The Midway is probably the most modified ship in the US Navy's history, having served in three completely different configurations from 45 to the mid 90s, from F8Fs, F4Us, to FA-18s. She launched everything, including P-2 Neptunes, and even a V-2. Note that she served thru Korea with the straight deck, then had the angled deck added in the mid 50s, then finally got the mutated looking oversized deck by 1980.
The version that appears to be modeled, and that appears in the shots above, is the 1980s deck configuration, with an overhanging deck that came closer to the big super-carriers, but made the ship topheavy and created handling problems.
The Navy added "bilges" (I think that's what they called them) in the early 80s, but that just made the ship roll worse, so they were removed.
The oversized flight deck was added to get as close to a modern carrier as possible, and deck space was at a premium. She usually operated with F-4s, A-6s, and A-7s in the 80s. Their was discussion about using F-14s, but it was determined to be too hairy. Note the deck shape compared to Kitty Hawk on left, and Nimitz (I believe) on the right. The Navy was desperate for more flight deck space to counter the HUGE Soviet Navy and increasing deployment needs. Note the AC selection also.
Even in this slightly angled shot (bearing to the left), the huge deck is obviously on a hull never designed for this. Note the FA-18s on it, and the A-6 tails on the left. She was the Dolly Parton of carriers.
She handled F-4B/J/N and S quite well, and there was much more space that improved AC deck handling.
The parking area is larger than the Coral Sea and Roosevelt with increased safety.
This was as she appeared in the Gulf War in 91, FA-18As, EA-6Bs, A-6s, and E-2s/S-3s operated off this deck.
The only disadvantage to this deck config is the limited plane selection we currently have, though that is getting better. F-4s and FA-18s were the fighters that operated off this deck, and I wouldn't expect and A-6, but the A-7E has more chance of showing up someday. It will give the Navy F-4 versions we have now will have a realistic platform to fly off of.
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THE Midway's PREVIOUS angled deck config is the last one used by the Coral Sea and Roosevelt above. This deck would have more historical time period potential, from the mid 50s thru the 60s and 70s and its use on all three ships in the turbulant period of mid 50s thru the 70s would give FMB guys like myself room to go ape. We already have F-8s and F-4s that operated off this deck, and would justify an A-4 and A-7 project.
Off Vietnam, mid 60s; Note the 5" 38 mounts that still equip the ship, as these were removed soon after this. Also note the A-1s, A-4Es, F-8s, F-4s, with a surprisingly high number of larger planes; KA-3/EA-3, and E-1 AEW planes with that odd dome. Mysteriously, the Navy had no problem back then operating such a versatile mix of planes, compared to now.
This very nice model shows it a bit clearer, with the same aircraft complement. I think she carried 45 to 60 planes in this period, depending on type.
This shot is clearer with a more open deck. She looks like an enlarged Essex, but with alot more deck space. Note the near total lack of armament in the 60s.
This shot is in the early 60s. Note the twin 3 in 50 mount.
The twin auto 3" 50 had a tremendous rate of fire, and replaced the plethora of quad 40mm by the mid 50s. As time went by, they were gradually removed until only a couple of mounts remained; a somewhat unrealistically optimistic view of Soviet capabilities.
This config accommodates many unusual historical scenarios, such as the Mig-17 kill made by two A-1s off Midway. this was one of two mig kills by USN Skyraiders over Vietnam.
This includes the most unusual bomb ever dropped by the USN; a toilet from the Midway, sneaked onto an A-1 to commemorate a particular amount of ordinance dropped by the Midway to that time. They manuvered the A-1 out to keep the "ordinance" out of sight of the bridge and deck boss.
Model kits and custom decals have depicted this scene. Modelers and FMB guys could conspire to re-enact such, creating an entire new type of competition; john bombing.
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Topic: Midway class carrier (Read 18605 times)
