hello all

im fearly new on this site.
i want to build the Trumps1/350 USS Essex (#5602) and am considering to buy the Tom's PE set. i read it is a pretty good set. right now they have a special set :
http://www.tomsmodelworks.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=45&products_id=363

this costs a bit more but has some extras. i want to build an Essex CV-9 in the time of the korean war. do i need all this extra pe or should i buy the regular one. i heard the regular pe set doesnt contain all the rails/fences is this true? cause those things add a lot of detail

here are some reviews i found on the net:
http://smmlonline.com/reviews/photo_etch/toms_essex350.html
http://www.modelwarships.com/reviews/pe/toms-mm/tmm-3530/tmm-3530.htm
or should i not buy the set at all? doe anyone have experience with this set?
really hope someone can point me in the right way!
best regards, Boris

My recommendation is to purchase the Gold Medal Models set. Second to that the White Ensign Model set. Gold Medal Models railings are the most accurate, and the best quality out there.

thank you for your answer.
where did you get the info? did you use them yourself?

i found multiple sets and am not sure wich ones you mean:
Gold Medal Models:
- GMM 1/350 USS Essex(Gold Medal Models)£39.83
- GMM 1/350 USS Essex Fine Details(Gold Medal Models)£39.83

White Ensign Models:
- WEM 1/350 USS Essex(U.S. Ships)£42.51
- WEM 1/350 USS Essex Air Wing Fittings(U.S. Ships)£16.98
- WEM 1/350 USS Essex Perforated Catwalks(U.S. Ships)£16.98

you say i should buy both brands. dont you think i would get al lot of double PE parts? from both brands?

best regards, Boris

I built the Essex several years ago and used the Tom's set for it. I was quite pleased with the results. i really liked the detail bracing for under the elevator and the safety nets for around the deck. It had the railings as well. My only question is your goal to make it Korean War era. I don't think you will find the correct aircraft in 350 scale for it, and i am sure there were several modifications made to accomodate jets. Not sure how extensive. Mardis Hall might be someone you consult, he builds modern era AC carriers all the time.

thanks for your answer.
so you used the "special" version of TOMS? the >$60 one?
it was complete , or did you thought they could have put something extra in it?
really planning on buying it now, but awaiting you reaction

i want to build it korea era yes. i am doing a campaign build in Holland right know
you have a good point about the planes. i also have to look after some right decals. cause the ones in the kit are WWII.
anyone?

thanks man!

I just got the plain jane set....no extras. The perferated catwalks would have been nice at the time. I built this kit shortly after it was released, so that puts it in 2003 or 2004 range. The airplanes are going to give you fits trying to do this Korea. The ones that come with the kit.....only the Corsairs were used in Korea