Calling all Essex-class (WWII configuration) fans

[Mark McKinnis]

The Trumpeter Ticonderoga kit should be good for what you want to do. Nautilus does a wood flight deck that has the notch in the deck port side forward that both Tico and Hancock got commissioned with for a director that they never got for a more interesting look.

The Essex Kit should support a pre June 1944 Intrepid in a MS-32/3a scheme before she got her second catapult. Check your references for the configuration of the radars/masts for Intrepid. I think that there were some differences from Essex but I am not sure.

Trumpeter does a Hancock that could be done in MS-21 or MS-22.

I like the idea of doing the Essex in MS-21 with Hellcats, Dauntless, and Avengers; Ticonderoga in MS-33/10a with Hellcats, Helldivers, and Avengers ; and a Bunker Hill in what ever she was wearing when she had Corsairs, Helldivers, and Avengers. That way I will represent the 3 basic airwings that the Essex Class carried, the differences in paint schemes, and short vs. long hull. They will be joined by a 1/350 SCB-27A that I am building of Kearsarge with a Korean War look and airwing.

I will be interested in seeing your builds!

Good Luck,
Mark

[denstore]

The Trumpeter Ticonderoga kit should be good for what you want to do. Nautilus does a wood flight deck that has the notch in the deck port side forward that both Tico and Hancock got commissioned with for a director that they never got for a more interesting look.

The Essex Kit should support a pre June 1944 Intrepid in a MS-32/3a scheme before she got her second catapult. Check your references for the configuration of the radars/masts for Intrepid. I think that there were some differences from Essex but I am not sure.

Trumpeter does a Hancock that could be done in MS-21 or MS-22.

I like the idea of doing the Essex in MS-21 with Hellcats, Dauntless, and Avengers; Ticonderoga in MS-33/10a with Hellcats, Helldivers, and Avengers ; and a Bunker Hill in what ever she was wearing when she had Corsairs, Helldivers, and Avengers. That way I will represent the 3 basic airwings that the Essex Class carried, the differences in paint schemes, and short vs. long hull. They will be joined by a 1/350 SCB-27A that I am building of Kearsarge with a Korean War look and airwing.

I will be interested in seeing your builds!

Good Luck,
Mark

Thanks!

I will probably stick with the two first ones. And they will probably not be started for a couple of years yet. Need to finish my Hornet and Saratoga first. And possibly some CVE and CVL in between....
By the time I have all these finished, we will possibly have a Midway class that I can mess up in a Korea-scheme.

[nosredna13]

All,

I have been viewing these forums and site for years, but now I have decided to tackle my first warship since I was in my late teens. I have the Dragon Essex kit and was wanting to build her during the 1st Truk raid in Feburary, 44. Alot of questions have already been answered as I have read through the thread, but I have a few questions and I am sure Tracy, Steve and others can answer some of them.

1) I know she had CAG-9 onboard with VF9, VB9, & VT9. Looking through this massive thread, it had been mentioned that this particular airgroup stayed in the two-tone scheme that it came on board with in early 1943. I am assuming that the planes did recieve the bars on the insignia in mid '43. Is that correct? Also, could have replacement aircraft that were brought on board been in the tri-color scheme? After reading what has been posted about planes not being repainted unless they were heavily overhauled, is it right to assume that there might have been a mix onboard?

2) Looking at the builder and shakedown photos of the ship on Navsource and Raven's book, it appears part E-12 on the bridge should not be modified per the instuctions, but left alone. Looking at drawings and other ships in the class, it appears to have the searchlights and maybe 20mm AA guns up there. Is that correct?

3) It always seems that when you want to model a specific object at a specific time (I am a model railroader also, I have the same issues there also) that your reference material gets real thin. Is there a good source for the Essex in late '43 or early '44 that show the airgroup or the ship in general? I am assuming her paint was fairly weather beaten at that point and just trying to get a feel for her external material contition at this point in time.

Thanks in advance.

[Tracy White]

1) I know she had CAG-9 onboard with VF9, VB9, & VT9. Looking through this massive thread, it had been mentioned that this particular airgroup stayed in the two-tone scheme that it came on board with in early 1943. I am assuming that the planes did recieve the bars on the insignia in mid '43. Is that correct? Also, could have replacement aircraft that were brought on board been in the tri-color scheme? After reading what has been posted about planes not being repainted unless they were heavily overhauled, is it right to assume that there might have been a mix onboard?

Give this a look-see: http://www.researcheratlarge.com/Ships/ ... /CV-9.html

2) Looking at the builder and shakedown photos of the ship on Navsource and Raven's book, it appears part E-12 on the bridge should not be modified per the instuctions, but left alone. Looking at drawings and other ships in the class, it appears to have the searchlights and maybe 20mm AA guns up there. Is that correct?

Mine's packed away, but from the instructions posted in Tim's review it looks like you're referring to the platforms outboard of the funnel. If so, yes, they should not be removed. However, what I can't quite make out is if they need to be modified... there were search lights in the front and 20mms to the rear in a somewhat-separate tub. The early ships all had it, so look at pretty much any of the ships through 1944 for inspiration.

3) It always seems that when you want to model a specific object at a specific time (I am a model railroader also, I have the same issues there also) that your reference material gets real thin. Is there a good source for the Essex in late '43 or early '44 that show the airgroup or the ship in general? I am assuming her paint was fairly weather beaten at that point and just trying to get a feel for her external material contition at this point in time.

Not one comprehensive source. The link I posted earlier should help you with the air group composition and markings. There are good books on the class with photos of Essex, but they're not comprehensive. I'd suggest the Essex Class Carriers book by Alan Raven if you can find a copy with a palatable price: http://www.modelwarships.com/reviews/sh ... eview.html

Glenn Arnold's "Essex Class Carriers in World War Two" is a cheaper substitute:
http://www.shipcamouflage.com/images/wr ... _cover.jpg via http://www.shipcamouflage.com/wr_press.htm#WRPress

As you may have surmised, I've studied the ships quite a bit and you're welcome to ask further questions here.

[keithhufnagel]

Hello noseredna13, I suggest you view Chris Toops' CV-9 Essex (this site)/and/or contact him. He has been 'down the rabbit hole' with CV-9 Essex and could probably inform you as to anything you would need to know about the ship and it's aircraft, whether it be a/c markings ships's modifications and/or their dates. Plus he's a nice guy and would enjoy talking to you. Hope this helps!

[keithhufnagel]

Hello Lisec, my ref. info states (Floating Drydocks' Camouflage II) Hancock was repainted into Ms. 12 during her (PH) refit from April to June 1945. She also received her (5) starboard, and (2) portside 40mm quad mount updates as well as retaining her SK 'bedspring' antenna.(no dishes) Hope this helps!

[keithhufnagel]

Hello denstore, if your goal is to build Intrepid 32-3a from Essex, good luck! There would be substantial rework as to 40mm gun mounts, cats, bridge, etc., etc. I am familiar with the Yorktown and Essex kits, but you might check the Franklin kit with which I am unfamiliar with for the single stern 40mm and updated port and starboard 40mm batteries. Tracy White might be able to help you there. However, I think Ticonderoga 33-10a (no 40mm updates) might be a 'go' however. Check out "Floating Drydock's" Camouflage II. It has great facts and photos of most Essex Class configurations and histories. Hope this helps!

[nosredna13]

1) I know she had CAG-9 onboard with VF9, VB9, & VT9. Looking through this massive thread, it had been mentioned that this particular airgroup stayed in the two-tone scheme that it came on board with in early 1943. I am assuming that the planes did recieve the bars on the insignia in mid '43. Is that correct? Also, could have replacement aircraft that were brought on board been in the tri-color scheme? After reading what has been posted about planes not being repainted unless they were heavily overhauled, is it right to assume that there might have been a mix onboard?

Give this a look-see: http://www.researcheratlarge.com/Ships/ ... /CV-9.html

I looked at that yesterday before I posted and that is where my interest came from. I have been trying to find a good shot of any of the planes from that period of the ship and I have only found one of VF-9 at the end of their tour aboard the Essex and it appears to be two tone. Picture is here: http://www.ussessexcv9.org/images/USS%2 ... %20006.jpg I was wondering what paint scheme the replacements would have been through late 43 or early 44 would have been if brought aboard. It still seems strange that they would be two tone that late, but based on what you said earlier that the planes were not repainted unless they underwent a heavy overhaul. Mine will two tone unless I find some other visual evidence to the contrary.

2) Looking at the builder and shakedown photos of the ship on Navsource and Raven's book, it appears part E-12 on the bridge should not be modified per the instuctions, but left alone. Looking at drawings and other ships in the class, it appears to have the searchlights and maybe 20mm AA guns up there. Is that correct?

Mine's packed away, but from the instructions posted in Tim's review it looks like you're referring to the platforms outboard of the funnel. If so, yes, they should not be removed. However, what I can't quite make out is if they need to be modified... there were search lights in the front and 20mms to the rear in a somewhat-separate tub. The early ships all had it, so look at pretty much any of the ships through 1944 for inspiration.

Thanks for the verifying that for me. Raven's book seems to confirm that through the drawings and the builders photo of the Essex in the book.

3) It always seems that when you want to model a specific object at a specific time (I am a model railroader also, I have the same issues there also) that your reference material gets real thin. Is there a good source for the Essex in late '43 or early '44 that show the airgroup or the ship in general? I am assuming her paint was fairly weather beaten at that point and just trying to get a feel for her external material contition at this point in time.

Not one comprehensive source. The link I posted earlier should help you with the air group composition and markings. There are good books on the class with photos of Essex, but they're not comprehensive. I'd suggest the Essex Class Carriers book by Alan Raven if you can find a copy with a palatable price: http://www.modelwarships.com/reviews/sh ... eview.html

Glenn Arnold's "Essex Class Carriers in World War Two" is a cheaper substitute:
http://www.shipcamouflage.com/images/wr ... _cover.jpg via http://www.shipcamouflage.com/wr_press.htm#WRPress

As you may have surmised, I've studied the ships quite a bit and you're welcome to ask further questions here.

I have had Raven's book for I want to say 20 years or so. I was a teenager when my dad bought it for $21.95 and it is a prized part of my book collection. I just find it aggrivating that photo's of the Essex disappear after May 1943 until April 1944, but at least she stayed the same in that time period. It should be a fun build and more than likely will find the pictures I desire AFTER I have finished the model.

[nosredna13]

Hello noseredna13, I suggest you view Chris Toops' CV-9 Essex (this site)/and/or contact him. He has been 'down the rabbit hole' with CV-9 Essex and could probably inform you as to anything you would need to know about the ship and it's aircraft, whether it be a/c markings ships's modifications and/or their dates. Plus he's a nice guy and would enjoy talking to you. Hope this helps!

I have seen his Essex and it is a great build. Mine would be a time period of Febuary 1944 before she saw her yard work, which is the basis of Chris's model. The airgroup was different also when she redeployed. I had thought about the time period, but I wanted to try a different time period for her. That is why I chose February 19, 1944 and the Truk raid as the setting. Hamilton McWhorter, who was the first Hellcat ace, was part of VF-9 and downed 3 planes that day becoming a double ace being a bonus. It should be a fun, but I have already discovered that my old digital camera is not a good picture taker, so pictures may or may not be coming.

[nosredna13]

And then I find this picture on the Essex Association page: http://www.ussessexcv9.org/images/USS%2 ... %20036.jpg

It is the Essex in the period I am looking for and it does show the airgroup on board. When zoomed in, its hard to tell what they are painted, but it appears there are two tone in there and maybe some Tri-color. I wish I had a higher resolution picture to tell for sure. Oh well, its a good resource none the less.

[denstore]

Hello denstore, if your goal is to build Intrepid 32-3a from Essex, good luck! There would be substantial rework as to 40mm gun mounts, cats, bridge, etc., etc. I am familiar with the Yorktown and Essex kits, but you might check the Franklin kit with which I am unfamiliar with for the single stern 40mm and updated port and starboard 40mm batteries. Tracy White might be able to help you there. However, I think Ticonderoga 33-10a (no 40mm updates) might be a 'go' however. Check out "Floating Drydock's" Camouflage II. It has great facts and photos of most Essex Class configurations and histories. Hope this helps!

Hmmh, that wasn't what I wanted to hear...

So, what can be built from the Essex kit without too much modification, except the usual etch stuff? MS-21 isn't an option. So boring it will put me to sleep....

[Tracy White]

CV-12 Hornet... she wore dazzle and was fairly unchanged until June 1945... and the weathering options are there!
http://www.navsource.org/archives/02/12.htm

[denstore]

CV-12 Hornet... she wore dazzle and was fairly unchanged until June 1945... and the weathering options are there!
http://www.navsource.org/archives/02/12.htm

Thanks!
Lots of weathering! Wonderful!

[Tracy White]

I've got some close-ups of the bow here.

[denstore]

I've got some close-ups of the bow here.

Nice pics! Perfect for inspiration. Thanks!

[keithhufnagel]

Yes, Hornet CV-12, did carry the light version Ms33-3a (5-p, 5-h, and 5-n)and had a mostly original configuration (no 40mm updates, original hanger cat and extensions, original bridge, and single stern mounted 40mm). Her radars on the foremast (no mainmast) and 20mms are of course her own, as it was with most Essex Class ships. Also her flight deck colors and markings will need to be looked at as to time frame but there seems to be many great photos and info to reference. Hornet could be the solution to your aims and she is a 'Great Ship' with an outstanding battle record. Hope this helps!

[denstore]

Yes, Hornet CV-12, did carry the light version Ms33-3a (5-p, 5-h, and 5-n)and had a mostly original configuration (no 40mm updates, original hanger cat and extensions, original bridge, and single stern mounted 40mm). Her radars on the foremast (no mainmast) and 20mms are of course her own, as it was with most Essex Class ships. Also her flight deck colors and markings will need to be looked at as to time frame but there seems to be many great photos and info to reference. Hornet could be the solution to your aims and she is a 'Great Ship' with an outstanding battle record. Hope this helps!

Don�t know how I managed to miss your reply. But thanks!

[USS California BB44]

Does anyone have pictures of an Essex class hull before launching in the process of being constructed? I am toying with the idea of a shipyard diorama and want to include an Essex being built.

[Tracy White]

CV-16
http://wwiiarchives.net/servlet/photo/2757/860

[USS California BB44]

Super. Thank you.