Reviewed by Timothy Dike
| The USS Independence is one of the prototypes
built by General Dynamics to be the future US Navy small assault transport.
It differs radically from the first ship USS Freedom LCS-1 built by Lockheed
Martin. Stealthy and very radical the ship could be the next standard in
modern naval combat for years to come.
Just as radical and exciting is this new 350 scale version of the ship.
Cyber-Hobby and Bronco Models have joined forces to bring this exciting
new 350 scale kit to the US Market.
|
|||||||||||||
| SPRUE A | |||||||||||||
| This new kit takes a unique approach to the way the hull is broken down. The outrigger portions of the hull are molded separately above the waterline. These are molded in two parts above the waterline with the portion below the waterline being separate parts. A Tab and Slot method is used to help locate these parts with the main hull, a nice touch!. The stern wall is molded as a single part with an open door to access the lower bay. | Click images
to enlarge |
||||||||||||
 |
|||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||
| SPRUE B | |||||||||||||
| The main superstructure parts on included on this sprue. The bridge walls feature some really amazing detail with open windows that have molded on windshield wipers on them. Clear window inserts are provided for the glass. |  |
||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||
| SPRUE C x2 | |||||||||||||
| Two of these sprues are included for the stern thrusters. These are slide molded to maximize the detail on each part. They are very well done and will really make your model stand out. |  |
||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||
| SPRUE D | |||||||||||||
| The kit comes with a single MQ-8b UAV Helo with the major parts molded in plastic. Rotors, and skids are supplied on the photo etch fret shown below. |  |
||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||
| SPRUE Da & Ea x2 | |||||||||||||
| An SH-60s is also provided in gray and clear plastic. This has got to be one of the best in this scale. It comes with an open interior and a clear front part that will allow you to simulate a clear windscreen. There is even a separate torpedo |  |
||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||
| SPRUE E | |||||||||||||
| This clear sprue includes the clear window inserts. A nice touch for the ship. |  |
||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||
| SPRUE F | |||||||||||||
| The middle lower hull is molded in two halves with some really nice surface detailing. |  |
||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||
| SPRUE G | |||||||||||||
| The upper half of the hull is molded in one part. The deck features nice deck tie down sockets on the hanger deck and nice surface detailing. |  |
||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||
| SPRUE H DISPLAY BASE | |||||||||||||
| A simple base is provided for full hull display molded in black. |  |
||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||
| SPRUE K | |||||||||||||
| A nice relief etch brass photo etch fret is included with railings, safety netting, helo propeller blades and hubs and many other details. An etched nameplate is a nice addition. |  |
||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||
| DECALS | |||||||||||||
| A nice decal sheet is included with deck markings, flags, hull numbers and aircraft markings. They are sharply registered. |  |
||||||||||||
| INSTRUCTIONS | |||||||||||||
| The instructions are eight large pages with plenty of views of the subassembly of the ship. A painting guide and decal placement is provided on the last page. |  |
||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||
| CAD VIEWS | |||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||
| CONCLUSIONS | |||||||||||||
These new kits are now shipping to stores. You should be able to get one soon. Look for them on the shelves of your favorite hobby shop or get it direct from Dragon USA or CyberHobby. |
|||||||||||||
 |
|||||||||||||
