Dragon is back with another 1+1 Smart kit in 700 scale. This
one features two Gleaves class destroyers, the Livermore and Monssen in
early war fit. Often referred to as Livermore class these ships are typical
of early war fleet destroyers with the two sets of torpedo launchers and
round funnels. While many ships in the class had their second set of torpedo
tubes removed to save weight, both Livermore and Monssen retained theirs
through 1942. The Livermore and Monssen were originally built with a five
5" gun layout but one was removed during her first major rebuild. The new
#3 mount was partially enclosed with a canvas top. Six 20 mm guns were
added behind the #2 gun, next to the aft funnel, and in front of the #3
gun mount. Monssen had a similar fit with a mix of 50 cal guns and 20 mm
guns. The 50's proved to be ineffective against aircraft and were replaced
with more 20mm guns after the battle of Midway. These were installed in
a reconfigured aft gun tub, and in an extra tub placed where the starboard
whaleboat and davits were. This is the fit that she was in at the time
of her loss on Friday the 13th at Guadalcanal. You can read more about
that here. There are
many ships that can be built from this kit. If you would like to know more,
check out the Calling
all USS Benson/Gleaves class (DD) fans section on the ShipModels.info
site. |
 This
new 1/700 smart kit from Dragon is the perfect companion to the USS
Benson and Laffey Benson class destroyers. It represents another major
step forward for those of us who model in the divine scale! This one is
the smaller cousin to the 1/350
USS Livermore, but with extra parts to also build the Monssen.
Dragon is interested in making models that modelers want to build. This
one includes many features that you have been asking for. See the preview
for some of the CAD images. Before you read my review, you should know
that I took an active part in the design of this kit and was compensated
for my efforts, therefor my opinions may be a bit biased and I will try
to contain my enthusiasm here.
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Built up test shots from Dragon
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| SPRUE A (x2) |
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| The forward and aft deck are both cambered like the real
ships. Real ships rarely have flat decks, rather there is a little angle
to them to allow water to run off the sides. Propellers are nicely done
as are the propeller shafts. The struts should have more of a wing shape
to them, but that is not really that noticeable here. |
Click
images
to enlarge |
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| SPRUE C (x2) |
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| Superstructure parts are included on this sprue with forward and aft
decks included. Two types of aft decks are included, one like the one fitted
to the Livermore in her early 42 fit. There is another deck that matches
the Monssen as she appeared from August to November 1942. This is similar
to the aft layout of the Grayson (DD-435). So you can use the parts to
model that ship too. Monssen also received an extra 20 mm gun tub in place
of her starboard whaleboat. The other parts on this sprue include the walls
of the superstructure. They have plenty of surface detailing. The typical
round funnels of the Gleaves class are well done. These parts are slide
molded to give the tops an open appearance. Separate funnel piping is provided
to give the kit a more detailed appearance. |
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| There are also some forming tools provided to form the
life raft brackets and the propeller guards.
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| SPRUE D (x2) |
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| Depth charges and other fittings are included on this sprue. K-gun
launchers are well molded and the extra charges are molded in groups of
two. Many other parts not typically seen in this scale are included such
as the 5" practice loading machine, sky lookouts, and torpedo director.
The lone 1.1" gun assembly is done in 4 pieces. Some of the parts are so
small that some modelers may be intimidated by them. But detail lovers
will go crazy with them. I would add that if you don't need to add all
the tiny parts to have a good looking representation of a Benson class
destroyer. The 26' Whaleboats have separate tops to allow you a covered
or undecked version. |
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| SPRUE E (x2) |
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| A new 5" 38 cal open top gun mount is included for both the Livermore
and the Monssen. It is molded with it's top attached. The top has a canvas
texture on the surface. It uses the same base and barrel as the other mounts.
Even this tiny part is molded with no less than three slides to ensure
that the detail on all sides is preserved. You can actually see the hinges
and latches on the doors as well as an accurately shaped shell extraction
chute. |
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| SPRUE F (x4) |
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| This sprue has some highly detailed torpedo mounts. You will only need
the quintuple version here. A 40 mm twin mount is included in three parts.
Four 20 mm twin style mounts are included but you will use the 20 mm singles
on the next sprue on these ships. The 5" blast bag equipped gun barrels
are actually slide molded to allow for an opening in the barrel. You will
need glasses to see them, but they are there. |
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| SPRUE H (x4) |
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| The bottom of the 5" gun base and the movable gun barrel are nicely
molded. I assembled the 5" turret and you can elevate the gun realistically.
There are plenty of 20 mm single gun mounts provided. These are done in
two parts so you can mount the barrel at any realistic angle. The stern
depth charge racks are slide molded in a single piece so they are very
detailed. These parts about as detailed as is possible in plastic. |
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| SPRUE I (x2) |
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| Dragon has included two distinctly different 5" turrets. For those
who are not aware, most destroyers with the 5" 38 cal gun house had lower
mounts that had reinforced roofs. The blast effect from the upper mount
tended to dent the lower roof and some stiffening was necessary. On most
early DD's this was done by adding an extra knuckle. A stiffening plate
was also riveted to the roof plate. |
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| Dragon has reproduced this by molding two version of the turret. This
lower mount has the knuckle and extra rivets. |
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| SPRUE J (x4) |
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| The upper mount was identical to the lower one, but had a smoother
roof. The turrets also have the correct offset to the gun barrel. A triple
slide is used on these parts to allow for a virtually seamless part. |
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| The parts fit together smartly with only a small hint of a seam. Note
the hatch details and the shell extraction chute and the vent on the rear.
I certainly hope Dragon makes these mounts available separately as they
blow away anything else now on the market. |
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| SPRUE K |
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| Rather than mold a separate lower hull Dragon has done two versions
of the hull. This one with the complete hull molded in one single piece.
There is no seam to fill here. |
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| SPRUE L |
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| A waterline style hull is also included identical to the other version
from the waterline up. Both has the classic 40's aerodynamic styling to
the bow. |
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| SPRUE S (x2) |
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| There are four sprues labeled "S". These are the Square and Oval Life
Rafts, The Mk-37 Directors and their Mk-12 Radar and mount, and several
new searchlights. The directors use triple slide molding to capture the
full detailing, and have separate bottoms. You can clearly make out the
hatches, and ladder details on the sides. The Fire Control Radar Antenna
and mount are three parts, and the stand is also molded using slides. The
yoke for the radar screen is very detailed for such a small part. These
parts are not exactly new, they first appeared in the Dragon
USS Pennsylvania kit a couple of years ago. But they are detailed far
beyond any other plastic parts in this scale. |
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Life rafts
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Mk-37 Director
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Mk-12 FCR
Antenna & mount
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Search lights
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| SPRUE Z |
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| A new 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 (x2) |
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| Two simple photo etch frets are included, one for each ship. Bridge
wings, propeller guards, and funnel platforms and ladders are among the
details. Many ships in the Benson Gleaves class has k-gun davits fabricated
to mount to the gun tubs. These are provided and will give the ship a more
detailed appearance. |
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| DECALS |
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| Walkway decals to represent the rubber no skid pads that
were used on US Navy ships is done on these well registered decals printed
by Cartograph. These are made to match the typical paths they were applied
in. Hull numbers for both Laffey and Woodworth are included. Though they
are hard to see, this sheet even includes draft markings.
A second sheet includes flags and ensigns printed on a pliable vinyl
material. |
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| INSTRUCTIONS |
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| The instructions are an eight page booklet showing the
assembly in a step by step process that is easy to follow. A full size
camo drawing is provided illustrating the MS-12 mod camo scheme. If you
plan on painting your ship, then I would change the order of assembly as
it is much easier to attach the decks to the hull without all the fine
parts added. |
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| CONCLUSIONS |
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 This
has got to be the most detailed 1/700 kit yet available in plastic now
on the market. The details are extremely fine and the molding is first
class. Not only do you get state of the art molding, you get two complete
kits for one very competitive price of only $19.95. At this price you can
afford to buy extras and use the parts to upgrade other kits. One thing
is certain, after building one of these kits, you will not be content to
build just any 700 scale kit!
These kits should now be on the shelves of your favorite hobby shop
or get it direct from Dragon
USA. |
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