Sammy

When I first opened the box on a Fujimi 1/350 IJN Kaga kit, the sheer size of the flight deck sprue stopped me cold. At over 30 inches assembled, this carrier dominates any display shelf. The Imperial Japanese Navy’s Kaga carries that same commanding presence in modeling form that it had on the morning of … Read more

If you are fascinated by WWII naval history, the IJN Shinano is one of the most compelling subjects you can build. She was the largest aircraft carrier ever constructed by Japan, converted from the third Yamato-class battleship hull, and sunk just 10 days after commissioning in November 1944. That brief, dramatic service life makes her … Read more

If you are searching for the best Charles de Gaulle carrier model kits, you already know this French nuclear-powered flagship is one of the most iconic warships in modern naval history. The Charles de Gaulle is the only nuclear-powered aircraft carrier outside the United States, making it a prized subject for scale modelers who appreciate … Read more

Building a model of Russia’s only aircraft carrier is a project that sits high on many ship modelers’ wish lists. The Admiral Kuznetsov, officially classified as a heavy aircraft-carrying cruiser, has served as the flagship of the Russian Navy since its commissioning in 1990. Its distinctive ski-jump ramp flight deck, combined weapons loadout, and unique … Read more

If you have ever stood on the Bremerton, Washington waterfront and looked up at the gray hull of the USS Turner Joy (DD-951), you know the feeling. This Forrest Sherman-class destroyer carries real weight in naval history. She fired the first and last naval shots of the Vietnam War during the Gulf of Tonkin incident … Read more

USS The Sullivans (DD-537) is one of the most storied Fletcher-class destroyers to serve in World War II. Named after the five Sullivan brothers who tragically perished together aboard USS Juneau in 1942, this ship earned nine battle stars in the Pacific Theater and two more during the Korean War. Today it sits preserved as … Read more

Building a model of the USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) is more than a weekend hobby project. It is a chance to hold a piece of naval history in your hands. The Kitty Hawk served from 1961 to 2009, spanning conflicts from Vietnam to Iraq, and was the last conventionally powered supercarrier in the US Navy … Read more

Building a scale model of the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) is one of the most rewarding projects a naval history buff or scale modeler can take on. As the fourth Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, the “TR” (her crew calls her “The Big Stick”) has served in nearly every major US Navy operation since her commissioning in … Read more

Building a model of the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) is one of the most rewarding projects a naval modeler can take on. This Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier has served the United States Navy since 2003, and its distinctive island superstructure and massive flight deck make it instantly recognizable on any display shelf. I have spent … Read more

Building model kits of famous naval vessels is one of the most rewarding hobbies I have picked up over the years. There is something deeply satisfying about assembling hundreds of tiny parts into a detailed replica of a ship that changed history. When our team set out to find the best USS George Washington model … Read more