Merit International, 1/200 scale, Detailed plastic display model kit, U. Hornet CV-8 Aircraft Carrier, Yorktown-class. This kit is actually made by Trumpeter but marketed under the Merit name. USS Hornet (CV-8) was an American aircraft carrier, the keel of which was laid in 1939, launched in December 1940, and commissioned by the US Navy in October 1941. The maximum speed of the USS Hornet aircraft carrier oscillated around 32-33 knots, and its main armament was 72 on-board planes. USS Hornet was the third (not counting the USS Wasp) Yorktown-class aircraft carrier. First of all, it was decided to build relatively large aircraft carriers, with the greatest emphasis on the number of planes taken and the maximum speed, at the expense of armor. So they were going in the same direction as the Japanese designers, and in the opposite direction to the British Royal Navy. It is worth adding that the construction of the USS Hornet aircraft carrier was no longer limited by the restrictions of the Washington Treaty of 1922. The first serious and probably the most famous operation in which this aircraft carrier took part was participation in the so-called Doolittle’s raid on Tokyo in April 1942, when 16 B-25 Mitchell bombers took off from its deck. Shortly thereafter – in June 1942 – the USS Hornet played a major role in the Battle of Midway. Later in 1942, the carrier took an intensive part in naval operations in the Guadalcanal area, for example, taking part in the Battle of the Solomon Islands (August 1942). In October 1942, the USS Hornet took part in the Battle of Santa Cruz Island where it was sunk. This is a plastic model kit, which comes unassembled and unpainted. Glue, model paints, and other basic modeling tools are additionally required. Model features- 1,290+ parts; highly detailed model; one-piece hull; 8 large deck and structural pieces and 28 major sprues; flight deck is clear so you can see the very detailed hanger deck below; 10 sheets of photo-etch contain railings, stairs, radar, and other details; optional built with early or later type radar; 8 x turn metal barrels for 5 inch guns; metal anchor chains; includes a full assortment of aircraft and display stand with nameplate. Included aircraft in 1/200 scale- 16 B-25B Doolittle Raid, 5 F4F-4 Wildcat Fighters, 5 SBD-3 Dauntless Dive Bombers, and 8 TBD-1 Devastator Torpedo Bombers. When fully assembled, this 1/200 scale model measures approximately. Length: 1,239mm, Width: 169.5mm. New in box, all plastic sprues are still factory sealed. No broken or missing pieces (the assembly instructions were missing so I printed them out and included them inside the box). Box is in good condition as seen in photos. Last five photos are of completed models, professionally done, off of the internet for reference only. International Buyers – Please Note. These charges are the buyers responsibility.