Flagship Models 1/192 USS Passaic

Reviewed by Timothy Dike

USS Passaic, first of a ten-ship class of 1335-ton ironclad monitors, was built at Greenpoint, New York.  Passaic's combat service began on 23 February 1863, in Wassau Sound, Georgia, where she took part in the capture of a blockade-running schooner.  Passaic was one of nine ironclads that attacked Fort Sumter, off Charleston, South Carolina, on 7 April 1863.  She received serious damage at that time and had to go to New York for repairs.  Returning to the war zone in late July, Passaic kept busy over the next two months bombarding Confederate fortifications at the harbor entrance.  Among other contributions, her gunfire helped to reduce Fort Wagner, on Morris Island, facilitating its capture in early September. Passaic spent the remainder of the Civil War operating in South Carolina and Georgia waters.

 After more than a decade in reserve, USS Passaic was sold in October 1899.

Flagship Models has released this new kit that can be used to build Passaic, or her sisterships.

This great new kit comes complete with everything needed to build a museum quality model of this influential warship including an extensive photo etch sheet.
 
 
 

For additional views related to USS Passaic, see:,
 
 

More about the Monitor can be read on the Dept. of the Navy -- Naval Historical Center website. But you can preserve your own piece of history with the 1/192 multimedia kit by Flagship Models.
HULL
The hull on this kit is cast as one piece with only a small casting gate on the stern tip. That should make cleanup a breeze on this kit. The deck features nicely engraved plating detail, with a riveted armor belt around the hull sides. The hull bottom has a wooden appearance.
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to enlarge
 
RESIN DETAILS
A nicely detailed turret includes all kinds of rivets around the outside with a nicely detailed interior. The funnel and pilot house are well cast. Three hatch boxes are included as well. Nicely shaped intake vents are well cast. There are also some bits and chocks, although the latter will need some cleanup before using. Two life boats feature nice detailing and are designed to use the included photo etch boat decks shown below. 
METAL FITTINGS
Two of the primitive propellers are included as well as enough chain to hang the anchor and used for steering. Also included are plastic tube and square stock for fabricating the other parts. 
PHOTO ETCH
A relief etched fret includes a nice turret floor and davits, stantions, foldup anchor, and even a cannon frame and wheels.
DECALS
A simple US flag decal is supplied in paper.
INSTRUCTIONS
The Instructions three pages with assembly notes. Well drawn and with more than enough detail to build the Monitor right. Something new that I have not seen in other Flagship Ironclad kits is the 3rd page with painting instructions for the other ships in the class. Until I saw these, I never really realized that Ironclads came in different paint schemes. This sheet will allow you to use this kit to build the other 9 sisterships.
CONCLUSIONS

A very nicely done kit with everything you need to build a first class replica of this important Ironclad. If you have never built a resin ship before, this one might be a good first resin kit. The parts are not overwhelming and the assembly looks pretty straightforward. 

This is kit #FM19224 USS Passaic for $65.00 US. You can order it direct from Flagship Models via it's online ordering system.

With such a simple shape the painting and weathering be what makes this kit standout. Not to worry, as Flagship has a line of How to CD's that will help you out in many topics from Building Resin Ships and Working with Photo Etch Parts to Making Realistic Water.

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