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Reviewed by Timothy Dike
Trumpeter followed up their successful 1/700 scale USS Lexington with a prewar version of the USS Saratoga. Since this kit features new parts and molding, it just wouldn't seem right to expect modelers to use a Lexington set to detail a Saratoga. Not a problem, Loren Perry now has a dedicated Saratoga set to match the prewar Saratoga. This set is custom tailored to fit the kit with all the details you could imagine. 
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Like their other sets, this one uses extensive relief etching to bring out the otherwise flat details. The relief etching really shows up on the netting, cable reels, and hatches. All the basic details such as railings and safety netting are there but they are custom cut to fit the Trumpeter kit. So no measuring and cutting to fit. Just locate the numbered part and refer to the instructions for it's location. 
Included in the set are:
  • Specialized railing in several styles with numerous pre-shaped and pre-sized sections.
  • Watertight doors & pre-sized rails for tops of 8" gun turrets.
  • Pre-sized safety railing for the No. 2 elevator.
  • Fold-to-shape inclined ladders in several sizes.
  • Vertical ladders.
  • Watertight doors in two correct styles with open and closed options.
  • D.F. loop antennas.
  • Pre-sized and correctly patterned safety rails and safety nets for the flight deck.
  • Structural supports and platform braces for several areas of the ship.
  • SBU, BFC, F3F and TG-2 aircraft details. If you are adding to your airwing see the 1930's 1/4 Airwing review.
  • Details for the ship's boats including railings, rudders, and pulleys.
  • Boat chocks in two sizes.
  • Two position flight deck palisades (windbreak) with correct number of panels.
  • Replacement yardarms with doublers.
  • Bridge and pilot house equipment.
  • Funnel cap grilles.
  • Cable reels in two styles.
  • Funnel boat deck braces.
  • Details for 5" 25 caliber antiaircraft guns including fuse setters and railings.
  • Arresting gear sheaves and barricade supports.
  • Correct three bladed screws for the ship's four propeller shafts.
Additional detail shots of the photo etch fret.
INSTRUCTIONS
The instructions front and back of a legal size sheet with plenty of information to build a prewar carrier. They include numerous 3D assembly views showing the kit parts and the photo etch detail locations.
click to go to Gold Medal Models website
Conclusions:

This is an excellent set and just what you need for your Saratoga in all her prewar glory. This set could also be used to do an early Lexington. The set has all the typical details that the modeler would want and then some, and with a retail price of $14.00 US it adds a lot a value to your build. You can order direct from Gold Medal Models or pick your set up wherever fine ship accessories are sold.

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