1st USS Essex Class ship by Dragon Models!
Finally, a 1:700 USS Essex kit worthy of this great carrier! This kit is sure to become an instant favorite. All of the great features are listed below including a world's first 1:700 photo etched deck crew!
Main Features:
- Authentic 1:700 scale model of the USS Essex in its original form in 1943-1944
- Option of either a waterline version or a full hull version
- Display stand included
- Detailed Hangar deck with interior details
- Contains parts so all hull-side doors can be modeled in an open, half-open or closed position
- Flight deck elevators can be posed as raised or lowered
- Finely detailed bridge superstructure (all one piece)
- Slide-molded 5-inch twin turrets (Slide mold technology -- see below for a description of this technique)
- Different types of radar provided, including YE Homing Beacon, SC Radar, SK Radar and Mk37 Director
- Super detailed anti-aircraft guns including 5-inch .38 Caliber Single Open Mount, Quadruple 40mm Bofors and Single 20mm Qerlikon
- Onboard aircraft consisting of SBD Dauntless, F6F Hellcat and TBF/M Avenger are conveniently constructed in transparent plastic
- Cartograf decals offer 2 marking schemes, plus air group and national insignia
- 1:700 photo-etched deck crew --Worlds First!
- Deck-edge elevator can be positioned up or down
- Plastic and photo-etched options for safety net
- BONUS A transparent flight deck is provided to show off the carrier's finely detailed interior
About the USS Essex:
The USS Essex belonged to a powerful class of 27,100 ton aircraft carriers built during the Second World War. Originally commissioned on the final day of 1942, it sailed to the Pacific to take part in combat there. After involvement in various campaigns in the Pacific it was damaged by a Japanese Kamikaze attack on 25 November, 1944 off the Philippines. The carrier was able to carry on in combat, and went on to support the vital American landings on Iwo Jima and Okinawa. Its final decommissioning occurred in 1969.
Dragon Slide Mold Technology:
Beginning with computer aided design right through to molding, the whole slide mold process is computerized. It allows us to create large pieces without the need to create them as separate parts. The result is a perfectly accurate scale replica of the original without multiple seams (and major finishing work for modellers).
By utilizing this technology, we can manufacture parts that are more detailed and complex. 3-D shapes, hollow tubes and barrels, one-piece muzzle brakes are now a reality! This results in convenience and ease for you, with parts that are accurately aligned and shaped.
