1:350 USS Constellation CV-64 part 5 - island

USS Constellation CV-64 1:350, an Eduard photo-etched set, part 5, the island superstructure

A photo-etched detail set from the Czech manufacturer Eduard for a model of the American aircraft carrier USS Constellation CV-64 in 1:350 scale. It is the fifth part of a whole line: each part of the line answers a different assembly of the ship, and this one, according to the name, concentrates on the island superstructure, that is the command and control tower on the starboard side of the flight deck. The superstructure is the most closely watched place on a model of an aircraft carrier, full of platforms, railings, ladders, antennas and masts that injection-molded plastic can show only roughly. Etched metal has a realistic thickness and brings the whole model markedly to life. It is not a model of the ship but an accessory for a kit you already own.

The real subject

The USS Constellation CV-64 was an American Kitty Hawk class aircraft carrier with conventional propulsion, commissioned in 1961 and decommissioned in 2003. It belonged to the first generation of large postwar carriers with an angled flight deck and steam catapults. The island superstructure was a compact tower on the starboard side on which the bridge, air traffic control, radars and communication equipment were concentrated, so as to leave the flight deck as clear as possible.

Tips for working with photo-etched parts

Railings and platforms call for a calm hand and good light. Separate the parts with a sharp knife on a hard surface and make the folds in a bending tool; bend long strips of railing in sections, so that they do not twist. Glue with cyanoacrylate laid on in a minimal amount, because any excess will creep between the stanchions and the detail will disappear. It works well to stick the etched parts on after the base color of the hull and the superstructure has been sprayed and to touch them in with a brush afterward. Before the final matting, secure the model against handling, because the thin etched elements are fragile. For a display case a stand that lifts the ship and lets the decks come into their own suits well.

Who the set is for

• Builders of aircraft carrier models in 1:350 scale
• Modelers after a faithful superstructure with railings and platforms
• Experienced builders used to fine etched parts and to working with tweezers
• Competition modelers and collectors of large ship models

This is an accessory to a plastic kit. The kit, glue and paints are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.