Steve's Shipyard
CARRIERS
FLEET CARRIERS:
BEARNE - French fleet carrier, featuring twin rudders, four shafts. This may be the most manueverable fleet carrier available, making it a great escort blocking ship during campaign.
ARK ROYAL - British fleet carrier, featuring a single rudder and three prop shafts. Using the center shaft, consider a large diameter prop for best turning. The plans for this ship are now available from George Goff.
GRAF ZEPLIN - If you only build German ships, this is your carrier.
LEXINGTON and AKAGI - The US Navy Lexington was built on the HOOD-like battlecruiser hull, and is one of the largest carriers, second only to ESSEX. The Japanese Akagi is a little wider and shorter than Lexington. Both ships feature 3.5 units, giving them more firepower than any other carriers.
YORKTOWN - The Yorktown class US carriers were very attractive, but to get the best turning, build the ENTERPRISE. In 1943, the ENTERPRISE was bulged, with torpedo blisters added, giving it an extra inch in width. As a class 3 ship, consider dual pumps. Add B-25 bombers on the flight deck, and call it the HORNET!
HIRYU - The Japanese Hiryu has been modeled by Gerald Roberts. This ship features dual pumps. A gear drive system, and large props, seem to be necessities for any fleet carrier.
LIGHT CARRIERS and ESCORT CARRIERS:
BOGUE - The "jeep" carriers of the US Navy featured flight decks built on merchant ship hulls. While the hull is unatractive, the ship has a center prop shaft. Use a large prop, and these ships will turn well.
SAIPAN and INDEPENDENCE - Several carriers were built on cruiser hulls. Saipan class light carriers were built on the Brooklyn heavy cruiser hull, while the Independence class were built on the Cleveland light cruiser hull. Be careful! The hulls were increased in length and beam for these ships, so don't rush out to buy that cruiser hull without checking your facts! These ships make excellent convoy ships.
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