by Han-Pinn, Ong
1/350 USS Hornet CV-8 (Trumpeter)
For some time, I have always wanted to build a 1/350 scale model of a USS Hornet as one of its mission was the most unique compared with its contemporaries - During the Doolittle Raid in April 1942. This did not happen until I finally bought this model kit in late Oct 2007, which by chance happened to coincide with the 65th anniversary of the sinking of this aircraft carrier during WW2 - on the 26th Oct 1942.
Historically, the Doolitle Raid was a very significant event in the Pacific War of WW2 and it was also a major turning point in America's involvement in WW2. After the Dec'1941 attacks on Pearl Harbour, America was 'forced' to enter WW2 and the Doolittle Raid of Apr'1942 was the first event in which US bombers bombed Tokyo with the help of the USS Hornet. There were 16 US Army Mitchell B-25 bombers loaded on the USS Hornet which were transported to about 600miles off the shore of Japan before these 16 planes took off to bomb Tokyo. Although the Hornet saw a few months action prior to be sunken, it participated in the major sea battles that helped to turn the tide of the Pacific War and the ultimate victory of the Allied Forces.
With some research done and construction spread more than a year, I have finally managed to complete building this 1/350 scale replica of the USS Hornet( Trumpeter ). I must say that this Trumpeter kit is quite a value-for-money brand after reading all the reviews and finally owning this kit myself!
During the building process, besides just making this model straight out of the box, I have also acquired photo-etched details for the 1/350 scale USS Hornet from both TOM's Modelworks and Eduard and I must say that these 2 sets of PE parts overlap each other but at the same time, they compliment each other too! In addition, I also got railings and ladder PE-details for 1/350 US& UK ships from Lionroar which in turns compliments the Eduard and TOM's PE-sets which I got previously. I also used the GMM 1/350 B-25 decals for Doolittle Raid on the 16 B-25 bombers. The results is amazing on both the ship itself and these 16 bombers. I have also used some creativity on the colouring of these 16 B-25s to make each of them look different!
I would say that with the 16 US Army Bombers on its flight deck during the Doolittle Raid, the USS Hornet surely look the very unique amongst all the other aircraft carriers of WW2!
