U.S.S. Independence CVL-22 (Smart Kit)

All necessary parts in ONE BOX!!

Dragon provides all of the details necessary for a modeler to build an accurate 1/350 scale model of the USS Independence CVL-22, all in one box.

Parts Layout

Modelers will not need to seek out extra details or replace parts to build an authentic representation. The list of accessories included with the model is extensive: there are six realistic vehicles (two 1/4-ton 4x4 trucks and four tractor tugs), 18 authentically posed figures (eight ground crewmen and ten aviators), a full set of photo-etched metal parts, and 18 aircraft (in three different aircraft types). The slide-mold technology enables a one-piece hull and flight deck with delicate details for such a size of aircraft carrier (model length 542mm) and user-friendly construction through the reduction of large assemblies. The modeler will have a mighty impressive display when Dragon’s generous array of accessories is displayed upon it!!

This is a truly one-stop solution for a famous and important aircraft carrier that you won’t want to miss!


Feature:

Bonus: 6 SBD in transparent plastic

10 newly tooled 1/350 scale aviators

8 newly tooled 1/350 scale ground crewmen

Intricate bridge is newly produced w/finest details

Detailed crane is newly produced

Finely detailed and newly designed quadruple 40mm Mk4 mount

One-piece slide-molded upper hull w/undercut details realistically presented

Slide-molded upper and lower hull accurately produced

Delicated bilge keels w/sonar dome are represented on lower hull by slide-mold technology

Waterline or full-hull version can be assembled

2 delicated 1/4 ton 4 x 4 trucks are included

Open mount 5-inch gun realistically produced

4 tractor tugs included

6 TBF and 6 F6F are conveniently constructed in transparent plastic

Wings of TBF and F6F can be folded

Canopy of SBD can be assembled open/closed

Hangar bay walls w/great detail

Hangar interior w/fine frames

Flight deck elevators can be posed in either raised or lowered position

Delicate funnel w/great details

Photo-etched railings below island are authentically produced

Rear of CVL-22 w/finest details

Extra-thin shield wall reproduced for accurate 1/350 scale appearance

True-to-scale ultra-thin propellers

Rudder can be easily assembled

Finest pattern on flight deck of CVL-22

Finest tread patterns on CVL-22 flight deck elevators

Accurately shaped flight deck side w/slide-mold technology

Delicate tower structure is accurately produced

Radars on tower structure w/delicate details are realistically produced

Radars on flight deck side are truly reproduced

Detailed island is finely produced via slide-mold technology

Slide-molded crane boom w/details

Slide-molded radar array reproduced

Delicate paravane is realistically produced

Rectangular life rafts look authentic

Delicate whaleboat w/fine details

Photo-etched safely net is produced

Optional antenna on deck side can be folded

Twin 40mm Mk4 guns reproduced w/delicate detail

Finely represented Mk51 gun director

Engineered for modeling enjoyment

Plastic parts with enhanced detail

Unprecedented value

Ready for immediate assembly!

Commissioned on January 14 1943, the USS Independence (CVL-22) actually began life as a light cruiser before being converted into a light aircraft carrier during its construction. USS Independence was the first of a new class of such converted carriers, and its first combat operations in WWII took place in a raid against Marcus and Wake Islands in the Pacific. Later in 1943, the carrier took part in campaigns against the Gilbert Islands and Tarawa, during which it was hit by a Japanese air-launched torpedo. The 14,751-ton combat-loaded carrier was a pioneer in night operations, and it proceeded to fight in the Philippines, the Battle of Leyte Gulf and Okinawa. After the war, USS Independence was used as a target for Bikini Atoll atomic bomb tests in 1946, before the radioactive hull was eventually sunk near the San Francisco coast. This important carrier is the latest 1/350 ship kit from Dragon.

Following in the wake of the groundbreaking 1/350 scale Scharnhorst kit from Dragon, this latest ship model maintains the highest standards. What the Scharnhorst did for the level of German ship models, the Independence has done for American models! The impressively large kit makes widespread use of slide-mold technology, including a large one-piece hull. Instead of using old methods of separate parts, the Independence boasts a one-piece hull with undercuts and no gaps to fill. Modelers also have the choice of building their carrier with a full hull or with a waterline version. The focus of a carrier is its busy flight deck, and Dragon’s flight deck is indeed busy. The box contains no less than 18 true-to-scale fighters to line up, as well as eight auxiliary vehicles and 18 realistic-looking figures. The flight deck itself is one piece, allowing suitable texture to be rendered and full inclusion of deck-edge detail. For all those finer details, several photo-etched metal frets are included!

Models are supplied unpainted and some assembly may be required.