Note: photos in the carousel show the model in 1/350 scale.  The model in 1/500 scale has identical features but is smaller.

Scale: 1/500

Recommended to help build the Essex-class aircraft carrier USS Shangri La CVA-38 from:
Advent 1/500 scale USS Ticonderoga CVA-14
Atlantis 1/500 scale USS Ticonderoga CVA-14
Frog  1/500 scale USS Shangri-La CVA-38
Renwal 1/500 scale USS Lexington CVA-16
Renwal 1/500 scale USS Shangri-La CVA-38
Renwal 1/500 scale USS Ticonderoga CVA-14
and more!
 
This multi-part kit represents the modernized island of Essex-class aircraft carrier USS Shangri La CVA-38 as it appeared about 1966-1968 during combat operations off Vietnam.
 
This model is intended as a more accurate, direct replacement for the kit parts found in the Renwal model kit.  With minor modifications, it can be adapted for other Vietnam-era angle-deck Essex-class carriers.  It is not suitable for USS Yorktown CVS-10 or USS Randolph CVS-15 because those ships' islands had different bridge window configurations.

This 1/500 scale design is too large for the 1/530 scale Revell model kits and will not fit them properly.  A Shangri La island precisely scaled for Revell kits is available separately.

Some adjustment of the plastic kit's parts may be needed for best fit.

Features:
open bridge and PriFly windows with delicate framing
decks properly offset to port - Renwal's kits' decks are positioned too far to starboard and should NOT be centered on the island
properly positioned deck features
wiper motor details on the navigating bridge
deck supporting structure details accurately positioned as confirmed by photos of the real ship
delicate exterior piping detail for Shangri La
porthole rigols ("eyebrows")
correct style A/T doors 
door overhead rain deflectors
correct number and position of PriFly splinter shield ribs
properly slanted and positioned antenna base outriggers
open funnel cap with grille
 
During 1966-1968, Carrier Air Wing 8 (CVW-8) was embarked aboard, composed of the following units and aircraft:
Fighter Squadron VF-13 "Aggressors" -  Vought F-8D Crusader, tail code "AJ"
Fighter Squadron VF-62 "Boomerangs" - Vought F-8D Crusader, tail code "AJ"
Attack Squadron VA-81 "Crusaders" - Douglas A-4E Skyhawk, tail Code "AJ"
Attack Squadron VA-83 "The Roaring Bulls" - Douglas A-4E Skyhawk, tail Code "AJ"
Anti-submarine Fighter Squadron VSF-1 "War Eagles" - Douglas A-4B Skyhawk, tail Code "AJ"
Airborne Early Warning Squadron VAW-12, Detachment 38 - Grumman E-1B Tracer, tail code "GE" (1966-1967), redesignated VAW-21, Detachment 38, tail code "AJ" (1967-1968)
Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron VFP-62, Detachment 59 - Vought RF-8A Crusader, tail code "AJ"
Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron HC-2 "Circuit Riders" - Kaman UH-2 Seasprite, tail code "HU"
 
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