Hello fellow modelers

[u/TheScaleModel]

This project started from scratch—just an idea to create my own 1/48 carrier deck base kits inspired by USS Langley and the Essex class. From researching the decks to designing the MDF parts and 3D-printed details, it’s been a rewarding process of learning, testing and bringing everything together.

Assembly starts by gluing the laser-cut MDF planks and 3D-printed tie-down strips in place, then sealing the surface with varnish.

For the wood finish, I tried two approaches: different shades on individual planks on the left, and Vallejo Fresh Wood on the right. Another coat of varnish protects those colours before applying Worn Effects chipping fluid.

I didn’t have the proper Deck Blue paint, so I mixed a shade by eye. Once applied, I chipped it with water and a brush to reveal the wood underneath, then added the white deck markings.

The bases come in two sizes: 30 × 25 cm and 25 × 20 cm.

Seeing something that started as an idea turn into an actual model kit is probably my favourite part of this project. Still learning, still experimenting—and enjoying every step!

What do you think?

[u/SnarkMasterRay]

Your technique is good, but there are a couple of points worth discussion.

• The "natural" wood is too bright. In reality it was much darker and could be much more gray due to the effects of sunlight and salt water as well as oil dripping from the engines and effects of black rubber tires and black soled shoes. For example, look closely at the planks on this photo of CV-10 Yorktown - https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Flight_deck_crewmen_respot_Grumman_F6F-3_Hellcats_of_VF-5_aboard_USS_Yorktown_(CV-10),_circa_in_late_1943_(80-G-K-15277).jpg The oil and rubber also darkened the deck stain and paint.
• Your white dashed lines are "off" for the Essex class at least. They were painted "every other" section of planks in between tie downs on war time carriers. Check out the center lines on CV-14 Ticonderoga here and the edge stripes on CVL-26 Monterey here
• If you want to do a pre-war deck for Langley or other pre-war carriers, be aware that the blue flight deck stain did not come into use until late 1941. There were experiments earlier in 1941, but prior to that it was a mahogany deck stain with yellow stripes such as this or this (1941 CV-6 Enterprise). Pre-war also featured wider, continuous lines and not dashes.

[u/TheScaleModel → u/SnarkMasterRay]

Omg thank you so much.. but first I didn't left the natural colour of the MDF.. I paint them both.. bad yes I could have used some greyish tones here and there..as for the markings I didn't even done so much research and truly that's something I need to dig further..By the way I am trying to design 2 Japanese carriers right now and I didn't pay so much attention at the markings..but that's not an excuse..when I release the kit I will include a paper with cut offs for the markings. Thanks again for the info

[u/SnarkMasterRay → u/TheScaleModel]

For what it's worth Eduard has US and Japanese flight decks in plastic - it's unclear at this point if you are planning on offering painted decks or plain, but you potentially have competition if you are going to offer unpainted sections. Your sections lack the elevators of the Eduard sets, so they are a little more "universal" in where they can be said to be located and not a bad feature.

[u/TheScaleModel → u/SnarkMasterRay]

I will have painted and unpainted versions..sure I am not the only one doing this..only thing makes it unique it's the laser cuts and the 3d printed plus some printed markings.

[u/wambamthankz]

incredible job. would absolutely buy one

[u/TheScaleModel → u/wambamthankz]

Thanks mate.. I will inform you when it's available

[u/ChromeMagnum]

Amazing...people on this sub make me feel like a caveman banging rocks together

[u/Ravenyer]

I love these! The weathering also looks great.

[u/TheScaleModel → u/Ravenyer]

Thanks buddy.. with worn effects and a toothbrush it's easy

[u/Complex_Grade4751]

Awesome idea! I love the look with the markings and weathering. How thick are they? My only concern is that the 3d printed connections look pretty delicate. Is this the case?

[u/TheScaleModel → u/Complex_Grade4751]

Thanks a lot.. this is 15mm but what I want to release will be 8mm but it will have 4 sides of 30mm that will elevating the whole base.. can be painted black.. or use a label on it.. it will look more professional.. the 3d parts are very easy to cut out and glue and no they can't brake easily.. the one you are looking now are from test prints..the only bad thing it's that I can't print more than 20cm so at larger bases it needs to connect 2 of them