Reviewed by Timothy Dike
The USS Nimitz was the lead ship of a new class of supercarrier that would soon come to dominate the sea lanes around the world. These Nuclear powered Aircraft carriers are the largest warships ever built. They were built to operate 90 aircraft of different types as virtual floating air bases. When there is trouble in the region, it is these supercarriers that are sent in to project US Air power into the hots spots around the world. 

This new kit from Trumpeter is more than just a reboxing with new art work. It included many new parts to reflect the changes the after a 2001 refit. It also includes a new modern airwing.

HULL PARTS
This kit is designed much like the larger 350 scale version. The kit is molded with a full lower hull or waterline insert molded in red plastic. The upper hull is nicely molded and has very nice surface detailing. The shape looks very much like the real Nimitiz and the changes that were made to the larger version have been incorporated into this smaller kit. Some of these parts are actually more to scale than the larger version. Click images
to enlarge
FLIGHT DECK
The flight deck is molded as a single piece with lots of surface detail. The aircraft tie down points are well done. My one complaint is the aircraft deck markings are molded onto the deck. However some might prefer this as it helps with decal placement. 
This kit includes a bonus clear flight deck option in case you want to show off the detailed hanger deck. A clear hanger deck part is included as well. I'm not sure why as there is nothing below the hanger deck to display. However these are extra parts and it is up to the modeler to decide if they want to use these clear parts of the gray plastic versions.
SPRUE A
Elevators have some nice details molded on both sides. The hanger bay doors have some nice frames.
SPRUE B
Molding on this sprue features some very fine parts. 
SPRUE C
Superstructure and hull parts are molded on this sprue. 
 
SPRUE D
More very fine parts on this sprue.
SPRUE E
More very fine parts on this sprue.
SPRUE F
This is the equivalent of a weapons sprue. The many fittings applied to the ships are included. 
SPRUE P
The main island superstructure is molded in clear plastic so the bridge windows can be shown clear. This is a nice touch, and gives the modeler another way to detail the ship. One thing this part may allow you to do is create a lighted #68 for the island. 
SPRUE S
This sprue is new for this kit and includes some different platforms, fittings and masts parts.
SPRUE R
Another new sprue with some newer bridge parts specific to the late Nimitz.
DISPLAY BASE
Not only do you get an option to build the ship full hull or waterline, but you get the option to display it either way also. A full hull base is molded in black to set your ship on. If you wish to display it in the waterline mode, a nice clear base is provided with a nice wave and wake pattern.
AIRCRAFT
The aircraft in this kit are molded in clear plastic to allow you to mask off the canopy before painting. This ensures a clear glass canopy appearance.
F/A-18F Super Hornet (3 sprues with 2 aircraft each). Includes separate vertical stabilizers, landing gear, and drop tanks.
F/A-18E Super Hornet (3 sprues with 2 aircraft each). Includes separate vertical stabilizers, landing gear, and drop tanks.
F/A-18C (3 sprues with 2 aircraft each).  Includes separate vertical stabilizers, landing gear, and drop tanks.
EA-6B (2 sprues with 2 aircraft each).Includes separate vertical stabilizers, landing gear, and ECM pods.
E2C Hawkeye (2 sprues with 1 aircraft each). Includes separate engine pods, propellers, landing gear, tail surfaces, and radome.
SH-60F Ocean Hawk (1 sprues with 2 aircraft each). Includes separate landing gear, and tail rotor with one folded and one deployed main rotor. 
MH-60F Pave Hawk (1 sprues with 2 aircraft each). Includes separate landing gear, and tail rotor with one folded and one deployed main rotor. 
PHOTO ETCH
A simple photo etch fret is included with the stern grill assembly, and the radio antenna. A length of fine brass wire is included to fabricate some of the finer details.
DECALS
Two decal sheets are included, one for the ship and one for the aircraft. The decals are pretty good, with deck markings and plenty of markings for the aircraft including squadron markings. Deck stripe markings are provided as white dashed lines. The elevator markings are done in black and the elevator opening stripes are done in white. The decals are sharply rendered and you wont have to replace these. The aircraft marking include the squadrons operating aboard the carrier in 2005.
INSTRUCTIONS
A 20 page instruction booklet is included to guide you through a step by step assembly process. The parts are all called out and placement is well illustrated throughout. 

Two nice B sized color sheet is included with camouflage markings for the ship and aircraft. Paint colors and squadron markings are called out as well.

Conclusions:

This is kit #TSM-5739  1/700 USS Nimitz CVN68 Aircraft Carrier (2005) with a suggested list price of only $89.95. A fair price for a carrier as nicely detailed as this. You may not agree, but simply compare the kit with those that are currently on the market. It has twice as many sprues as any other modern carrier.

Thanks to Stevens International for the review sample. They are the exclusive importer for Trumpeter kits in the US. If your hobby shop does not carry Trumpeter kits have them contact Stevens International or try their Hobby Shop Locator to find one.



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