I Love Kit Ships 1/700 USS North Carolina Battleship BB-55 Top Grade Edition Kit

On October 27, 1937, the keel of the battleship North Carolina was laid at the New York Navy Yard, launched on June 13, 1940, and commissioned in New York on April 9 of the following year. North Carolina completed sea trials before Pearl Harbor and joined the Pacific Fleet on June 10, 1942.

In August 1942, the U.S. military began operations in the Guadalcanal Islands. At this time, North Carolina was the only U.S. battleship in the theater capable of escorting Wasp, Saratoga, and Enterprise aircraft carriers. In a battle in East Solomon, North Carolina's record of shooting down seven Japanese fighters changed the mission of the new battleship in the fleet, providing air defense cover for the aircraft carrier using the ship's numerous anti-aircraft guns.

On September 15, 1942, a torpedo hit the USS North Carolina. The torpedo tore a large hole 10 meters long and 6 meters high in her armor plate, killing five sailors.

In June 1947, North Carolina was decommissioned from active duty in New York. On April 29, 1962, she was donated to Wilmington, North Carolina, and converted into the Battleship North Carolina Memorial. To commemorate the ship's achievements and all those who served and died in World War II.

The USS North Carolina was awarded 12 Battle Stars during her service in World War II.

This new Top Grade kit from I Love Kit is loaded with everything you'll need to create a stunning museum-class model of this famous ship. 

Top Grade items:

• Authentic blue wooden decks
• Brass gun barrels and fittings
• Two photo-etched frets
• anodized chains