Reviews : Tamiya USS Enterprise Carrier Boat

I had just gotten this model today in the mail, and was really excited. When I opened the box, there was a lot of little pieces for the really fine detail. One of the first things that I had noticed when I opened the box was that the model is bigger than what is on the specifications. The model itself is about 38-39 1/2 inches long, and about 8 1/2 inches wide. However the hull is two pieces and requires being screwed on, everything comes in the kit. The model also comes with some metal pieces that go on the inside of the hull to allow more sturdiness; there are also notches to help guide you in where the pieces go. The flight deck is three pieces, and one of the already has 68 carved into the plastic. I thought that detail was great because it is so difficult to get the numbers to look good on the ship unless there is some sort of guide to help you. The notches on the hull are not dented in like Trumpeter's USS Nimitz, rather there're almost like little circles carved in the hull to help guide where the aircraft can go. The only thing that I was disappointed in with this kit was the aircraft that came with it, there are about 30 of them. They are not very detailed, and they don't stand up to the rest of the model. I would highly recommend purchasing some of Trumpeter's 1/350 aircraft for this model. Also, there was not a lot of variety in the aircraft which added more disappointment. Overall, this is a great model for a great price, but it doesn't have very good aircraft.

Most modelers of military ships sooner or later tackle this model. Large size of completed model (almost 4 feet long) was major inhibitor for me but my wife gave it to me for Xmas and I loved building it. Good quality with great instructions, however there is no hanger deck, one of 4 elevators is simply moulded into flight deck, no handrails are provided, and aircraft lack clear canopies and have minimal decals (no squadron art for tail). I fabricated a lighted hanger deck, used an after-market photoetch set to add missing details and used Tumperter aircraft on flight deck with original aircraft used on hanger deck where missing detail is not apparent. With added details, I was pleased with the results.

Very nice kit. With very good details. Represents the Big E as she was in the 1980's with the later island. Would recommend the photoetch kit for the railings and radars. The only thing lacking is the aircraft have basic details. The Tamiya or trumpeter add on aircraft and the photoetch set for the planes make the details match the ship. Only other downside is there is no hanger deck details. The hanger bay doors are all closed. The entire hanger deck would need to be scratch built.

I built ths model about 20 years ago. at the time I had to wear nitrile gloves because I had a skin disease that required ointment. Needless to say, masking of all the flight lines and numbers was a real chore but I got it done. The model now sits in a display case along with the USS Missouri in the entry area of my home. Everyone stops to look at them on the way in. Highly recommend this kit. Tamiya knows how to do it right.

I enjoyed putting this model together. it has a lot of parts and I took it slow so it kept me busy for several hours. I was impressed with the detail but i had problems with the decals. The problems may have been on my end because this was the first model in years that have built. If you want a project that you can take your time and fill a lot of hours with, then i suggest this one.

I just finished this model earlier today. I have worked on it for two months and enjoyed every minute. The parts all fit very well and had no problems at all with assembly. I wouldn’t recommend it for a beginner but is awesome for someone experienced. Highly recommend.

I would recommend this to anyone very basic carrier full of details lacking a detailed hanger bay You would have to scratch build one painting and detailing is a long process but well worth it at the end at the end of the day well worth the money

i actually did this one about a year ago also bought tamiya's extra plane kits it has a total of about 60 planes and the kits is about 600 pieces p.s the cock pit windows denotes blue not white 2 different shades

What else can be said about this kit that hasn’t already. This kit is Massive! While the out of the box kit is detailed, and beautiful, the missing hanger deck allows the opportunity for creativity.

This is a very well made model. The plastic it uses is very different from other plastic models I've worked with. It is more fine and smooth, obviously of a higher quality.

Have Done this Carrier b4 and was a nice addition to my naval collection! Has More planes then needed and Fully painted/detailed its a Wonderful Conversation piece!

its a great project that with some work you cal make it really detialed i made it on a water diorama that makes it realy look good

I was simply blown away by the quality of the model. Other than the hefty price tag, this makes a perfect gift for any occasion.

great build can't wait to start. Excellent delivery. Got this one right this time lol