Dragon 1/350 USS Independence CVL-22

Overview

The fourth USS Independence (or fifth, if you count the brigantine used by the Massachusetts State Navy in 1776) was the first in a new class of light carriers converted from cruiser hulls. The Independence was converted from the USS Amsterdam, CL-59, and was launched on August 22, 1942. After a shakedown cruise in the Caribbean, the Independence sailed west, first to San Diego and then to Pearl Harbor. Once in the Pacific, the Independence took part in many battles and managed to survive the war. Post-war, the Independence was one of the vessels in the Operation Magic Carpet fleet. Taken to Bikini Atoll, the Independence took part in a couple of atomic blasts. Highly radioactive, the hulk was sunk off the coast of San Francisco, where contamination continues to be a concern.

The Kit

We are definitely in a 1/350 carrier glut lately, with a full range of Essex Class carriers from Trumpeter, the recent Hasegawa CVE kit and now this, Dragon's CVL kit. Having seen all three, I can say that this one is definitely the best, with some absolutely incredible detail throughout the kit. Molded in medium gray plastic, with several frets of photoetch and all the aircraft molded in clear, the model should please any carrier modeler.

The breakdown of the main hull is surprising, as Dragon has employed its slide-molding technology to good effect. The result is that the hull is made up from three pieces: a one piece deck that includes some side details, a one piece lower hull with some of the best molded-on strakes I've seen on a ship kit, and a sturdy center hull piece. Slide mold technology means that instead of a two-piece mold as seen in most traditional injection kits, a mold will have two main halves and several side mold pieces that slide in to complete the mold. This allows for great detail on all sides of a part made up from right angles, such as a ship's superstructure. The more one delves into this kit, the more advantageous this technology is made apparent.

While this technology can allow for complex assemblies to be molded as one piece, there is still quite a bit to build up here. The model has over 1300 parts, ranging from the large hull pieces to tiny guns. It would be good to carefully study the instructions before tackling this kit, especially since the instructions are the weakest part here. For example, in Step 1, you get to assemble 253 parts (I think; I might be off by one or two in my count). Granted, that step is broken down into nine sub-steps, but still, that's a lot of parts for just one step. In fact, there are only ten steps in the entire instruction sheet, so it is all too easy to get lost and confused, especially with the rather cluttered exploded-diagram type of instructions that Dragon seems to favor.

Once that problem is addressed, the actual build is very straightforward. The kit comes with options for the shakedown cruise and a wartime fitting, which manifests mainly in the form of gun placement. Pay close attention to these steps in the instructions to make sure you don't mix up placements and end up with half the ship on a wartime fitting and the other half as seen on the shakedown cruise.

With the armament out of the way, the next step is the actual hull assembly. This kit comes with a full hangar bay, with some nicely done interior detail. Separate side doors, plus the elevators, will allow much of this to be seen. In fact, the decal sheet even includes markings to go on the forward bulkhead. Alongside the hangar deck, outside the ship, are the launches, which are again beautifully detailed and include separate rudders.

Moving on to the main deck, here you get to build up the eighteen aircraft provided. These include F6F Hellcats, TBF Avengers, and SBD Dauntlesses. For the Avengers and Hellcats, there are optional folded wings. Actually, that is not entirely true, as it is not an either/or choice. The sprues contain two aircraft per sprue, and one has folded wings while the other has extended wings. This means that if you want to fill the deck with a dozen Avengers with folded wings, you'll end up with 24 Avengers. This is not a concern with the Dauntless, as it didn't have folding wings.

While on the subject of aircraft options, there is quite a bit more than just the wing fold. For all three there is a choice of open or closed canopies. The Avenger has open or closed bomb bay options, and there is a separate torpedo as well. The Dauntless has a separate bomb, while the Hellcat comes with separate rockets. The detail throughout these aircraft is simply stunning, right down to cylinders molded in the engines.

The deck does not just get aircraft, though; there are vehicles as well. There are a couple very nice tractor tugs and a couple equally nice Jeeps. The tractors have molded-in engine detail, a separate cowl, and separate wheels. The Jeeps likewise have separate wheels, along with detailed interior and chassis detail. A separate hood with windshield (not in clear, unfortunately) and a separate steering wheel makes this an incredibly detailed Jeep for something that's smaller than a fingernail. Just as impressive are the figures, which are amazingly detailed for injection molding AND 1/350 scale.

For painting and markings, the kit comes with instructions for the 1943 wartime color scheme, which is a very simple Measure 21 scheme consisting of Navy Blue 5-N on the sides, with Deck Blue 20-B on the upper decks. The flight deck is finished in Flight Deck Stain 21. Although not marked on the instructions, should you do the shakedown cruise configuration, you will want to paint the ship in a Measure 14 scheme, which has Ocean Gray 5-O on the verticals. While the later Measure 33 scheme would be more impressive, this simple camouflage scheme will help highlight the nice detail throughout the kit. The decals are nicely printed, and include three marking choices for the aircraft and three marking options for the main deck.

Conclusion

This is, quite simply, the best 1/350 aircraft carrier kit I've seen. I am sure we will see several releases of this kit over the years, as there are several other ships in this class, many with some interesting and long histories. Personally, I would like to see the CVL-27, both in WW2 fit as the USS Langley and post-war fit as the French La Fayette (which took part in the Suez Crisis in 1956; now there's some colorful aircraft markings for the deck!). Undoubtedly we will see quite a few of these built up over the next year.

 

- Chris Banyai-Riepl

For more details with pictures, please visit: http://www.internetmodeler.com

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Dragon 1/350 USS Independence CVL-22

The CVL "Light" Fleet carriers of the Second World War are an interesting story in adaptability and dedicated service. Built off of Cleveland-class cruisers, the "nine sisters" of the Independence class amassed 81 battle stars between them and saw service in battles from late 1943 until the end of the war, with three re-activated during the Korean War crisis, two serving in the French Navy, and one serving with the Spanish Navy until 1989. USS Princeton was the only US Fleet carrier lost during the war after 1942, and two presidents served on CVLs, Gerald Ford on Monterey and George Bush, Senior on San Jacinto.

CVL-22 herself took part in the first fast-carrier raids, with Essex and Yorktown, spreading destruction amongst Japanese forces based on Marcus Island. A month later she was part of the fleet that supported the Marine landing and was torpedoed during a defensive counterattack. She was able to steam under her own power back to Mare Island for repairs, but did not return to service until July of the next year. That fall she served as one of the first night-fighter carriers, providing protection during the Palaus operation, as well as both day and night time operations around the Philippines, Okinawa, and Formosa. In October Independence's air group provided scouting and air cover for the aircraft that sunk the massive battleship Musashi.

She rounded out the year with operations in the South China Sea and retired to Pearl Harbor for repairs, returning in time for operations during the invasion of Okinawa, staying to cover them from the end of March until mid June, at which point she moved north and attacked the Japanese home islands until the end of the war. Following Japan's surrender, Independence shifted to "Magic Carpet" operations, making at least three trips between the former war zone and the US Mainland. USS Independence CVL-22 met her demise after surviving, heavily damaged, two nuclear bomb tests during Operation Crossroads, when her radioactive hulk was sunk by gunfire off of the Californian coast.

This kit has a unique feature amongst ship models; a "3-in-1" configuration allowing modelers to build her in the configuration of her shakedown cruise in the Atlantic in early 1943, the Marcus Island Raids in raids in fall, and the Tarawa Invasion in November during which she was torpedoed.

See the preview for some of the CAD images and test buildup of the kit. A few of the CAD parts were done by me so my opinions may be a bit biased.

SPRUE A x2
An exciting addition to this kit is this sprue of deck tractors. There are two on the sprue and they include separate tires, and a hood and grill open on the sides so you can see the engine. There are two styles of tow bars to haul your aircraft around the deck. The tires are so detailed you can almost count the lug nuts on the wheels. The tires even have realistic tread. These are little models in themselves with incredible detail. Click images
to enlarge

SPRUE B x2
A couple of jeeps are included as well. They too have separate wheels and hood. These Jeeps feature nice seat detailing and even some underside drive train detailing.

SPRUE D
This sprue includes the main deck and hanger deck. The hanger deck walls feature interior bracing detailing and plenty of external details. The openings have separate roll-up doors in plastic and optional photo etched ones. Also on this sprue are the propeller and rudder assemblies. The latter are made in two pieces so that you can accurately pivot the rudder at the hinged joint.

SPRUE E
Gun tubs for the 20 mm and 40 mm anti aircraft guns are included on this sprue. Note the thin splinter shields around the gun tubs, very nice for plastic. Slides are used to give the radar mount 3 sided detail without visible seams. Slides also give the air intakes exceptional detailing.

SPRUE F
The funnels are nicely molded in two main parts. When I test fitted these parts the first thing I noticed was the absence of a prominent seam. There is an exceptional amount of detailing on these parts. Even the interior portion of the funnel trunking is well detailed with nice rivet detailing. The elevators have very nice deck planking with accurate tie down strips. The elevator can be positioned at any point thanks to the elevator details. There is also some really nice girder work on for the main mast that is molded as fine as you can get away with in plastic. So nice that there is no need to replace these with photo etch.

SPRUE G
The bow and stern details are included here with this sprue. Gun tubs for the forward 40 mm and aft 5" 38 gun are included. The walls include nice open doorways and plenty of detailing. Slides in the mold are again used to achieve extra detail on a single part without extra seams.

SPRUE H
The island details are included on this sprue with impressive detailing. The rest of the mast girder work is included with that same thin girder work. Slides in the mold allow the main mast part to be molded as a single part. Equally impressive is the crane assembly with the open girder work comparable to photo etch parts. This is a vast improvement from the solid unappealing ones that are typically included.

SPRUE I
This sprue features those roll-up hanger doors to close off the hanger. The funnel caps and handrails are molded with nice detail and as single pieces. Also included are lots of small details such as cable reels and fire hoses.

SPRUE J x2
This sprue includes the rafts and float net baskets. Bits and closed chocks are molded finely. The anchors are very well done and include realistic separate stocks, really nice. The paravanes came out pretty good too. There are two of them included.

SPRUE K x2
There are two of these sprues with these wood decked whale boats and 5" 38 cal open mounts. The whaleboat is the same one included in the Gearing kit and includes a separate rudder. Another nice item is this 5" 38 cal open mount. It includes separate yoke and breach assemblies and even a fuse setter. Detail is on par with even the best resin after market versions.

SPRUE L
This sprue includes the aft 40 mm gun tub platform from the rebuild after the shakedown cruise. It includes the lower fairing and one of the war cruiser specific structures complete with molded on


SPRUE M
The larger 5" 38 gun platform is molded on this sprue along with some of the 20 mm platforms.

SPRUE N
Once again Dragon used slide molding to allow maximum detailing to be included on each part. These Mk-51's are included with separate base and sight details and are the nicest available in plastic.

SPRUE A&B F6F Helldiver x3 ea.
There are three sprues of the Helldiver with fixed wings and three with folded wings. They are molded in clear plastic so that you can mask over the canopy and paint the rest of the aircraft.

SPRUE C SBD Dauntless Diver Bomber X6
Six Dauntless dive bombers are included for your early version of the Independence. This aircraft features very nice recessed panel lines highlighting the details. An open canopy and separate cowling and even open and closed canopy options. An added bonus is the 500 lb. bomb and sling for the ultimate in realism.

SPRUE D&E TBF Avenger x3 ea.
TBF Avengers are molded with fixed and folded wing options. These two feature nice panel lines and separate cowling. Open and closed canopy options and as an added bonus a torpedo bay with open and closed door options. And if that is not enough, how about a scale torpedo to mount in the bay! A nice touch.

SPRUE Q x5
Five sprues of these 40 mm twin mounts are included. These are the same ones produced for the Tokyo Bar Buchanan and 1945 Benson. Each sprue builds two complete gun mounts.

SPRUE P

This is the 40 mm Quad mount that first appeared in the Gearing kit. Two complete mounts can be built from this sprue. It include separate twin barrel assemblies with nice flared out ends that even have simulated hollow ends and nice recoil springs. The base includes lots of detail with shell extraction chutes and detailed yoke and even some underside detailing.

SPRUE L x 3
Three 20 mm twin sprues are included with these highly detailed guns. These feature separate shields, base, gun, ammo cans, and can be trained at any angle the real ones could. You don't have to use all the fine parts, but they are there if you want to.

Sprue X
The upper hull is nicely shaped and closely follows the lines of the Cleveland class with the distinctive torpedo blisters that were added for protection and stability. Dragon has taken extra care to eliminate sink marks and other molding defects. The hawsepipes on the bow are well done and you will notice the hull closely matches the plans.

Sprue Y
A single piece flight deck is included with very fine planing and tie down strips. This part is slide molded to allow for the bulkhead detailing to be molded seam free. The catapult and arrester gear details are molded onto the deck. While the detail is very nice on this deck, the biggest plus is the fact that it is a single part and the modeler has no big seams to fill.

Sprue W
The lower hull is nicely molded with the lines of a Cleveland class CL with the add on torpedo blister

SPRUE Z
A larger version of the stand that was designed for the Buchanan is included. Decorative posts are provided to hold your ship. These are a nice touch and you might note that there are extra hole locations in the bottom for future ships.

PHOTOETCH
Three brass photo etch frets are included in this kit. The first one features the add on details for the 20 mm and 40 mm gun mounts. Seats, sight, and hand wheels galore. Optional 20 mm gun shields are included if the modeler doesn't want to use the plastic ones.
The second fret includes the railings, radar, and mast parts. Anchor chain, ladder stock, and a nice safety net are included.

The third fret includes the roll-up doors and the other hatches and doors if the modeler doesn't like the plastic ones. It's nice to have a choice!

DECALS
Flight deck markings are provided with some options. Yellow and white deck stripes and elevator markings are well registered. These are typical of the sharp work that Cartograph is known for. Flight deck numbers are included but may not be needed depending on what time frame you chose to model. An abundance of aircraft roundels of different types are included so you can accurately depict your airwing at almost any time in their career.

A vinyl sheet is provided with US flags and a sampling of signal flags. These are also well registered and sharp.

INSTRUCTIONS
These instructions are ten pages with lot of subassembly views. These are a little more extensive than those supplied in the past and the extra views are a welcome addition.

BONUS CREW MEMBERS
Eighteen lifelike figures are included in a variety of poses. These guys should give you the option to add some action to your ships. I wish that more were included as they are extremely detailed. Each figure is in a different pose and if you look closely have the appropriate uniforms of that era.

CONCLUSIONS

This new carriers is by far the best one in this scale on the market. As with the other Dragon Smart kits, this one features a wealth of smart options and is engineered for maximum detail. I love the option to build her in her Shakedown cruise with the 5" 38 guns. The addition of hanger deck interior detailing is a real plus too.
But what is most amazing is the price, DRA1024 1/350 U.S.S. Independence CVL-22 ~ Smart Kit has a pre order price of $139.50 right now at Dragon USA. A great price for the hours of modeling enjoyment included in this kit.