USS Virginia CGN-38 Detail Set (For Dragon 7090)
by Sean Hert
September 2012
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This set of four photoetched brass sheets from Flyhawk is intended for the Dragon 1/700 USS Virginia, CGN-38. The Virginia was the namesake of her class of nuclear-powered cruisers. The Virginia class totalled four ships, and were the last class of nuclear-powered cruisers commissioned by the United States Navy.
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| PHOTO ETCH | |||||||||
| FRET A | |||||||||
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Fret A has large variety of assemblies crammed into this little fret. The two primary radars are here, both the SPS-40 and SPS-48, replacements for the harpoon launchers (these will need plastic rod [not provided]), UNREP RAM tensioner, parts for the CIWS- including an etched barrel assembly, prop blades, spray deflectors and upgraded bridge windows- and that is just a partial list! And let's not forget Flyhawk has included replacement flag bags to correct Dragon's laughable error. |
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| FRET B | |||||||||
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B replaces the surface of the helo deck with a single etched part which has relief-etched tie downs already in place. This fret also includes the safety nets for placement upon the perimeter of this area. Additionally, this fret included a large number of replacement watertight doors and hatches, which may be positioned either open or closed, as well as lengths of external conduit for the superstructure. |
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| FRET C | |||||||||
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Fret C is your typical railing sprue, with 4 varieties, each specific in placement around Virginia. |
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| FRET D | |||||||||
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Fret D has a nice platform with railings for the superstructure, a complex-looking boat cradle, and helicopter blades for the embarked Seahawk- in both stowed and deployed fashions. |
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| INSTRUCTIONS | |||||||||
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Flyhawk has their normal three color, set of instructions, one double-sided long sheet. Flyhawk relies on little text, using sequential drawings to show how best to use and install this upgrade set, using a combination of replacement of kit parts or a synergy of the both plastic and photoetch. However, there does appear to be some parts that do not have corresponding instructions included. |
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| CONCLUSIONS | |||||||||
This Flyhawk update set is uniformly, crisply etched, with a fine level of detail, and will take this good Dragon kit up to an amazing amount of detail. With Dragon's recent announcement of a CGN-41 USS Arkansas, this set should cover most of her as well. (Apart from needed an SPS-49) This is set #FH710002 1/700 USS Virginia CGN-38 Detail Set (For Dragon 7090) with a list price of $29.95. Flyhawk products are available from many online and traditional retailers. Modelwarships.com thanks Flyhawk for providing this review sample. |
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