Scale: 1/525

Recommended to help build USS Bunker Hill CV-17 from:
Lindberg 1/525 USS Yorktown CV-10 
Lindberg 1/525 USS Yorktown CV-10 
Lindberg 1/525 USS Lexington 'BLUE GHOST' Aircraft Carrier 
Lindberg 1/525 USS Wasp CV-18 
 
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 item may not be copied or recast.