An alternative to out of the box Axis and Allies pieces, 3D print opens a new world of customized pieces, where basically any historical ship can be obtained.
We at A&A Boardgaming endorse these new pieces and will be offering a host of new ships over time, all custom painted and magnetized.
The Independence-class light aircraft carriers were reluctantly built due to necessity. These were limited-capability ships, whose principal virtue was near-term availability.
With war looming no new fleet aircraft carriers were expected to be completed before 1944. It was proposed to convert some of the many cruisers then under construction to carriers. Studies of cruiser-size aircraft carriers had shown the type had serious limitations and showed too many compromises to be effective. Ships of this class carried a small air group of about 30 aircraft.
However, because such ships could be made available much sooner, and after the December 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, the need for more carriers became urgent. The Cleveland-class light cruisers then under construction were adopted for carrier conversion.
The Independence class showed much more promise than expected and nine carriers were ordered in 1942 and completed in 1943. Being based on a light cruiser, they were fast ships, much faster than the Casablanca-class escort carriers. The cruiser hull and engineering allowed them the speed necessary to operate along side the main fleet carrier task groups.
Eight of these carriers participated in the Battle of the Philippine Sea in June 1944, which effectively ended Japan's carrier air power. Only the Princeton CVL-23 was lost in combat during the Battle of Leyte Gulf.
Members of the Independence class:
• USS Independence (CVL-22) • USS Princeton (CVL-23) • USS Belleau Wood (CVL-24) • USS Cowpens (CVL-25) • USS Monterey (CVL-26) • USS Langley (CVL-27) • USS Cabot (CVL-28) • USS Bataan (CVL-29) • USS San Jacinto (CVL-30)
This is the finest finished 3D printed Independence class game piece on the market today. And it is the best value - It includes magnetization, a custom flight deck and fully painted for about the same price as others sell unfinished.
Purchase a loaded carrier and get a discount on magnetized aircraft.
Each carrier comes with a unique, historically accurate flight deck decal and onestrong neodymium rare earth magnets to hold one aircraft. Optionally load your carrier with matching magnetized aircraft. Never have your airwing fall off a carrier again!
Default magnetic polarity is as shown.
Approximate dimensions (LWD): 56mm x 11mm x 7mm
Note: These are created by a third-party 3D print company and require extra lead time to produce. The plastic used in the manufacturing process is not as robust as A&A game pieces. The plastic is more brittle and delicate protrusions like masts and scout plane catapults can be broken off. Please use care when handling.
Updating Order Details
Please do not refresh or navigate away from the page!