Thanks all. Does make for a mahoosive/continent like subject. Now that two hull cuts are done am encountering scale change details to deal with.
Largest most complex kit ever for me.
Did slow detailed look at instructions and 35 sprues with 1300+ parts. Can subtract 16 sprues of 1/350 aircraft from that.
Figuring how to resize much of 1/350 to be 1/700. Obviously be using 1/700 kits as donors. Particularly guns and aircraft.
Lot of modern equipment parts are not used - CIWS, life raft containers, multi-multi-multi antennas, jet blast deflectors....
Surprised that WW2 1/700 USS Saratoga funnel size matches OOB funnel for apparent exhaust capacity. Complete with 1/700 doors, ladders, life rafts....
Likely use Essex class bridge. Fits WW2. Keep radar antenna at as late WW2 as can.
Will try sanding down deck edge catwalk railing by 1/2 to be 1/700 size.
For a builder who is cracker jack at details the hanger deck is prime place to be build of its own. Equipment on walls and deck and the aircraft would make primo diorama. Devise so flight deck is removable would be cool. Not for me to do but had to mention possibility.