When I first started building IJN carrier model kits, I was captivated by the story of the Kido Butai — Japan’s feared carrier strike force that dominated the Pacific in the early days of WWII. The Soryu-class carriers, specifically IJN Soryu and her sister ship Hiryu, sat at the heart of this force alongside the … Read more
The IJN Hiryu sits at the center of some of the most dramatic moments in World War II naval history. As one of the six aircraft carriers that struck Pearl Harbor in December 1941, and later the last Japanese flattop sunk during the Battle of Midway in June 1942, Hiryu carries a story that model … Read more
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 scale model of an Arleigh Burke class destroyer is one of the most rewarding projects a naval modeling enthusiast can take on. These guided missile destroyers have served as the backbone of the US Navy surface fleet since the early 1990s, and their sleek profiles packed with Aegis radar arrays and vertical launch … 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