Waveline 1/700 Resin USS Reeves CG-24

Reviewed by Timothy Dike
The USS Reeves was a member of the Leahy Class Cruisers. Originally classed as DLG's they were reclassified in the 70's when the US Navy reevaluated the class designations of it's ships. The Leahy's were designed as anti air escorts for carrier task forces. They were upgraded over their lifetimes to counter the new threats as they developed. They were active during the Cold War years up into the 90's. Most have been decommissioned, scrapped or sunk as targets.
Specifications:

Displacement 5,600 Tons
Dimensions, 533' (oa) x 53' 6" x 25' 3" (Max)
Armament 2 Terrier 2x2, (80 Missiles)
4 x 3"/50, ASROC (8 Missiles) 
6 x12.75" TT.
Machinery, 85,000, SHP Geared Turbines, 2 screws
Speed, 34 Knots
Crew 377
USN Image from Navsource.org
The hull is cast in white resin and is pretty well cast. But the details are a little on the dull side and not very well defined. The hull is flat and needs is pretty accurate shape wise. The one flaw on the kit is the raised detail that represents the painted on helo markings. These will have to be sanded down flush with the deck or they will stand out like a sore thumb.

There are two sprues of the Skywave modern weapons set to supply many of the missile launchers and radar's. What you don't find on those two sprues is included on another Skywave USN weapons sprue. Having these is a real bonus as they include all kinds of goodies that will help fill out the spare parts box!

 Click images
to enlarge
Some of the parts you will use are cast in white metal. They are well cast with very little flash and 
A decal sheet is supplied with all hull numbers and ship names in the class. The sheet is part of the larger separately available Pit-Road decal set. Several lengths of different diameter brass rod are included to fabricate the masts and various parts.
The instructions consist of four pages of details. There are plan and elevation views, exploded assembly views and several section views to help you in the placement of the parts. My only complaint is the lack of English translations.
Conclusions:

It's nice to have a Leahy Class CG on the market. This kit has a lot of possibilities. The raised detail on the helo deck is a real turnoff, but once removed and some photo etch details are added it will make a nice addition to your modern fleet.
Box Art
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