1/700 Dragon USS Antietam CV-36

Gallery Article by Paul S Teixeira on Nov 3 2009

 

This diorama is built around the Dragon 1/700th USS Antietam aircraft carrier. I utilized the Gold Medal Models and Tom's Models 1/700th Essex Class and Fleet Carrier Photo-Etch accessories such as catwalks, rails, radar gear, doors, netting, elevator details, etc.  To build up the Dock Scenery I also used the "BattleFLeet" Dock set which includes sections of dock, tie-ups,  and buildings.  I also utilized "Loose Cannon Productions Building Kits" for some other dock buildings, and finally the 1/700 TAM31510 Harbor & Dockside Buildings.  2 of them to be exact.  "Hodge Podge" and Woodlawn Scenic's Water Effects were used to create the artificial water scenes.  The remained of the details include left-overs from my spare-box bin.  Almost forgot.  This kit also includes a nicely detailed mini-kit of a Navy Harbot Tug.

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The scene depicts the USS Antietam in the early 50's shortly after refurbishment to make it the 1st US Angled-Deck Carrier.  It is docked at Quonset Point NAS, RI.  This was the largest, industrial naval facility in the north east.  Unfortunately, the base officially closed in 1975, but much of the structures, and the pictured carrier piers still exist.

I live in Rhode Island and I am an avid fan of the history of this old, historic naval base.  It was only after I started this kit, following color research, did I know it was a Quonset Boat.  The diorama scene depicted is not 100% accurate but it creates the basic feel, and look of a "typical post-war day" of that era.

Drop by my website at  https://texmodelmaker.jimdo.com/

Paul S Teixeira

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Photos and text © by Paul S Teixeira