Ship review

Blue Ridge Models 1/350
USS Growler SSG-577

Reviewed by Timothy Dike
November 2014

HISTORY

Long before the SSBN Ballistic Nuclear Subs patrolled the ocean The USS Growler stood watch with her revolutionary (at that time) payload of four nuclear armed Regulus Sea to Surface missiles. Her mission was top secret and involved staying submerged for hours, sometimes even days at a time. While routine for today's somewhat roomy nuclear subs, it was a monumental task for these cramped diesel subs. While her career was relatively short, she paved the way for future Submarine operations

More history can be found on the DANFS site,

This Blue Ridge Models kit depicts the sub during her operational years of the early 60's, complete with four Regulus Missiles.

HULL PARTS

The full hull is cast with a resin runner along the bottom. The casting is excellent and the limber holes hatches and other openings are perfectly formed. Like many of their other new kits the sail location is a recessed socket making it easier to locate this part without an unsightly seam. The missile bays have incredible detailing if you chose to model it open.

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SAIL AND SMALL PARTS

The parts include the sail, fins, missile hatches, periscopes and four Regulus missiles. Casting is very clean and detailing is well executed. Some of the finer details feature some pretty amazing casting that will require very little cleanup. I also like the way the parts are attached to the runners in ways that minimizes the work needed to free them.

PROPELLERS

The props are 3D printed and feature properly shaped blades in left and right hand configurations.

PHOTOETCH

A small photo etch fret is included with stanchions. radio antenna all nicely etched. Wings for the Regulus missile

DECALS

The decals include hull name and numbers for Cusk, Tunny, Grayback, Growler, and Halibut. A second sheet supplies the markings for the Regulus missiles.

INSTRUCTIONS

The instructions are nine page, very well drawn using the same CAD that was used to create the master. Parts are labeled and their location is clearly shown. The Sail is shown with periscopes up and stowed and stantions are shown installed as they would be on the surface.

Conclusions:

This Blue Ridge Models submarine kit is state of the art kit. From it's expertly designed features to it's high quality casting, it is a modelers dream. Everything is there to give you what you need for a contest winning model. I should note, that this kit is very well packed and protected from damage with sturdy packaging and foam dividers. This is kit # BRM-35005 - USS Growler SSG-577 with a list price of $79.95. You can get yours from Freetime Hobbies. Stay tuned as more subs are coming in 1/350 scale from Blue Ridge Models.