Calling all USS Langley (CV-1 / AV-3) fans

[Zad Fnark]

I'm surprised this thread doesn't exist yet.

I just got the 1/700 Loose Cannon version. Getting it, I discovered they changed to a plexiglass deck instead of the wood one. Looking at their site would have warned me...

What would be a good way to spruce up the deck? I would imagine some scribing would be involved, but the pics I've seen seem to indicate that the deck was reasonably smooth.

If I can pull this one off, I think my other favorite, the Long Island should be easier.

Ed-

[Haijun watcher]

Yeah, saw it on their website quite a while ago.

Below is a picture of the version of the Langley there as well as in her configuration as a seaplane carrier/tender, courtesy of the Loose Cannon models site, with the forward part of her flight removed.



I think someone at this forum or another modelling forum did a diorama of her in the AV/seaplane configuration being attacked by Japanese planes as what happened in March 1942. In that diorama, she has a lone flush-deck destroyer for an escort as well as P40s on the remaining part of her flight deck.

Also, perhaps you should retitle your thread to "Calling all USS Langley fans (CV1/AV3)" in order for people not to confuse this ship with the Independence class carrier of the same name (or CVL27), if I can recall correctly.

[Zad Fnark]

Good idea. I didn't think I'd cause confusion...

I think Edsall was with her when she sunk. Edsall wend down shortly after that, despite shoddy IJN gunnery.

I would like to pair her up with a Clemson/Wickes with the big hull numbers.

Ed-

[73north]

Just to give head up on this Ship -
that she is getting to be released in 1/350 Scale by Trumpeter
and in two versions - AV3 ( Plane Transport ) and CV-1 ( Carrier )
This is the 2018 Catalogue

[Roberto]

1/350 Trumpeter Langley is here!
Nice rendition of hull plating and decently detailed everything, the upcoming etched brass super upgrade set is going to be a must.

[varifleman]

Any release date for the 1/700 version?

[Roberto]

Wow, post #7.
I am surprised at how little interest this vessel generates given it's historical importance within the naval aviation community.

[Tracy White]

I picked up one but am waiting for a good PE set for the trusses. Trumpeter's looks "nice in sleeve" at the local hobby shop but I'd like something from a more reputable company on this build.

Hull looked OK - I noticed the strakes were generally crisp except for an area 1/4 to 1/3 back from the bow that looked like it was re-cut by hand and wasn't nearly as crisp.

[Roberto]

The upgrade set came in today, several brass etched sheets and a wood deck. Well worth the 71$.

[G-Opt]

'Wow, post #7.
I am surprised at how little interest this vessel generates given it's historical importance within the naval aviation community.'

Second that. More than a little surprising...here's some sports memorabilia from the old Langlee Maru, dated 79 years ago...today.

FWIW

[steviecee]

I'm waiting for the 1/700 version

[Laurent]

I am surprised at how little interest this vessel generates given it's historical importance within the naval aviation community.

She also was the very first USN turbo-electric powered ship (one steam turbine coupled to a dynamo, powering two electric motors on two shafts), she served as a test-case to proof the concept, for some battlewagons to come, who got the same improved propulsion plant.

[Tracy White]

I'm wanting to do two of these - one before her conversion.

[G-Opt]

Here's a poor quality Xerox copy of a copy showing the Fwd end of LANGLEY's Fire Room in the mid-30s, with the front end of the old Scotch boilers visible. Originally she had three of these, I think, but when rebuilt they removed them and put in six B&W Express type boilers. Everything but the main engines on LANGLEY were all steam driven, I believe.

In the course of heading to Fleet Problem 20 (~ Feb. 1939), departing Colon-Cristobal C.Z., LANGLEY suffered a serious boiler flareback explosion that knocked out 3 of her 6 boilers. This was due to lack of air pressure in the fireroom. Ship's force was able to get two working again & she carried on w/her role in the Fleet Problem, but the third damaged boiler was not repaired until some time later (I believe at either Norfolk or Portsmouth.)

But, the truth is that she was an old ship, with an unusual (& apparently rather finicky) propulsion system, often carried large amounts of avgas, and suffered numerous accidents of varying severity over the years.
She was said to be one of the first ships in the fleet to be supplied with Tanafax, a medication for burns...


The old "Bucket of Bolts" was also known to carry more guns than any ship in the navy.

[SeanF]

I'm wanting to do two of these - one before her conversion.

That would be mighty impressive. She was quite the forest of booms and rigging!

- Sean F.

[Tracy White]

Well, her Booklet of General Plans are already online and I'm thinking of seeing what be available in microfilm on my next archives trip....

[Tracy White]

It worked for me but if the direct link doesn't you can go to the Maritime.org main plans page and try the link there - and if that doesn't work maybe right click - save a copy.

[Charybdis]

Can anyone ID this port?? I think it's 1927.

[G-Opt]

Maybe Bremerton? Just a guess...

[Rick E Davis]

I'm going to guess Norfolk Navy Yard.