| The first nuclear powered surface warship
in history, Long Beach was assigned to the Atlantic Fleet and home ported
at Norfolk, Va. The guided missile cruiser conducted extensive shakedown
testing of her complex weapons and propulsion systems from 2 October to
16 December 1961. Her superlative performance proved the nuclear cruiser
a highly capable and effective warship.
The operation, “Sea Orbit”, reminiscent of the cruise of the Great White
Fleet in 1907 to 09, demonstrated the strategic mobility of U.S. naval
nuclear powered surface forces independent of normal fleet logistic support.
During 58 steaming days Long Beach, Bainbridge and Enterprise steamed over
30,000 miles at an average speed of 25 knots, without being refueled or
resupplied.
April 1967 the ship made a stop in “Ironbottom Sound” on 23 April for
a memorial service commemorating the battles fought and lives lost there
in World War II. After the wreath laying ceremony, she steamed up “The
Slot” at 30 knots, back toward a different war.
In 1978 the Long Beach entered Puget Sound for an upgrade that included
replacing the obsolete Talos missile system. The ship would operate
in this configuration for two West Pac deployments until returning to Puget
Sound in October 1980. The Billboard radar was then removed and Tomahawk
launchers replaced the Harpoon launchers on the stern.
| Specifications |
|
|
| Class |
|
Long Beach |
| Displacement |
|
14,200 Tons |
| Dimensions |
|
721' 3" (oa) x 73' 3" x 31' (Max) |
| Armament |
|
2 x 4 cell Harpoon Launchers |
|
|
2 Terrier 2x2, (120 Missiles) |
|
|
2 x 5"/38 |
|
|
ASROC (20 Missiles) |
|
|
6 x12.75" TT |
| Machinery |
|
80,000 SHP; 2 Westinghouse Reactors (C1W), G.E. Geared Turbines, 2
screws |
| Speed |
|
30+ Knots |
| Crew |
|
1100 |
Commissioned 09 SEP 1961, Decommissioned 01 MAY 1995, Stricken 01 May
1995
Fate: Hulk currently awaiting recycling at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard
Dragon has modified their as-built Long Beach into a 1978-80 version.
The primary change is the elimination of the Talos launcher on the stern
and the addition of Harpoon launchers in it's place. In addition the directors
for the Talos were removed and the deck openings were plated over. During
this period the Billboard radar and Terrier system was retained. |
The reader might want to take into consideration that I consulted
for Dragon on this kit. My opinions might be a bit biased. However I think
the photos speak for themselves. |
| SPRUE A |
|
| The upper hull is really nicely molded with the smooth
sleek lines of the LB. Mine came with a plastic cap over the bow to protect
the tips with it's opening. The chocks around the hull are also molded
open a nice touch. The bow is molded open with a separate bow insert. The
bracing interior bracing is molded in place. The kit also features that
distinctive sharp knuckle along the forward part of the hull. |
Click
images
to enlarge |
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|
|
| SPRUE B |
|
| The lower hull is also nicely molded with sonar dome and bilge keels.
The latter are thin thanks to slide molding. The fit of the upper and lower
hull is very good and steps have been taken in the design of the upper
hull to allow some flex to get that perfect fit. |
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|
|
| SPRUE C |
|
| This sprue contains the main bow deck and much of the superstructure.
Most modelers might not notice, but this sprue is an amazing piece of work
using not only horizontal slides to capture details, but also cam action
slides that rotate out of the way when the mold opens. This allows for
a series of single piece superstructure parts that rival that of some resin
kits. There are fewer parts to fit up and fewer seams to fill and yet plenty
of detail. Very impressive for an inexpensive plastic kit. |
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|
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| SPRUE D |
|
| Sprue D features most of the weapons and fittings used on this kit.
Modelers are sure to like the missile launchers with realistic launch rails
that pivot and the separate missiles. Boats, davits, and missile directors
are well molded in this small scale. The directors are also designed so
that they can be posed at various angles. |
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|
| SPRUE E |
|
| This sprue features the 61 as built billboard radar array parts. The
original as built aft platforms are also included. |
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|
|
| SPRUE F |
|
| The 1967 Platform and cFast Replenishment Kingpost is included on this
sprue. Molding is quite nice, but if you don't like the plastic bracing
on the platforms, there are nice photo etch ones described further down
in this review. Also shown is the Quadri-pod fan antenna support. This
assembly can be replaced using p/e parts MA1, MA4 and MA14. |
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|
|
| SPRUE G |
|
| The rest of the superstructure parts are included on this sprue. Like
the C sprue this one takes advantage of complex slides to mold detail on
almost all sides of the parts resulting in some really nicely detailed
parts. Platforms for the mast are also included and are pretty good for
plastic. |
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|
|
| SPRUE H |
|
| This sprue from the Dragon Laffey and Livermore is included to supply
the gun barrels and bases for the 5" 38 cal gun mounts on the 67 version
of this ship. You won't need the depth charge rack or 20 mm guns, but save
them for some other WW2 ship projects. |
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|
|
| SPRUE H2 |
|
| This sprue is new and has been added to allow for a later version of
this ship. |
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|
|
| SPRUE J x2 |
|
| Two of these 5" 38 cal gun turrets are included. They of course are
the same nice slide molded ones featured in the Dragon WW2 kits. Accurately
shaped and very detailed they are a nice addition to this kit. |
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|
|
| SPRUE I |
|
| The 1967 style billboard radar is included on this sprue. The modeler
can build up the bridge and apply these later allowing for a different
shade of paint to be applied without separate masking. |
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|
|
| SPRUE Z |
|
| The base for this kit has been designed based on how most modelers
like to display their ships in full hull mode. The stands which resemble
lamp finales are even slide molded so they have no seams to fill and sand.
Hole locations are provided so all you have to do is open them up with
a knife or drill. |
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|
|
| PHOTOETCH |
|
| A simple photo etch fret is included with the AS-2866/SRR Cone Antenna
that mounts above the turrets. Finer platforms for the aft superstructure
and various ladders and girder work is also included. |
 |
| DECALS |
|
| The decals are the usual sharply rendered ones produced for them by
Cartograph. They include warning circles, helo deck markings, battle E's
and of course flags and hull numbers. |
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|
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| INSTRUCTIONS |
|
| The instructions are six pages with lots of subassembly views that
are easy to follow. The last page features a painting guide showing decal
placement. |
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| CONCLUSIONS |
|
Another version of this great Cold War warrior to add to your fleet.
The Cyber-Hobby line of ships has been marketed as an affordable compromise
between price and quality. However it looks like you get both quality and
price in this kit. This kit features state of the art molding, multiple
versions from the same kit, and finely detailed parts. I hope Dragon follows
up with a post 80's version soon.
These kits should be in stores now. Look for them on the shelves of
your favorite hobby shop or get it direct from Dragon
USA or Cyber-Hobby for $34.95. |
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