USS Essex

by Model Shipways

Scale

1:76 (OO)

Construction

Plank-on-Bulkhead

Skill level

5 / 6

Status

Available

Dimensions (mm)

27 × 5.25 × 8

Prototype ship: USS Essex

We've designed our kit as an admiralty model to show off the incredibly rich detail of its decks, furnishings, and fittings. The Model Shipways kit is relatively easy to build with plank-on-bulkhead construction, thanks to its 20 sheets of CAD-assisted laser-cut basswood parts, which come in a variety of thicknesses from 1/32” to 3/16”. Fine basswood is also used for hull and deck planking. An unusual feature of this model is that the fully detailed gun deck is left visible for dramatic exhibition through the partially planked main deck. A host of fittings ensures that the model you'll build is authentic to the last detail, and a separate mini-kit ship’s boat embellishes the appearance. Masterfully cast Britannia metal guns are miniature versions of the original armament. Brass nails, eyebolts, Belaying Pins, and split rings are correctly scaled, and a photo-etched sheet of detailed parts adds the finishing touches. Although this Admiralty model does not have full-size spars or sails, some rigging elements are included. Five diameters of rigging line are used, and deadeyes, blocks, and bullseyes are ready-to-use hardwood. Six sheets of plans with parts identifier, a clearly written instruction manual of over 100 pages guarantee a great modeling experience.