Today sees the final part of stage #1 of our programme to update all of our older Aeronef models. The final one of the big six major powers, the USA, has at last received the planned overhaul of their three older capital ships. The Texas, Maine and Lincoln battleships have all been replaced by new resin and metal designs, joining their counterparts in the other aero-navies of the world.
The Texas is the oldest of the three (the original Texas sculpt was the oldest original Aeronef battleship model remaining in production) and the design reflects a vessel of an earlier era, with a secondary broadside battery in casemates in the superstructure. We’ve also taken a cue from early US naval battleships with the superimposed main turrets – these aren’t able to rotate independently, the upper turret is fixed to the lower one.
The Maine follows a similar deck layout to the Texas but with updated turrets and superstructure. It also has a more conventional superstructure and like the Texas it has a fire control and steering bridge at the top of its bipod masts.
The Lincoln is a much more up-to-date vessel with multi-layered armament in turrets and casemates. Its secondary role as a carrier escort is reflected in the pair of anti-aircraft turrets amidships.
The three new vessels are available individually or in fleet packs – each pack has two battleships plus escorts. The US Grand Fleet pack has also been updated, with one each of the new battleships plus a Lexington battlecruiser and eleven escort vessels. The four new types of turrets on these ships are also available in our Aeronef Accessories range.
VAN-205 – Texas class Battleship – £8.00
VAN-207 – Maine class Battleship – £8.00
VAN-212 – Lincoln class Battleship – £8.50
VAN-7023 – US Twin Square Medium Turrets (x12) – £1.50
VAN-7024 – US Twin Round Medium Turrets (x12) – £1.50
VAN-7025 – US Superimposed Heavy Turrets (x5) – £1.50
VAN-7026 – US Twin Heavy Turrets (x10) – £1.50
VAN-7027 – US Battleship Masts (x6) – £1.50
VANFP-022 – US Grand Fleet Pack – £48.00
VANFP-201 – US Fleet Pack #1 – £22.00
VANFP-202 – US Fleet Pack #2 – £22.00
VANFP-203 – US Fleet Pack #3 – £22.00
Stage #2 of the upgrade programme – replacing all of the smaller vessels – begins soon, with the British fleet the first to get new cruisers and destroyers.
And finally, as always, a shout-out to Dom’s Decals for the tail markings.
Those are very nice indeed!
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Beautiful model, looking forward to the full upgrade for the fleet!
That US flag though… has too many stars. Should be between 38–48 depending on which year we’re flying in. ^,^