| Originally laid down as cruisers, nine
Independence Class vessels were converted into light carriers as an emergency
wartime measure. These aircraft carriers of the U.S. Navy filled in at
a time when there was a shortage of larger carriers. Because they were
not designed from the outset for this role, they were cramped and had limited
maintenance and storage facilities for the maximum number of 45 aircraft
that could be carried on board. Their appearance was distinctive with four
funnels and a rather small bridge island. However, they were relatively
fast with a maximum speed of 32 knots.
This kit was originally produced by Skywave. Dragon bought the molds
and rather than just offer the kit in their name, they added a lower hull
and display stand and released the kit as the USS
Princeton. This kit has always been a favorite of modelers. I have
seen the old ones selling on E-bay for very high prices. For quite some
time modelers have been asking for a re-release of this kit. But is didn't
quite measure up to the level of detail that Dragon is becoming known for,
so they brought it back as a Premium Edition kit, with all new options. |
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| SPRUE A |
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| The hull is unchanged from it's original tooling. It is split from
the waterline to the bow and stern diagonally. The diagonal slit make for
a joint that is easier to hide than an abrupt straight one. The detail
is very good, and the hull shape appears to match the layout of the Independence
class carrier. |
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| SPRUE C |
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| So how do you show off a hanger deck on a carrier with few deck openings.
How about a clear flight deck? That way you can look right into the hanger.
If you don't want a clear deck, simply paint it. For best effect, I would
suggest masking a section off in the middle of the deck and painting the
rest of the parts. You can even leave the walls of the hanger deck transparent
if you like. Detail on these parts is also quite good. |
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| SPRUE D |
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| This sprue includes the lower hull, propellers, and a mounting base
and nameplate. |
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| SPRUE B (x 2) |
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| Two of the old E-6 weapons sprues are included to supply some of the
weapons and fittings. Most of these parts will not be needed and you can
save them for your spare parts box. |
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| SPRUE K |
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| You also get one of Dragons new weapons sprues. Included are the many
anti-aircraft guns and various fittings used on the ship. Various radar's
and other detail items are also included. The 40 mm guns are not bad but
the gun barrels are a little thick. The 20 mm are also a little thick,
but I really like the way they are molded. The front shield is offset from
the pedestal and the separate gun can be mounted at any angle just like
the real ones. |
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You also get Mk-51 directors, searchlights and even some pelorus
mounts. All are as fine as injections molding permits in this scale. Not
to be overlooked are the nice life rafts that have some nice netting molded
on. |
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| AIRCRAFT |
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| The original kit included one TBD Devastator
and one F6F Panther, two aircraft that probably never operated on an
Independence class carrier. So to remedy that shortcoming, Dragon included
some of their highly detailed aircraft from their new Essex
class carriers. The aircraft are molded in clear plastic so you can
don't have to settle for simulated clear canopies.
TBF Avenger Torpedo Bomber (six included).
These torpedo bombers have recessed panel lines and folding wings.
Separate gear and propellers are included. |
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F6F Hellcat Fighter (six included).
Also molded with folding wings and separate landing gear and props. |
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| PHOTOETCH FRET |
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| A photo etch fret is included with a hanger deck insert. The deck is
relief etched in a tiled pattern with tie downs etched on the surface.
The real plus, in my opinion, is the replacement mast structure, boat crane,
and radar. These are parts that can not be molded well in plastic and are
most commonly replaced by more advanced modelers. |
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| DECALS |
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| The decals are pretty good, with deck markings and and plenty of markings
for the aircraft. Deck stripe markings are provided as white dashed lines.
The elevator markings are done in black and the elevator opening stripes
are done in white. The aircraft not only have two different types of insignia,
but they also have squadron markings. A checkerboard pattern to be applied
to the tail and ailerons of the aircraft. These decals are sharply rendered
and you wont want to replace these with other aftermarket ones. |
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| INSTRUCTIONS |
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| A 10 page instruction booklet is included to guide you
through a step by step assembly process. The parts are all called out and
placement is well illustrated throughout. Photo etch parts are shown if
you chose not to use the plastic ones. Three different camo design sheets
are included. One for the Independence, and one for the Monterey, and San
Jacinto
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| CONCLUSIONS |
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 This
kit is was a good kit when it was first released. Dragon made it even better.
Photo etch, clear deck and aircraft, new weapons, sharper decals, and even
new dramatic box art, make this a definite must have for your Pacific War
fleet. It looks like Dragon is paying attention to what ship modelers are
asking for and giving them more. |
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