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Hey guys,
Regarding the DML Essex class kits, Essex(CV-9) & Randolph (CV-15): Do the hulls reflect the different lengths of the two ships. The Essex was one of the short hulled versions and the Randolph was one of the longer hulled versions. The long versions include: CV-14, CV-15, CV-19, CV-21, CV-32-37 & CV-39; the long hull ships were 68 feet longer than the short hull ships for a total length of 888 feet. 
So far Trumpeter has released only short hull versions in 1/350, I wonder if any of the long hull ones is in the works.
Anyway, something to ponder ....
Hey, what do ya know, I got some stripes! I probably have the record for longest time in grade as an E1.
Yes, the hulls on the Dragon kits are unique and represent the different lengths correctly. Here's a link to the picture that shows the two hulls together:
http://www.modelwarships.com/reviews/ships/cv/cv-15/700-dr/cv-comp-03.jpgI have the Dragon Essex in the stash - beautiful kit. Check out the reviews of both CV-9 and CV-15 over on modelwarships:
http://www.modelwarships.com/reviews/ships/cv/cv-09/700-dr/dragon-review.htmlhttp://www.modelwarships.com/reviews/ships/cv/cv-15/700-dr/dragon-review.htmlAccording to Ray Bean over on Steel Navy, Dragon is coming out with a late war short hull and a late war long hull, and maybe a Korean War Essex as well. At least, I think that is what he said!
As for Trumpeter - rumor (emphasis on rumor!) has it they are indeed coming out with a long hull Essex, but have put the release date on hold. The reason? They've already released 5 1/350 aircraft carriers, three of which were Essex variants (Essex, Yorktown II, Franklin). On top of that they've just released the Lex and are supposedly going to do a late war Saratogo, so they were encouraged not to come out with another Essex-class carrier right now. Hence the release of the North Carolina. If the rumor mill is correct, we may see one or two more battleships from them in the next year before the long-hull Essex.
Disclaimer! These are just rumors I've heard from a few friends who are in the industry. Those friends did say the Lex and NC were coming long before they were released, but a host of other things they mentioned never came to fruition, so who knows. Now, back to my 1/350 Lexington project...
