Mrs Duster made an excellent choice for a Christmas gift Simon. Ranger is another one of my favorites. Although I don't have a model of her, I do have a print I purchased at the Naval Academy about ten years ago hanging in my Man Cave/Shipyard. It shows Ranger about 1937 with a couple of F3F's overhead.

You are correct about measure 22. She did not receive her dazzle paint job until the spring of 44 and it was short lived. Although she was little recognized for her war time service, mainly due to speed and protection issues, she paid for herself in lessons learned that would be later applied to the Yorktown and Essex Classes.

Sorry to hear about Intrepid. Was just thinking about what became of her just today as I was reading your posts on other threads.

Will be keeping an eye on this build, and if you have any questions, my library is extensive.

Si,

I purchased this kit last year because I like hulls that come in one piece. Watched a you-tube video by Andy's Hobbyshop on his assembly of the Ranger. He had a few tips on assembly and things to look out for.

So how do you not knock off the rudder during the rest of the assembly? I think I am being careful and next thing I know the darn thing is laying on the bench.

I am on board watching this one, making the popcorn now.

Mark

Simon: I have another print hanging on the den wall that is called Two Of A Kind, depicting Lexington and Saratoga operating together, as they often did, with a F4B overhead.

That inspired me to look at the Trumpeter Saratoga to see if it can be converted to Lexington about 1928, just after she was commissioned. Have not started the project yet, save the research. Mine will be in 1/700 though because I just do not have the space for a carrier in 1/350.

I think it is a shame that Trumpeter chose to model Lexington at Coral Sea, in a configuration she only had for about a month. I would think it better to give the builder the option, but then again I don't sell models, so what do I know.

Do hope that Ranger appears in 1/700 one of these days.

Si - Great start on what looks to be an fun build. I am along for the ride!!

Dave

Si, I will definitely be checking in on this build. Your work is always top notch and an inspiration for me to try new techniques and expand my skills.

Following along with interest Si...

Never one to stand still for long

PS. What's the story with Intrepid?

Si,

Nice paint job. Is that a thumb print on the end of the hanger deck?

Mark

Si - nice progress, your speed of builds and ability to juggle multiple builds always amazes me. Im lucky if I can walk and chew bubble gum at the same time.

Nice work on the paint job, looking forward to seeing her as she progresses.

Dave

Simon: When you get to the point with Ranger, where the hull is complete and the flight deck on, and all that is needed is to add the island, sit back in your chair, hold the model in front of you and take a look at what Ranger was supposed to look like as designed. Don't know why but the island was a last minute (so to speak) design change, and I have never known who prompted it. The aviators would rather have a pure flat top as we see in Langley, and the canceled United States (CV58), so I suppose it must have been the people who had to run the ship. Never found out for certain though.

Well Simon if you are in the mood for even more Ranger trivia, I bet you did not know that two Ranger pilots Tex Hill and Ed Rector who later became AVG (Flying Tiger) aces flew dive bombers off Ranger during the Neutrality Patrol days of 40 and 41.

Ah,The Old Covered Wagon. I think you are in for a boat load (pardon the pub) with Langley, going only by the girder structure that supports he flight deck. No matter what the decal sheet says don't apply the letter designation for Langley on the flight deck. She never had one, making her unique from the rest of our pre-war carriers, including Hornet.

I will be willing to bet that Trumpeter provides the PE for the girders and offers no plastic option.