobby Boss's USS Texas, SSN-775. (All of which I already own)
When a 1/350 scale USS Gerald R. Ford comes out from Trumpeter, Airfix, Tamiya, Dragon, or whomever else, I will add it to this group along with another AEGIS Cruiser.
Once the US and PLAN groups are built, I intend on building a complete UK Group including the Airfix HMS Illustrious (which I already own), two Airfix Daring Class DDGs (which I have now ordered and should arrive in December), then two Type 23 HMS Duke class Frigates (which I already own), and the Hobby Boss HMS Astute SSN and Airfix HMS Tragalgar SSN, both of which which I already own. One day, when a 1/350 scale HMS Queen Elizabeth carrier and a 1/350 HMS Ocean LPD come out, I will add both to this group.
Then it will be the French CSG centered on the Charles De Gualle (which I already own). All of these models are by Heller and are in 1/400 scale. I have purchased the French De Grasse, D612 DDG, which is an ASW DDG, the French Duquesne, D603 DDG which is an anti-air multi-purpose DDG, the French Aconit F713 FFG and Gueprattet F714 FFGs, both of which are Lafayette class frigates. These five vessels will round out my French CSG. As soon as a French Rbin class nuclear sub, like the French Perale S606 SSN comes out, I will add that to the group. Also as soon as the Forbin D620, Horizon class anti-air DDG is available, I will purchase it and add it to the group as well.
Then, I will move on to my new Japanese JMSDF group whhich will be centered on Fujimi's very finely detailed, 1/350 scale Hyuga, DDH-181, which I just purchased and have received. It will be escorted by DDG-177, Atago, an AEGIS class DDG (which I have purchased), by the DDG-114 Susunami (A Tachanami Class DDG which I have purchased), the DDG-115 Akizuki (once it comes out and is avaialble) and by the SS-503 Hakuryu (which I have purchased), one of Japans new, very modern and capable AIP Diesel Electric submarines.
Then, finally it will be a complete Russian CSG (centered on Trumpeter's Kuznetsov) the Russian Slava Class cruiser, Varyag by Trumperter (which I have purchased as in route), two Trumpeter Udalaoy DDGs (which I have already purchased and are in route), and Hobby Boss's Akula II class SSN (which I already own) and the Russian Alfa Class SSN which I have already completed.
Then, again, once the models are available, I'd like to build an Italian Group centered on the Cavour and their Horizon DDGs, a Spanish Group centered on the Juan Carlos and their F-11 AEGIS FFGs, and ultimatly an Australian Group centered on the new Canberra Class and the Hobart class AEGIS DDGs. If they ever build the models, an Indian group centered on either the Vikramaditya or their new ADS Carrier the Vikrant and their Kolkata class DDGs and Shivlak class FFGs would also be nice.
I already have the vessels in house or coming for those first six carrier groups. Adding the ones above (which is four more), would give me a total of ten carrier groups before it is all said and done...and that will take upwards of 5-7 years to accomplish at the rate I am going right now.
You can see all of these actual carriers, read their histories and specifictions at my site:
...and most of their surface escorts at:
(November 22, 2012)
The last nine days have seen me building my entire flight deck contingent of aircraft in the evenings. These have included:
2 E-2C Hawkeye AEW Aircraft
2 C-2 Greyhound cargo Aircraft
4 EA-6B Prowler Electronic Warfare Aircraft
6 F/A-18F Super Hornets
2 EA-18G Growlers
13 F/A-18C Hornets
2 S-3 Sea King ASW Helos
2 SH-60 Seahwak ASW/SAR Helos
3 S-3A Viking Aircraft
The first job was to gather them all together and then put the initial coat of Model Master's Standard Navy Gray paint on each. I am using Standard Navy Gray for the upper portion of the aircraft and using Model Master's Light Gray for the bottoms.
The above pictures are of the entire group of aircraft, still on their sprues and painted the intial gray. Then showing the C-2 Greyhound cargo aircraft and the F/A-18C Hornets.
The above pictures are of the S-60 Sea Hawk helos, the E-2C Hawkeys and the S-3 Sea King helos, and then the initial building of an F/A-18C. After the aircraft were all painted their initial coats of Model Master Standard Navy Gray for the upper surfaces, Model Master Light Gray for the lower Surfaces, Floquil Weathered Black for the canopies/windows and tires and Model Master Steel for the landing gear and jet exhausts, it was time to take the aircraft off of their sprues and one by one build them. This took quite a bit of time as each is a miniature model with as many as 14 parts...times thirty-six.
Once the aircraft were completly built, I then went back and touched-up each aircraft, using the same paints mentioned above to fix/correct any areas necessary where the building process had marred the original paint. The results were the following pictures:
Those above pictures show the entire carrier deck airwing, a close up of the six F/A-18F Super Hornets, and two EA-18G Growler electronic warfare aircraft (which I created from two F/A-18 Super Hornets, by adding the electronic countermeasure pods from a couple of EA-6B aircraft models).
The above pictures are of the four EA-6B Prowler electronic aircraft, the two E-2C Hawkey Early Warning (AEW) aircraft, and the two C-2 Greyhound cargo aircraft.
The last three pictures are of the thirteen F/A-18C Hornets, the three S-3 Vikings, and the two S-60 and S-3 Anti-submarine (ASW) / Search and Rescue (SAR) helicopters.
This completes the building and painting of all of the deck aircraft...adding the 12 I have in the hangar bay my entire airwing totals 48 aircraft. This is a light load for the Enterprise which normally carries 55 or 60 aircraft lately, but is capable of carrying up to 90! (Which she regularly did during the Vietnam war days and during the height of the cold war)
Now I will next add the decals for all of these aircraft, which will also be a long process as they are very small and have to be handled very carefully and delicately. This will involve an initial coat of clear gloss coat and then adding the 4-6 decals for each aircraft (using a decal set for any areas requiring it to help the decal adhere and meld into the paint), and then a coat of clear dull coat after the decals dry. (Both clear coats are , again, Model Masters from Testors.) I find that this porocess is best for helping the decal edge lines disappear into the aircraft paint scheme, thereby making the decal itself standout as if though painted on directly.
Once that is done I will place tall of aircraft on the flight deck.
I intend to have a busy flight deck, with a rather larger strike package forming up, using three of the catapaults. An E-2S AEW, an S-3 for refueling and two two EA-6B EW aircraft from the port side forward catapault, two EA-18G Growler EW aircraft and four F/A-18F Super Hornets from the outside catapault on the portside amidships, and six F/A-18C Hornets from the inside catapault on the port side amidships. I will also have two helos, one S-3 Sea King and one S-60 Sea Hawk shown ready for launch, one amid ships near the island, and one towared the stern on the starboard side. This will be a total of eighteen aircraft, or half those built, forming up for launch. The other eighteen aircraft will be positioned around the deck with wings and rotors folded, several F/A-18C Hornets forward on the bow, others around the Idland, and others along the port side, with a couple of aircraft on the elevators.
Within a week or ten days, I hope to have the model completed to that point and then do an update and show some pictures of that...before the end of November if possible.
Then it will just be a matter of the carrier deck equipment, the props and rudders, and the stand with its switch, all of which I believe I can finish in aboutr a week after that next session.
SCHEDULE for Future Activities as of November 22, 2012
Once my USS Enterprise, CVN-65, is complete, I will be moving forward with my model building schedule as follows:
- By Dec 15, 2012: Complete the .
- By Dec 31, 2012: Complete the USS Lassen, DDG-82.
- By Jan 31, 2013: Complete PLAN Xuzhao (FFG-53) and Huangshan(FFG-570).
- By Feb 21, 2013: Complete the USS Bunker Hill, CG-52.
At that point I will go back and complete the remainder of the PLAN Carrier group, centered on the already completed in 1/350 scale by Trumpeter, including Mini Hobby's's PLAN Guangzhou, DDG-168; the PLAN Ningbo, DDG-139; and the PLAN ChangZhang5, SSN-405 by Hobby Boss. If a 1/350 scale model of the PLAN Type 071 LPD, Yuzhao Class, is added, I will add one of those, propbably LPD-999, Jinggangshan.
Then, it will be on to finish the US Carrier Strike group including Trumpeter's, USS Freedom, LCS-1, Trumpeter's USS Iwo Jima LHD-7, Trumpeter's USS The Sullivans DDG-68, Cyber Hobby's USS Independence, LCS-2, Gallery Model's, USS New York, LPD-21, Hobby Boss's USS Texas, SSN-775. (All of which I already own)
When a 1/350 scale USS Gerald R. Ford comes out from Trumpeter, Airfix, Tamiya, Dragon, or whomever else, I will add it to this group along with another AEGIS Cruiser.
Once the US and PLAN groups are built, I intend on building a complete UK Group including the Airfix HMS Illustrious (which I already own), two Airfix Daring Class DDGs (which I have now ordered and should arrive in December), then two Type 23 HMS Duke class Frigates (which I already own), and the Hobby Boss HMS Astute SSN and Airfix HMS Tragalgar SSN, both of which which I already own. One day, when a 1/350 scale HMS Queen Elizabeth carrier and a 1/350 HMS Ocean LPD come out, I will add both to this group.
Then it will be the French CSG centered on the Charles De Gualle (which I already own). All of these models are by Heller and are in 1/400 scale. I have purchased the French De Grasse, D612 DDG, which is an ASW DDG, the French Duquesne, D603 DDG which is an anti-air multi-purpose DDG, the French Aconit F713 FFG and Gueprattet F714 FFGs, both of which are Lafayette class frigates. These five vessels will round out my French CSG. As soon as a French Rbin class nuclear sub, like the French Perale S606 SSN comes out, I will add that to the group. Also as soon as the Forbin D620, Horizon class anti-air DDG is available, I will purchase it and add it to the group as well.
Then, I will move on to my new Japanese JMSDF group whhich will be centered on Fujimi's very finely detailed, 1/350 scale Hyuga, DDH-181, which I just purchased and have received. It will be escorted by DDG-177, Atago, an AEGIS class DDG (which I have purchased), by the DDG-114 Susunami (A Tachanami Class DDG which I have purchased), the DDG-115 Akizuki (once it comes out and is avaialble) and by the SS-503 Hakuryu (which I have purchased), one of Japans new, very modern and capable AIP Diesel Electric submarines.
Then, finally it will be a complete Russian CSG (centered on Trumpeter's Kuznetsov) the Russian Slava Class cruiser, Varyag by Trumperter (which I have purchased as in route), two Trumpeter Udalaoy DDGs (which I have already purchased and are in route), and Hobby Boss's Akula II class SSN (which I already own) and the Russian Alfa Class SSN which I have already completed.
Then, again, once the models are available, I'd like to build an Italian Group centered on the Cavour and their Horizon DDGs, a Spanish Group centered on the Juan Carlos and their F-11 AEGIS FFGs, and ultimatly an Australian Group centered on the new Canberra Class and the Hobart class AEGIS DDGs. If they ever build the models, an Indian group centered on either the Vikramaditya or their new ADS Carrier the Vikrant and their Kolkata class DDGs and Shivlak class FFGs would also be nice.
I already have the vessels in house or coming for those first six carrier groups. Adding the ones above (which is four more), would give me a total of ten carrier groups before it is all said and done...and that will take upwards of 5-7 years to accomplish at the rate I am going right now.
You can see all of these actual carriers, read their histories and specifictions at my site:
...and most of their surface escorts at:
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Re: My build and review of Tamiya's 1/350 scale USS Enterprise, CVN065
Excellent build Jeff.. I see you are putting your ideas into your model.
In actuality no Vikings and Growlers ever served in a CVW together. So you must still feel the Vikings should still be flying? Correct? With what sort of updates? Thanks!
Excellent build Jeff.. I see you are putting your ideas into your model.
In actuality no Vikings and Growlers ever served in a CVW together. So you must still feel the Vikings should still be flying? Correct? With what sort of updates? Thanks!
Re: My build and review of Tamiya's 1/350 scale USS Enterprise, CVN065
To date, as a 1/350 scale model, there are no Growlers available for my carrier, though in real life they are already coming into service throughout the fleet and replacing the Prowlers.
So I just took the electronic pods off one of the EA-6B Prowler models I had and added them. A Growler is essentially an F/A-18F with more electronic capabilities and some reduced weapon carrying capability, though they still can carry HARMs and other air to surface missiles as well as up to four air-air missiles.
I had some S-3 Viking models left over and just added three of them to fill things out...and, admitteldy to make a statement about the need for, and lack of any long range ASW aircraft on our current carriers, which I think is a big mistake. So, that's why...though I also configured one of them as a tanker while I was at it to launch with the strike group and top them off before they leave the gather point and leave for their mission/operation.
Still, the principle issue is a long range, long loiter time ASW aircraft for the carriers. There was still life in the S-3 airframes...and now with the Osprey's, IMHO, we ought to let Bell/Boeing build some new ones specifically outfitted for the ASW role. With their hover capability, they could even be more versatile than the S-3 Vikings were. In addition, they would provide that same capability to the LHDs and LHAs which do not have them now, and otherwise could not have them.
I will be building the USS Iwo Jima in 1/350 scale and have purchased some V-22s for it which are coming. I also have purchased a 1/350 scale San Antonio class which comes with two V-22 Ospreys. I am thinking about taking a couple of those and later replacing the S-3 Vikings on my Enterprise with an HV-22 aircraft set up for ASW work to make the point even more clearly...hehehe.
So, as a short answer, on my model, they will be glued to the deck.
Yep, I know that the Vikings were gone before the Growlers ever came on the scene.
To date, as a 1/350 scale model, there are no Growlers available for my carrier, though in real life they are already coming into service throughout the fleet and replacing the Prowlers.
So I just took the electronic pods off one of the EA-6B Prowler models I had and added them. A Growler is essentially an F/A-18F with more electronic capabilities and some reduced weapon carrying capability, though they still can carry HARMs and other air to surface missiles as well as up to four air-air missiles.
I had some S-3 Viking models left over and just added three of them to fill things out...and, admitteldy to make a statement about the need for, and lack of any long range ASW aircraft on our current carriers, which I think is a big mistake. So, that's why...though I also configured one of them as a tanker while I was at it to launch with the strike group and top them off before they leave the gather point and leave for their mission/operation.
Still, the principle issue is a long range, long loiter time ASW aircraft for the carriers. There was still life in the S-3 airframes...and now with the Osprey's, IMHO, we ought to let Bell/Boeing build some new ones specifically outfitted for the ASW role. With their hover capability, they could even be more versatile than the S-3 Vikings were. In addition, they would provide that same capability to the LHDs and LHAs which do not have them now, and otherwise could not have them.
I will be building the USS Iwo Jima in 1/350 scale and have purchased some V-22s for it which are coming. I also have purchased a 1/350 scale San Antonio class which comes with two V-22 Ospreys. I am thinking about taking a couple of those and later replacing the S-3 Vikings on my Enterprise with an HV-22 aircraft set up for ASW work to make the point even more clearly...hehehe.
They could be set up to be moved around and reconfigured, but it is just too much work to constantly either re-arrange or be worried about 30-40 small aircraft sliding around and falling off the carrier for my tastes.Equation said:
So, as a short answer, on my model, they will be glued to the deck.
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