Stephen Allen wrote:
G’day
I am starting on the 1/350 Trumpeter Lexington, and wondered whether any of the extant plans of the ship accurately depict the layout of the flight deck planking. The kit shows it as all transverse, but photos appear to show longitudinal planking in some areas, notably around the forward end. I am building a pre March 42 refit version.
The Booklet of Plans doesn’t have this level of detail, would the Builders Plans (ala Floating Drydock) detail the deck planking? Any advice would be welcome. I haven’t decided yet whether I would scratch a new deck, it will depend on both available references and my estimation of how noticeable the changes would be under a flight deck filled with planes.
Cheers
Steve
Steve,
You are correct, the Lex had some planking that did not run perpendicular with the hull. She mounted a early style catapult that was later removed. This is an often overlooked detail, I want to say the Fujimi kit for all its issues actually captured this detail. For some reason(feel like I read it somewhere once) they just planked in the trough that it left behind.
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File comment: Photo from Rick Davis
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It remained that way even after her bow was enlarged as you still see it on the wreck today.
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I know I have a drawing at home somewhere that looks like it’s pretty close if not completely accurate. Just out of town for the next week on business. I will double check when I return.
HTH
Matt