The Viking Forge continues to release a wide range of ships for WW2. Many of the ships they produce are not available from anyone else in pewter. The ships received for review were the American Oiler Cimmaron and the Italian aircraft carrier Aquila. Other releases include U.S. minesweepers, British ocean liners (suitable for troopships) and the other Italian carrier.

The AO Cimarron was a fleet oiler that saw extensive service in the Pacific. The model is very highly detailed and cast all in one piece that requires a minimum of cleaning. There was a small amount of flash on the foremast and on the bow that cleaned up easily. The model is 2.69 long by .375 inches wide, a true 1/2400 scale.

The Aquila was the Italian CV that was a conversion from a passenger liner. The work was not finished in time for her to see active service. The model is well detailed and cast in three pieces; hull, flight deck, and island. There was the tiniest bit of flash that easily came off. More care was needed in filing the top of the hull and the bottom of the deck so that they fit snuggly. Once this was done, assembly was easy. The model is 3.188 by .438, again a true 1/2400 scale.

Both the ships reviewed are beautiful to look at and well worth the price($7 for the Aquila and $4.95 for the Cimarron). Aquila is perfect for a What if scenario for the Med. Cimmaron is one of those ships that made the War in the Pacific possible. While she would not be at a surface engagement, she would be a useful addition to any game featuring an air or a submarine attack on a U. S. fleet. Both ships are available from The Viking Forge, 1727 Theresa Lane, Powhatan VA, 23139 -JERRY LANE