top of page

Scale: 1/350.  Note: photos in the carousel show the island in 1/700 scale. The actual 1/350 scale model has identical features but is twice the size of the model shown.

 

Recommended to help build a more accurate USS Bunker Hill CV-17 from any "short-hull" Essex-class kit:

  • Trumpeter 1/350 scale USS Essex CV-9
  • Trumpeter 1/350 scale USS Yorktown CV-10
  • Trumpeter 1/350 scale USS Franklin CV-13
  • and more!

 

This model represents the as-built island of the Essex-class aircraft carrier USS Bunker Hill CV-17, the "short bridge" configuration, as it appeared circa May, 1943 through November, 1944.  Essex-class islands during this time carried three Bofors tubs, two forward and one aft. 

The island was in this configuration during work-ups with fighter squadron VF-17, equipped with the early "birdcage" F4U-1 Corsair.  This is how the island appeared during raids on Rabaul, Kavieng, the Gilbert Islands, the Marshall Islands, Truk, the Marianas and the Caroline Islands.  In this configuration, she participated in the Battle of the Philippine Sea, remembered as the "Great Marianas Turkey Shoot", followed by raids on Luzon, Formosa and Okinawa.  In November, 1944, she arrived at Bremerton, Washington where she received significant modifications including the removal of the forward Bofors mount, a larger pilot house and additional Bofors mounts fit to the hull.  

Bunker Hill did NOT have the configuration represented by this 3D-printed model when she was severely damaged by kamikaze attacks on May 11, 1945. 

This design captures features specific to USS Bunker Hill, differing from other 3D-printed Essex class aircraft carrier island designs available separately.


Features:

  • fully assembled
  • scaled dimensions match official US Navy Booklet of General Plans drawings for USS Antietam CV-36, as well as scaled drawings by John Roberts appearing in "Anatomy of the Ship: The Aircraft Carrier Intrepid", with details adjusted to match 1943-early 1945 photos of USS Bunker Hill CV-17
  • accurately shaped, detailed and positioned doors of three different types with chevron-shaped rain deflector detail (most doors are positioned open)
  • accurately sized and positioned open portholes with rigol ("eyebrow") details
  • accurately shaped decks and catwalks
  • deck supporting structure details accurately positioned as confirmed by photos of the real ships
  • open battle lookouts
  • subtly curved funnel caps
  • open uptakes completely through the island, with correct bend in rear uptake
  • open flag lockers
  • accurate exterior cabling detail
  • Bofors tubs spent shell casing chutes
  • formation lights on searchlight platform splinter shield
  • funnel access scuttle
  • exterior steam pipes for ship's whistles
  • starboard-side incinerator pipe
  • venturi (wind deflector) on air defense deck splinter shield
  • subtle, raised locator discs on decks and platforms to aid on the placement of 40mm Bofors mounts, 20mm Oerlikon guns and searchlights (Bofors, Oerlikons and searchlights are not included)
  • integrated tripod mast with ship's bell

 

Please see ShipCamouflage.com for painting guidance (click here).

 

This model is scaled to represent the features of the actual ship based on the best, authoritative references available.  It is NOT a 3D-printed copy of any metal, plastic or resin kit's parts therefore it may be sized and shaped differently than the parts in your plastic or resin kit.  Some adjustment to your kit's parts or other aftermarket sets such as photo etch or wood decks may be needed for best fit.
 

© Model Monkey LLC.  This 3D-printed product may not be copied or recast.

1/350 USS Bunker Hill CV-17 Island, May 1943 - November 1944

SKU: 350-CV17 Island 1943-1944
$65.00Price
    Product Page: Stores_Product_Widget
    bottom of page