1/350 HMS USS Midway CV-41

USS Midway (CV-41 / CVA-41) was the first aircraft carrier of this name and the main vessel of the Midway class to replace the successful Essex-class ships. Its keel was laid in October 1943, it was launched in March 1945 and entered service with the US Navy in September of the same year - a month after the surrender of Japan. The ship was named to commemorate the Battle of Midway, a key clash in the Pacific that marked the turning point of the war in favour of the United States.

At the time of commissioning, the USS Midway measured more than 305 metres in length, had a flight deck 41.5 metres wide and a full displacement of around 45,000 tonnes. The ship could reach speeds of up to 33 knots and could carry around 100 decked aircraft. The structure was designed with an emphasis on strength and heavy armour to increase the ship's survivability in combat conditions.

During its long service, Midway underwent extensive upgrades - it was adapted for jet aircraft operations, received new electronics, improved armament and an expanded flight deck. Displacement was gradually increased to 65,000 tonnes. The aircraft carrier took part in a number of major operations: the Vietnam War, the Iranian hostage crisis and Operation Desert Storm between 1990 and 1991. After being withdrawn from active service in 1992, it was finally decommissioned in 1997 and has served as a museum ship in San Diego since 2004.

The Trumpeter 1/350 USS Midway CV-41 kit is a carefully crafted model with a one-piece hull, detailed decks and plenty of etched accessories. Also included are the F4U Corsair and SB2C Helldiver aircraft, complete decals for the ship and aircraft, and realistically reproduced hull and superstructure structural elements.

The kit does not include paint or glue needed for assembly.