Scale: 1/700

Recommended to help build USS Lexington CV-16 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 island of the Essex class aircraft carrier USS Lexington CV-16, the "short bridge" configuration, as it appeared circa February, 1944 through March, 1945, following modifications made at Bremerton, Washington.  Lexington's island was in this configuration during the Battle of the Philippine Sea, also remembered as the "Great Marianas Turkey Shoot".

Changes from her as-built configuration include an additional port-side catwalk connecting the flag bridge to the flag locker platform, and her island's starboard-side Oerlikon platforms were enlarged to provide positions for three Mk.51 directors associated with three new Bofors tubs fit the starboard side of the hull below the island.

This design captures features specific to USS Lexington, 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 1944-1945 photos of USS Lexington CV-16
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
venturis (wind deflectors) on navigating bridge splinter shield and 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
 
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.