Notice: this model has been updated to include more detail and integrated exterior doors (no photo-etch doors needed).  Photos and rendering in the carousel show the older, less detailed design.  If you order this model, you will receive the updated, more detailed model.
 
Scale: 1/350
 
Recommended to help build your Trumpeter 1/350 USS Saratoga CV-3 kit as the ship appeared  when she was commissioned in 1928.
 
Features:
fully assembledaccurately dimensioned from US Navy Booklet of General Plans drawings
detail locations confirmed by careful study of photographs of the actual ship
proper asymmetrical deck shapes for Saratoga (Lexington's were shaped differently)
accurate fighting top with open windows
upper top Fire Control Station (the large uppermost platform on top the tripod) includes supporting structural framing with lightening holes, subtle locator disks for rangefinders (rangefinders not included) and splinter shielding of a slightly different shape than Lexington's​
open doors
open portholes (airports) properly sized and located
detailed interior barbette and associated bulkheads with open scuttles
heavy structural supports included
light structural supports, ladders and railings omitted, ready for your favorite photoetch
 
During this time, the Saratoga Air Group was equipped with:
January - February 1928 (shakedown cruise):
Fighting Squadron 1B (VF-1B): Boeing F2B-1 and Vought FU-2
Bombing Squadron 2B (VB-2B): Boeing F2B-1 and Vought UO-1C
Torpedo Squadron 2B (VT-2B): Martin T4M-1 and T3M2
 
January - March 1929:
Fighting Squadron 1B (VF-1B): Boeing F2B-1 and Vought FU-2
Bombing Squadron 2B (VB-2B): Boeing F2B-1 and Vought FU-2
Torpedo Squadron 2B (VT-2B): Martin T4M-1 and T3M2
Scouting Squadron 2B (VS-2B): Vought O2U-2
 
February - June 1930:
Fighting Squadron 1B (VF-1B): Boeing F2B-1
Bombing Squadron 2B (VB-2B): Boeing F3B-1
Torpedo Squadron 2B (VT-2B): Martin T4M-1 and T3M2
Scouting Squadron 2B (VS-2B): Vought O2U-2
 
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") 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.
 
© Model Monkey LLC. This 3D-printed product may not be copied or recast.