Calling all Essex-class (WWII configuration) fans

[Tracy White]

Keith's right, they cut the catwalks when they put them in and the platforms themselves are at or very near the same level as the deck just under the flight deck. I don't have any "awesome" shots showing the full tub, but you can see a little bit in this photo on Navsource's page for CV-16 Lexington. What you are seeing along the bulkhead inboard of the tub is helmets and canvas "flash covers" over ready service ammunition racks (out the outboard portion of the tub as well).

[Kazec]

Those two additional 40mm mounts were added to several ships during their 1944 refits. Lexington, Yorktown, and Intrepid got them , and yes they are a deck level lower than the catwalks and yes they brace into the hull. I have seen them incorrectly rendered so you were right to inquire. Check reference photos of these three ships (after the refits). I recall seeing many great photos of Lexington so you might start there, or maybe Tracy can pull one out of his archives and settle this inquiry once and for all. "The World Wonders"

If they were fitted on those more famous sisters, that would be easier for the research. Thanks for enlightening!

[Big Don]

I'm building 2 Essex Class carriers, the Essex 1943 and The Franklin. Here is my question. Are the mooring bits molded onto the kit scaled correctly? I will view Steve Larsen's build again and more photos, however I bet you guys already know the answer.

Thanks,


Don

[Tracy White]

Are you referring to the Trumpeter 1/350th kits?

[Big Don]

Yes...both kits are the Trumpeter kits

[Big Don]

Both 1/350 Trumpeter Kits

Don Clark

[Tracy White]

I cut off the bits and trashed the chocks... the bits just didn't look right to me (other than not leaning correctly I can't remember what specifically) and the chocks.... I just bought some of the Corsair Armada ones, but there are other sources as well now.

[PeteM]

A few months ago I reluctantly traded my Trumpeter 1/350 Yorktown away for another kit. I would like to build an Essex class carrier in a dazzle scheme and would like to re-acquire one but they seem to be few and far between. The CV-9 Essex kit is still readily available however. From the reviews I've found this kit can also build the Yorktown in 1943 (actually apparently more accurately than the Essex herself due to the catapults molded in the deck), but how close is it to the fit of the Yorktown when she wore the Ms-33 scheme (mid 1944)? I know she underwent a refit some time in mid 1944, but did this refit coincide with the painting of the ship into Ms-33 or did the painting occur prior?

And I haven't been able to determine exactly what the differences are between the two kits. Does anyone know?

[keithhufnagel]

Hello PeterM, CV-10 Yorktown was first painted into pattern 33-10a in May of 44'. There is some debate as to where' she was painted, either Pearl or Majuro, but this is irrelevant to 'when'. She refit in September of 44' at Bremerton(stateside) where she picked up a second stern Quad 40, 3 on the starboard side under the island, and 4 on the port side. She did loose 1 quad 40 however because her bridge was extended. The cutouts in the deck were filled in and the 2 existing quad 40s were lowered. She received her second catapult at this time. Her radar suite was drastically changed in locations and updated equipment. The hanger deck catapult and forward arresting gear were removed also. Her flight ops bridge was also rearranged(ladder located facing forward). She was re-painted at this time to the same pattern (with minor 'artistic' variations). She also lost the stern radio masts which were replaced with (2)single post antennae. There were additions to the number of 20MM guns and the replacement of the standard 'Ring-Sights' with the MK 14 sites. (this is the same sight used on the MK 51 gun director). There many other slight changes which most folks would probably never notice. However if you intend to model CV-10 Yorktown "prior" to her Sept. 44' refit using the CV-9 Essex kit there are a few things you need to know. You will have to add a hanger deck catapult, (for I believe Essex never had one ) and the forward arresting gear set up. Each ship of the Essex class ships were continually changing their electronics. Fortunately there are several great picts of Yorktown and Essex in all their suites including the early fit. You know, Essex CV-9 carried a camo pattern 32-6-10d from April 44 through late November of that same year. I believe the Trumpeter kit reflects this pretty well. However I am not the Essex expert. For that you might contact Chris Toops or Tracy White. If you decide to build an early CV-10 Yorktown I can be of great assistance to you. If you are looking simply for an early Essex Class ship I would recomend using the Essex kit. If you decide to build 'early' Yorktown as stated there might be a little more envolved. Tracy White is very familiar with the other Trumpeter kits (like Franklin etc.) and he might give you better advice as to modifiying those to get to where you want to go. I hope this helps and if I can be of assistance feel free to let me know. Hell I still have a pile of parts PE and plastic leftover that you are welcome to. Have fun Modeling!

[Adaks]

From the reviews I've found this kit can also build the Yorktown in 1943 (actually apparently more accurately than the Essex herself due to the catapults molded in the deck), but how close is it to the fit of the Yorktown when she wore the Ms-33 scheme (mid 1944)? I know she underwent a refit some time in mid 1944, but did this refit coincide with the painting of the ship into Ms-33 or did the painting occur prior?

Yorktown received dazzle camo in May 1944, when she was still in early configuration.
You can see her in his photo:

CV-10 during the Marianas operation

You can easily build her in this configuration from Trumpeter 05602 1/350 Essex kit (some changes in AA and radar fit are needed).
Kit 5602 has hangar cat and only starboard flightdeck cat (type H4), so it is more correct for early CV-10 than early CV-9.

[PeteM]

Thanks for the response Adaks. Would it be possible to get an idea of the specific differences in the AA and radars? I've looks at the photos I have found on line but I'm not all that good at photo interpretation. Thanks in advance.

[Adaks]

It is difficult to specify all needed changes mainly because I do not have many good photos from this period. But for sure:
- configuration of 20 mm gun galleries on island is wrong (of course for Yorktown in this period). CV-10 had got longer galleries with more guns. If I were you I would copy galleries from the kit 05603.
- radar fit: CV-10 had additional pole mast to port of the stack (for SG antenna probably). This mast had also yardarm.

[PeteM]

Sorry Keith somehow I missed your post (I assume using the computer at 6:30 in the morning may have something to do with that!). My main purpose for wanting to stick with the Yorktown instead of a different Essex is that while I traded my kit away I forgot to include a set of Gator's Masks for the Ms 33-10A scheme, so I still have it. And while I know that even that the fit depicted in kit wasn't entirely accurate for the time period in which she was in dazzle, it was close enough for me, and I'm fairly sure (although I may not be correct) that it was closer than any of the ships that wore the scheme. I am not a huge stickler as far as accuracy goes and that may be attributed to my fairly rudimentary scratch building skills. If the changes are pretty simple I'd be willing to take on the task of adapting the Essex kit. For the immediate future I'm still on the look out for a Yorktown kit but I haven't been able to find one for anywhere near a good price. I've got other projects that I can tackle in the mean time. Any further advice you can offer would be greatly appreciated.

[keithhufnagel]

Hello PeteM, I think I understand your situation now from your last post. I sounds like the Essex kit will work relatively as is, with just a few changes, for where you are trying to get to. I understand that the Essex kit already has the hanger deck catapult. That's good for you. The mainmast SG radar was relocated relatively early on forward of the stack on the port side near the 36" searchlight and the mainmast was left vacant. (Apparently the hot funnel gases interfered with the SGs' performance) However that's an easy fix. Otherwise I think all you need is to get a good reference book on Yorktowns' 20MM locations (tubs and quantities) Again it's is up to you how accurate you want to get. I recommend "Warship's Data 5, USS Yorktown", Warships Perspectives "Essex Class Carriers WWII", and of course Floating Drydocks' "Camouflage II Fleet Carriers", for her particulars. If I can be of further assistance let me know. Have fun!

[PeteM]

Thanks for the info Keith. I've already got the Warships Perspectives book and just ordered the Warships Data book. Now all I need is a kit!

[Adaks]

Thanks for the info Keith. I've already got the Warships Perspectives book and just ordered the Warships Data book. Now all I need is a kit!

Unfortunately photos of CV-10 from �first camo period� are rather rare. Warship's Data 5 is the best single reference for Yorktown. On page 25 you will find good photo of island from this period. Radar fit and masts are cleary visible. Happy modelling !

[keithhufnagel]

Hello PeteM, Warships Data 5 has wonderful photos that shows Yorktown's June 44' radar suite (pg. 25 and 32) and in Camo. There is also a great 2 page drawing of her original fit. Do however disregard the drawing of her camouflage pattern which shows 33-3a by mistake. . .oops! There is another good photo of Yorktown on pg. 60 showing the time you are interested in except the caption is incorrect . . . it should read summer 44' probably at Majuro. There are several mistakes in the book but on the whole very interesting especially for post-war details. Hope this helps!

[PeteM]

Keith, that sounds exactly like what I'll need. And I found an Essex kit yesterday on E-Bay, $85 shipped from Hong Kong. Not too bad I thought.

[Adaks]

Keith is right � photo on page 36 showing the same radar suite. But be careful with drawing. It is showing ship in 1943. As I said before in 1944 (or in the end of 1943) CV-10 received more 20 mm guns. Of course it is your decision if you want to fix it.

[PeteM]

Thanks again guys. When I get the Yorktown book I'll take a look and see if I can figure out the differences between the kit and the fit I'm looking to model. Hopefully it won't be too complicated. One other question for now. At this point in her career did her air wing still contain SBD's or had they switched over to SB2C's by this time?