Scale: 1/350

Recommended for the Trumpeter 1/350 scale USS Saratoga CV-3.

This model represents the funnel of celebrated aircraft carrier USS Saratoga CV-3 as it appeared from her commissioning in 1928 through 1940.  It has features unique to Saratoga, different than those of sistership USS Lexington CV-2 during this period.

Features:
accurately dimensioned from US Navy Booklet of General Plans drawings
accurate elliptical shape, not slab-sided a some plastic kits are, and the 01 level is wider aft
detail shapes and locations confirmed by careful study of photographs of the actual ship
open smoke pipes, accurately sized and properly sloped and compartmented, passing all the way through
properly sized and accurately shaped secondary conning station/aviation control station with open windows
steam whistles of the correct configuration for Saratoga
open drying room vents just below the funnel cap
funnel cap roof has the correct complex curve - plastic kit manufacturers get this shape wrong
funnel cap roof access hatches
access hatches on the roof of the fresh water tank (the boxy structure on the 01 level forward of the stack)
starboard side searchlight platforms positioned at the correct height for Saratoga (Lexington's were higher)
gently curved port and starboard side catwalks with delicate supporting structure (unlike Lexington, which has only the starboard side catwalk)
accurate aft 8" fire control station "fighting top" on the funnel with open windows
detailed, internal, twin 8" Mount #3 barbette and associated bulkheads with open scuttles which will be visible through:
accurately positioned doors of the correct configuration, most in the open position
open portholes (airports) properly sized and located
delicate exterior electrical cabling, properly positioned and routed
heavy structural supports included
light structural supports, railings and ladders omitted, ready for your favorite photoetch
separate starboard side boat deck with delicate support columns
 
Saratoga Air Group Aircraft Identification Colors and Markings, 1928-1940:
Tail Surfaces: entire fin and rudder painted in "Black" to signify the aircraft belonged to the USS Saratoga Air Group.
Wings: The upper surfaces of the top wings were painted "Orange-Yellow" (often called "Chrome Yellow") for high visibility if an aircraft went down at sea.  "Orange-Yellow" was a rich, golden-yellow color with a slight orange tint, often matched to modern FS 13538.  The bottom of wings was typically painted Aluminum Lacquer.
Fuselage: Generally left in Natural Metal (aluminum) or painted with Light Gray or Aluminum Lacquer. 
Squadron Section Markings: individual squadrons and sections were further differentiated by colored bands and cowlings: 
Section 1: Insignia Red (Full cowling)
Section 2: White (Full cowling)
Section 3: True Blue (Full cowling)
Section 4: Black (Full cowling)
Section 5: Willow Green (Full cowling)
Section 6: Lemon Yellow (Full cowling)
Section Leaders featured a chevron on the top wing painted in the color of their section.
Identifying Letters and Numbers on Fuselage and Wings: black.
 
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