Dear Folks, Well... I couldn't wait until Christmas to open my present, so I cracked the box on the Intrepid and have started with adding bilge keels and prop shafts, rudder, etc. She promises to be a great build ahead and I hope you folks enjoy it as much as I do. This Vietnam era angled deck carrier of the Essex Class with a nice compliment of A-1 Skyraiders, A-4 Skyhawks, F-8 Crusaders, UH-2 Sea Sprite helicopters, of which I plan to purchase more of, plus some additional photo-etch parts for added detail.. although this kit is loaded with a ton of goodies to make a great model. She was off shore Vietnam during the time I was stationed in country (1968) and I suppose is the closest I will come to building the USS Ranger CVA-61 I served aboard in the US Navy. Estimating 3 mos. for the build, sit back and enjoy. Best regards and Merry Christmas, Dennis