This is a completely 3D printed ship model produced by SSmodels in China. Positive experiences with 3D printed aircraft detail parts made me want to try a complete 3D kit. I chose Pensacola because it’s not super complicated and the inter war “treaty cruisers” were interesting ships that were used hard in WW2. As you can see, the detail is amazing. Check out the Seagull aircraft that feature rigging and canopy framing. The functional anchor chain is incredible.

All that said, I do have some questions for my more experienced 3D printing model friends. The hull has a slight bow. Can I immerse this in hot water to straighten it out? The hull also has a crack on one side. I’m guessing CA should work on this once I get the hull straightened. Another thing I noticed is that the barbette/turret seating depressions have what appears to be a light fluid in them. It’s similar to mold release agent, but I thought 3D parts didn’t need this. Is it uncured resin? Will a wash fix it?

18 attached images. Click to enlarge.

That was weird. I reloaded, John.

Thanks for adding the pictures, John @j-healy
That's an impressive kit, lots of details indeed.
My experience to 3D printing material is close to zero. How about trying all this a non used piece of material.

this looks pretty interesting - I personally cannot see to build in this scale, even with my bureaucrat-installed new eyeballs.

Good to hear the hull leveld out nicely, John @j-healy
Removing those tiny parts from all those support struts must be a lot of work.

I spent some time in the shipyard this morning. CA filled the large gash on the port side of the hull. A quick primer blast revealed that some Mr. Surfacer and more sanding will be needed to get the hull to an acceptable place. I also primed the deck areas that will be majority teak. Once the hull is finished, construction can begin in earnest. And oh yeah, I decided to assemble some F9Fs for my stalled out USS Valley Forge.

7 attached images. Click to enlarge.

Thanks John. Each sprue contains two planes, one with wings folded, one extended. I’m going to need the majority of the planes with folded wings. I scored the extended wings and folded them up and glued five of them. I’m doing the same with Skyraiders. I’ll also need to scrounge up some Corsairs. The ship will end up with about 40 planes on deck. Building this 1/700 air wing is the main reason I’ve procrastinated finishing it.