Nautilus Models

1/32 US Carrier Deck Segments For 1/32 aircraft display

Stock Number: 32-501, 32-502

Reviewed By  Ed Kinney, IPMS# 2989

MSRP: $40.00 each, plus shipping Available from Nautilus Models www.nautilusmodels.com. One set provides the necessary deck pieces to replicate either a WWII or Korean Vintage deck, while the second offering makes up into an ESSEX class wooden Viet Nam era deck. These come to the builder as beautifully laser cut from 3/32nd inch basswood, harder and more close grained than balsa, and the detail is nothing short of magnificent (my review sample was 1/16th inch in thickness, but the production versions are all 3/32nd inch for additional strength and less warpage.) Those of us that have been modeling for a time can remember the days of the "die crunched" balsa that were at best mediocre. I guess it's true…"We've come a long way baby." Each deck consists of six sections labeled A to C twice, and attention must be paid to the sequential order in assembly to insure proper spacing of the tie downs. I used Elmer's wood glue to assemble the sections with thin tape on the reverse side to hold them in place 'til dry. Placing them properly weighted over wax paper until the glue sets will insure a true flat surface. When assembled, the sections measure approximately 22.5" x 22". Give consideration to what you prefer to use for a surface to bond them to, in that at 3/32nd inch, they are not designed to be used as a base themselves. My choice was 1/4" gator board, which worked out well. Once cured, both sides of the decks were sprayed with several coats of clear lacquer to seal the grain and eliminate the possibility of warping. CAUTION HERE - Nautilus strongly recommends, as do I, NOT to use acrylics or any water based finishes or glues to eliminate the possibility of warpage. The clear lacquer was then lightly dressed down with the finest grade of steel wool to ready it for color coats. In the case of the first deck, I opted to do the Korean version, which was a mahogany deck stain with dark blue tie down strips and yellow painted lines. Since the wood already has some interesting grain patterns, I chose to use two shades of the Alclad II clear finishes - clear yellow, oversprayed in areas with clear sepia tone. The results were as shown below, and I was pleased with the effect. In the case of the Essex class deck, I used Model Master dark ghost gray to simulate the gray deck stain, followed by the landing areas done with Model Master Engine gray, trimmed in insignia white, red and yellow. The tie down rings were painted white using a circle template and spraying insignia at 12 psi. In this instance, the area depicted is directly adjacent to the island and is the only large area of the deck without catapults, arresting gear and such. When all colors had been applied, I used the fine steel wool again to show some wear allowing the natural wood grain to show through in spots. The decks were then coated with Testors Dullcote and allowed to dry. A combination of an oil wash of burnt umber and black was used to dirty things up a little, followed by highlighting some panels with pastel chalks in various colors to give it more eye appeal. Then a final application of Dullcote finished both pieces to my satisfaction. I can't say enough good things about the quality here. It is truly excellent. Images show these pieces both plain and with aircraft parked on them. I've always been a strong advocate of display bases to enhance your model whether it is for photography purposes, a contest entry or just to show your masterpiece for your own satisfaction. These puppies are really the ticket!! Also, be advised that other carrier base sets will soon be available in both 1/48th and 1/72nd scale. Contact Nautilus for timing and price info by visiting their website at www.nautilusmodels.com/decks.htm to see an array of very interesting products, some of which are listed below (all prices are plus shipping): · 72-601 US Essex Wood Flight Deck Sections (1964-1990) $25.00 · 72-602 US Carrier Wood Flight Deck Sections (1938-1964) $25.00 · 48-601 US Essex Wood Flight Deck Sections (1964-1990) $32.00 · 48-602 US Carrier Wood Flight Deck Sections (1938-1964) $32.00 · 32-601 US Essex Wood Flight Deck Sections (1964-1990) $40.00 · 32-602 US Carrier Wood Flight Deck Sections (1938-1964) $40.00 In closing, many thanks to James Corley of Nautilus Models for the review samples. Most highly recommended.

Korean /WWII deck, shown with Fisher Model and Pattern 1/32nd scale F9F Panther.

Essex class Viet Nam Era Deck, shown with Fisher Model & Pattern F9F-8 "Twogar" in 1/32nd scale. Firetractor is 1/3 PWMP Resin, 2/3 scratchbuilt

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