| The USS Nimitz was the lead ship of a
new class of supercarrier that would soon come to dominate the sea lanes
around the world. These Nuclear powered Aircraft carriers are the largest
warships ever built. They were built to operate 90 aircraft of different
types as virtual floating air bases. When there is trouble in the region,
it is these supercarriers that are sent in to project US Air power into
the hots spots around the world.
This new kit from Trumpeter is more than just a reboxing with new art
work. It included many new parts to reflect the changes the after a 2001
refit. It also includes a new modern airwing. |
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| HULL PARTS |
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| This kit is designed much like the larger
350 scale version. The kit is molded with a full lower hull or waterline
insert molded in red plastic. The upper hull is nicely molded and has very
nice surface detailing. The shape looks very much like the real Nimitiz
and the changes that were made to the larger version have been incorporated
into this smaller kit. Some of these parts are actually more to scale than
the larger version. |
Click images
to enlarge |
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| FLIGHT DECK |
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| The flight deck is molded as a single piece with lots of surface detail.
The aircraft tie down points are well done. My one complaint is the aircraft
deck markings are molded onto the deck. However some might prefer this
as it helps with decal placement. |
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| This kit includes a bonus clear flight deck option in case
you want to show off the detailed hanger deck. A clear hanger deck part
is included as well. I'm not sure why as there is nothing below the hanger
deck to display. However these are extra parts and it is up to the modeler
to decide if they want to use these clear parts of the gray plastic versions.
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| SPRUE A |
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| Elevators have some nice details molded on both sides. The hanger bay
doors have some nice frames. |
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| SPRUE B |
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| Molding on this sprue features some very fine parts. |
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| SPRUE C |
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| Superstructure and hull parts are molded on this sprue. |
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| SPRUE D |
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| More very fine parts on this sprue. |
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| SPRUE E |
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| More very fine parts on this sprue. |
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| SPRUE F |
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| This is the equivalent of a weapons sprue. The many fittings applied
to the ships are included. |
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| SPRUE P |
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| The main island superstructure is molded in clear plastic so the bridge
windows can be shown clear. This is a nice touch, and gives the modeler
another way to detail the ship. One thing this part may allow you to do
is create a lighted #68 for the island. |
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| SPRUE S |
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| This sprue is new for this kit and includes some different platforms,
fittings and masts parts. |
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| SPRUE R |
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| Another new sprue with some newer bridge parts specific to the late
Nimitz. |
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| DISPLAY BASE |
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| Not only do you get an option to build the ship full hull
or waterline, but you get the option to display it either way also. A full
hull base is molded in black to set your ship on. If you wish to display
it in the waterline mode, a nice clear base is provided with a nice wave
and wake pattern.
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| AIRCRAFT |
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| The aircraft in this kit are molded in clear plastic to
allow you to mask off the canopy before painting. This ensures a clear
glass canopy appearance. |
| F/A-18F Super Hornet (3 sprues with 2 aircraft each). Includes
separate vertical stabilizers, landing gear, and drop tanks. |
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| F/A-18E Super Hornet (3 sprues with 2 aircraft each). Includes
separate vertical stabilizers, landing gear, and drop tanks. |
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| F/A-18C (3 sprues with 2 aircraft each). Includes separate
vertical stabilizers, landing gear, and drop tanks. |
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| EA-6B (2 sprues with 2 aircraft each).Includes separate vertical
stabilizers, landing gear, and ECM pods. |
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| E2C Hawkeye (2 sprues with 1 aircraft each). Includes separate
engine pods, propellers, landing gear, tail surfaces, and radome. |
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| SH-60F Ocean Hawk (1 sprues with 2 aircraft each). Includes
separate landing gear, and tail rotor with one folded and one deployed
main rotor. |
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| MH-60F Pave Hawk (1 sprues with 2 aircraft each). Includes separate
landing gear, and tail rotor with one folded and one deployed main rotor. |
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| PHOTO ETCH |
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| A simple photo etch fret is included with the stern grill
assembly, and the radio antenna. A length of fine brass wire is included
to fabricate some of the finer details. |
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| DECALS |
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| Two decal sheets are included, one for the ship and one
for the aircraft. The decals are pretty good, with deck markings and plenty
of markings for the aircraft including squadron markings. Deck stripe markings
are provided as white dashed lines. The elevator markings are done in black
and the elevator opening stripes are done in white. The decals are sharply
rendered and you wont have to replace these. The aircraft marking include
the squadrons operating aboard the carrier in 2005. |
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| INSTRUCTIONS |
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| A 20 page instruction booklet is included to guide you
through a step by step assembly process. The parts are all called out and
placement is well illustrated throughout.
Two nice B sized color sheet is included with camouflage markings for
the ship and aircraft. Paint colors and squadron markings are called out
as well. |
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| Conclusions: |
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This is kit #TSM-5739 1/700 USS Nimitz CVN68 Aircraft Carrier
(2005) with a suggested list price of only $89.95. A fair price for a carrier
as nicely detailed as this. You may not agree, but simply compare the kit
with those that are currently on the market. It has twice as many sprues
as any other modern carrier.
Thanks to Stevens
International for the review sample. They are the exclusive importer
for Trumpeter kits in the US. If your hobby shop does not carry Trumpeter
kits have them contact Stevens
International or try their Hobby Shop Locator to find one. |
