ModelMonkey wrote:
Unfortunately, sales for them have been very poor and do not support more work.
Best wishes on your Hancock project!
I think the poor sales are largely the result of a poor choice of specific subject based on not understanding the history of these three ships. Gallery focused this model on the Intrepid, but it can easily be converted to the Hancock or the Ticonderoga, as all three had the same distinctive aft starboard elevator. I can only assume they chose the Intrepid because they thought people who had been to the Intrepid museum would want to buy it.
But Gallery/MDC ignored the tens of thousands of sailors and Navy aviators who were deployed on these ships that were stationed on Yankee Station during the Vietnam era. The Intrepid only had three tours in the South China Sea in '66, '67 and '68, while the Hanna had NINE between '64 and '75 and the Ticonderoga had SEVEN between '64 and '72. Perhaps Gallery felt that talking about Vietnam was something they should avoid, but these sailors and their families are looking for something to offer closure to those times, and the Hanna and Tico kits might just offer something toward that. That's why *I* want to build the Hancock!
The one other limitation is the need for good 1:350 A-4E and A-4F Skyhawks with their distinctive humpback profiles. They're available in 3D printing, but good detailed models with drop tank variations and armament stores are still lacking, as are decals for those same aircraft squadrons (and the Crusader squadrons) from the Hanna and the Tico. It's a remarkable kit with some pretty sophisticated photo etch available as aftermarket parts. But the marketing "missed the boat".
My 2¢ worth.
Dano