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USS Hornet

Setting the mood…

The United States is in World War II. Her Pacific Fleet in shattered from a surprise attack at Pearl Harbor. Japan is running unchecked in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Australia is being attacked and threatened with being cut off from supply. The Philippines are invaded, Wake Island has fallen, and Royal Navy has been sent reeling.

The headlines day after day brought nothing but bad news from the Pacific. Deep within the halls of the Navy Department in Washington a plan was proposed that would give the American public a massive moral victory. Sixteen Army Air Corps B-25 bombers would be loaded on the USS Hornet and strike Japan.

This raid would cause very little damage to the targets. Each plane could only carry four 500lb bombs in order to carry enough gas to complete their mission. Although the raid did little damage physically it did cause the Japanese to withdraw its carriers from the Indian Ocean in order to protect the home islands. Also the decision to invade Midway was also based partially on the attack.

James Doolittle figured he would face a court-martial when he returned to the US for loosing 16 planes and doing little damage. Instead he was welcomed as a hero and awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. The American public finally had something to cheer about and for the first time felt the war could be won.

The Hornet Building…

This kit was finished a while ago as one can notice the clear acetate of the whirling propellers has now turned yellowish in color. The WEM Photoetch set was used and some alterations were made to the kit like the opening of the hangar doors where one can see the actual aircraft of the ship. The B-25 Mitchells came from Trumpeter as well. The model was airbrushed in enamels and low lights and highlight shadows were done in acrylic. The ship was then weathered in oils.