by Bruce Bogdan
1/540 USS Saratoga CV-60 (Revell)
I have not built a model in 15+ years and this model was supposed to be my practice "return to modeling" model, but I seem to have decided to make it a show piece if I can. I have purchased the Gold Medal Models photoetch set, Starfighter Decals markings for the Saratoga and another set for the attached air wing embarked on "Sara's" last cruise, and various modeling accessories that I was going to build up "over time". Over time turned out to be about a month which made my wife quite happy (not). The kit was actually Revell's Forrestal but since I could get the decals for the air wing I decided to transform it into the Saratoga. This required some modifications to the sponsons but everything else seems to be somewhat the same.
When I started I intended to practice techniques and not do a real good job. I scribed the catapult groves freehand and then drilled tie down holes in the flight deck (what a pain) with a pin vice. Half way through the holes I decided that this was too much work for just practice so I decided to be more serious. Unfortunately the freehand catapult groves were already done, but they don't look too bad for all that. Although Revell passed the kit as a post SLEP Forrestal they did not modernize the flight deck shape. I added a modern extension to the port side using styrene.
This was my first ever use of Photoetch, my first water diorama, first double action airbrush (nice) and a lot of fun. And I am quite pleased with the result.
My brother kept wanting to see how things were going so I made a web page where all my pictures are: http://www.smart-site.net/Bruce/Models/Saratoga/index.htm
