Tamiya 78007 - 1:350 US Aircraft Carrier CVN-65 Enterprise

Plastic model kit of the US nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN-65) in 1:350 scale

Tamiya 78007 is a self-assembly model of USS Enterprise — the world's first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and, for decades, the longest warship afloat. The kit comes from 1984 tooling and depicts the ship after her 1982 refit, with the rebuilt island and the defensive armament of that period.

This is a full hull model; no waterline option is provided. The hull is divided into several sections that are bolted together with metal screws using the supplied metal reinforcements, giving a rigid structure over such a long build. The flight deck is made up of three parts, and the deck and hangar can be populated with the carrier aircraft included in the kit, representing a US Navy air wing of the 1980s.

What is in the box:

• Plastic sprues with hull, island and deck equipment parts
• Multi-section hull bolted with metal screws — metal reinforcements, screws and nuts included
• Three-piece flight deck
• Carrier aircraft: F-14 Tomcat, F/A-18 Hornet, A-6 Intruder, A-7 Corsair II, S-3 Viking
• Decal sheet for ship and aircraft markings
• Display stand
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:350
• Catalogue number: 78007
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Assembled length: approx. 977 mm
• Model type: full hull
• Tooling: 1984; depicted configuration: after the 1982 refit
• Skill level: beginner/intermediate (large model, multi-section hull, many small parts)

Please note: the kit does not include cement, paints or modelling tools. The model requires assembly.

Assembly:

Despite its impressive size, the model remains approachable — the hull sections are bolted together with screws and metal reinforcements, producing a stiff structure with well-aligned joints. Before joining the sections it is worth planning the painting sequence: the underwater hull, the sides and the flight deck are far easier to paint separately. Given the size of the model, a suitably large workspace will come in handy.

In the 1980s scheme the sides and island are painted in Haze Gray, the flight deck in a dark matt shade with light deck markings, and the underwater hull in red. The carrier aircraft are best painted and finished before being fixed to the deck. Decals — including the extensive flight deck markings — go on best over a gloss coat, which limits decal silvering. Modellers looking for an even higher level of detail may consider photo-etched detail sets for this model (railings, ladders, safety nets), available separately.

Tools you will need:

• Modelling nippers for removing parts from the sprues
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sandpaper for cleaning up sprue gate marks
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Screwdriver for bolting the hull sections together
• Precision modelling tweezers
• Brushes in several sizes
• Modelling paints (acrylic or enamel)
• Panel wash to bring out the detail
• Decal setting solution

About the ship — USS Enterprise (CVN-65):

USS Enterprise was the world's first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. Commissioned on 25 November 1961, she immediately became a symbol of a new era in naval construction: eight A2W reactors drove four shafts, giving a speed of over 30 knots and a practically unlimited operational range independent of oilers. With a full load displacement of around 93,000 tons and a length of roughly 342 metres, she was one of the largest vessels of her time.

Her flight deck, some 78 metres wide, allowed a full air wing to operate, while the crew together with the air group numbered — depending on the period — between about 4,600 and 5,800. In the 1980s, the era depicted by this model, her defensive armament consisted of Sea Sparrow missile launchers and Phalanx close-in weapon systems. Enterprise's distinctive island, originally topped by a large square structure carrying a phased-array radar, was rebuilt during successive refits — the model shows the ship after her 1982 modernisation.

Enterprise served for more than half a century and took part in the major events of the Cold War and beyond, beginning with the blockade of Cuba. She was decommissioned in 2012 and formally struck from the Naval Vessel Register in 2017, ending her career as one of the most recognisable ships in US Navy history.

Original ship specifications (USS Enterprise CVN-65, 1980s):

• Type: nuclear-powered aircraft carrier
• Commissioned: 25 November 1961
• Full load displacement: approx. 93,000 tons
• Length: approx. 342 m
• Flight deck width: approx. 78 m
• Propulsion: 8 A2W reactors, 4 shafts
• Speed: over 30 knots
• Crew with air group: approx. 4,600–5,800
• Defensive armament (1980s): Sea Sparrow missile launchers, Phalanx close-in weapon systems
• Decommissioned: 2012, struck from the register: 2017

About the manufacturer — Tamiya:

Tamiya Corporation is a Japanese model company founded in 1946 by Yoshio Tamiya in Shizuoka, a city regarded as the centre of the Japanese model industry. It started in the timber trade, moved on to wooden models in the late 1940s and released its first injection-moulded plastic kit in 1960. The brand is known for precise moulds and excellent part fit, which makes its kits a popular choice for beginners and experienced modellers alike. Tamiya's naval range covers 1:350 and 1:700 scales, from destroyers to large carriers and battleships. Its assembly instructions are clear and consistently illustrated, which matters a great deal on kits with many detail parts. The company also produces a full line of modelling supplies: paints, cements, tools and brushes. Today Tamiya is present in dozens of countries and remains one of the most recognisable names in the hobby.