-- Originally Posted November 15, 2008 --

Looming out of the darkness in the following pic, this correction is indeed coming to light:


Click on Image to EnlargeI know it's been a while in development, but a great boost is now being provided by a revolutionary type of putty I've just perfected - looking here like milky-white concrete in the seams between parts; it is also enabling a precision and degree of fit such that (already) these parts will snap- and lock into place. In addition, the central Clipper Bow segment will be 100% compatible, right out of the box, for use not only in all (3) hurricane bows here under development, but also as the Lindberg Essex long-hull correction - and even an open-bow, long-hull correction for this Revell kit; to convert into a straight-decked, SCB-27 Essex, if desired! (Think about it.)

Here, a bit closer and with better light, is another look:


Click on Image to EnlargeNote the "chin" segment, extending the keel forward, is now a contour-fitting, forked prosthesis; eliminating both the weight of a solid block, as well as any need for cutting on the kit hull, to install, as designed earlier. As you can see, the clipper bow (already) will snap into form-fitted sockets both at the base - on this chin piece - as well as above, in the top bow enclosure segment - which will, in turn have a section of flight deck, interlocking with the kit deck. The present design calls for just two more pieces - the port- and starboard "cheeks" - to complete the conversion. Variants of these, and of course the top bow enclosure piece, should then be able to produce the three different types - "Standard", "Combined" and "Knuckle-Nosed" - of Essex-class hurricane bows.

You know of course I obsess on the appearance of these parts, in pursuit of the driving inspiration, but for this particular assembly I am repeatedly struck by the appearance of a face - sometimes looking like a hammerhead shark; other times an Egyptian king. - but when upended, as at right, with "hands" thoughfully raised in front of the "nose", looking distinctly like something particularly familiar:


Click on Image to EnlargeHmmm...let me think on this... Lemur I look at it, le more familiar it seems!

Seriously though, I anticipate some awesome corrections/conversions here - now progressing now much faster, on greatly-improved parts - that I think you are really going to like!

Cheers,

-Matty