1/700 USS Theodore Roosevelt CVN-71
Construction: The kit was the Trumpeter’s carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt which was the Nimitz class carrier used by the U.S Navy and is still operational. The plastic sprues are well molded a good and satisfying detail by Trumpeter manufacturers. The kit came with a squadron of F-14 Tomcats and other generic U.S Navy such as Seahawk Helicopters, Vikings, Prowlers and Hawkeye. The construction was overall nice and easy a bit of sprues fittings here and there wasn’t a major issue. The final phase of construction was executed using PE generic USN Modern railings and applies into position of the build.
Painting Work : Since the paint guide and the modern carrier has superb references given it is a modern ship compared to harder to find reference for older WWII battleship it was and out of the box painting work. Since it was going to be built as a water base diorama the base was carved using sandwich board Styrofoam and layers of modelling paste is applied onto it depicted waves. As the final decals were applied onto the carrier the base in coloured in pacific blue schemes. Coating of Liquetex layer is applied onto the layer to have a shinny water effect. The diorama depicts two F-14 launched by the catapult together with smoke effect and 1/700 crew figures from Eduard pre coloured inserted.
Conclusion : Overall I am satisfied with the whole diorama a certain improvements can be made on the water waves but as a whole it was a great finish considering less than a few days was required to finish it before handing over to its new owner.
9 additional images. Click to enlarge.
Craig Abrahamson said on August 29, 2018
Outstanding build, sir...your attention to detail is superb. Very nice work..!
Mee Wan said on August 30, 2018
thanks !
Tom Cleaver said on August 29, 2018
Just amazing that this is 1/700. This is an incredible piece of very realistic work.
Mee Wan said on August 30, 2018
thanks !
Ulf Lundberg said on August 30, 2018
Nice! I really like how you weathered the deck.
Mee Wan said on August 30, 2018
thanks ! its basically not hard just a little spray of dark grey and tamiya panel line technique.
bob mack said on August 30, 2018
great stuff man
Mee Wan said on August 30, 2018
thanks !
gary sausmikat said on August 30, 2018
Man! Hard to believe it could get any better. Well done!
Mee Wan said on August 30, 2018
thanks !
Greg Kittinger said on August 30, 2018
Well done! The detail work to all the aircraft really help set it off.
Mee Wan said on August 30, 2018
thanks
Robert Royes said on August 30, 2018
Very realistic!
Mee Wan said on August 30, 2018
thanks !
Peter Hausamann said on August 30, 2018
Very impressive piece of modelling you have created Mee Wan. Love the detail, and how the water looks.
Hope you don't mind me saying, there is one part that puzzled me. The far port side jet, taking off with steam trail; how did he get passed the jet on his starboard side.
Mee Wan said on August 30, 2018
thanks !... only after the launch of the other f-14..that the taxi f14 extend its wing =)
Peter Hausamann said on August 30, 2018
Okay, thanks.
Even so, it sure is a beautiful model. I have to say, that the water, surface chop, and the whitewash is the best I have ever seen. Looks very real.
Thanks for sharing.
Jeff Bailey said on August 30, 2018
Really well done, Mee Wan!
Peter raises a good question regarding the F-14 directly beside the rear launching plane ... getting past that one with extended wings might be a bit tricky.
Otherwise - another GREAT sea scene!
Mee Wan said on August 30, 2018
thanks !… only after the launch of the other f-14..that the taxi f14 extend its wing =)
David Humphreys said on August 30, 2018
Great work. Always difficult to portray a typically busy flight deck. Well done!
Mee Wan said on August 30, 2018
thanks !
Richard Mcstay said on September 11, 2018
I’ve just seen this article mate... it’s amazing! It takes a master to create this in that scale! There’s so much to look at, fantastic workmanship!
Michael Dwyer said on February 3, 2020
Wonderful work ! I’m new to modeling ... basic question: wanted to know if the Eduard flight crew come pre- painted and how did you secure them to the deck also the planes and handling equipment thanks much...
Mike
Mee Wan said on February 4, 2020
yes the came pre painted i used super gel glue to stick the crew ...with very tiny amount ...thanks for the comments
Michael Dwyer said on March 25, 2020
Question: the plane kits wings don’t seem to have a folding option ... how did you achieve this?
Thanks
Michael Dwyer said on February 13, 2020
Thank you for your time to reply ... incredible work !