| The US Navy’s (USN) pending new guided-missile destroyer class looks
like something entirely out of a science fiction movie. Known as the Zumwalt
class (Admiral Elmo Zumwalt was the youngest officer ever to serve as Chief
of Naval Operations, and he led the USN during the time of the Vietnam
War), it features a wave-piercing hull and sleek form to reduce its radar
cross-section. The first-of-class USS Zumwalt (DDG-1000) was launched in
October 2013 and she’s expected to reach initial operating capability in
2016 at a cost of about $1.4 billion. Only three 14,654-ton Zumwalt-class
destroyers will be built by General Dynamics. With a crew of 142, USS Zumwalt
will reach speeds of 30.3 knots. Her armament includes 20 MK 57 VLS missile
modules, two 155mm guns and two Mk 46 30mm cannons, plus she will carry
two SH-60 helicopters and three MQ-8 Fire Scout unmanned aerial vehicles
(UAV). |
The Dragon Black Label line is new to ships. It is fitting that it this
new stealth Destroyer. The kit features new tooling and is smartly engineered
to produce a good kit right out of the box.
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| SPRUE A |
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| The hull and superstructure sides are molded on this sprue
with sharp lines and nice molding. Brick-like tile is molded onto the surface.
This simulates the radar absorbing tiles. They are exaggerated to allow
them to show up in 1/700 scale. the deck edges have the VLS hatches molded
onto the surface. |
Click
images
to enlarge |
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| SPRUE B |
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| The lower hull is also nicely molded without the sonar dome and bilge
keels. The helo deck doors are molded open. The bridge face includes the
same brick-like pattern on it. The stern has an access door molded closed
but mooring openings molded open. |
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| SPRUE C |
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| This sprue contains the separate bilge keels and bulbous bow. The gun
mounts are nicely done with possible gun barrel, and hatches that can be
shown open or closed for stealth or action. Props and rudders look good. |
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| SPRUE D |
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| Sprue D is the familiar weapons sprue with a newly tooled MH-8 drone
added. Most of the other parts will not be needed. The helo is actually
the familiar old SH-60, not the more modern MH-60S. |
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| PHOTOETCH |
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| A simple photo etch fret is included with the rotors and landing skid
for the MQ-8 Drone. |
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| DECALS |
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| The decals are the usual sharply rendered ones produced for them by
Cartograph. They include helo deck lines, warning circles, and of course
flags and hull numbers for DDG-1000. Draft marks, and ships crest are also
included. |
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| SPRUE Z |
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| A base for this kit has been designed based on how most modelers like
to display their ships in full hull mode. The stands which resemble lamp
finales are even slide molded so they have no seams to fill and sand. Hole
locations are provided so all you have to do is open them up with a knife
or drill. |
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| INSTRUCTIONS |
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| The instructions are four pages with lots of subassembly views that
are easy to follow. The last page features a painting guide showing decal
placement and marking for the Zumwalt. |
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| CONCLUSIONS |
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I am glad to see Dragon release the Zumwalt so soon. Now modelers can
have their own Stealthy DDG even before the real ship enters service. I
suspect as the DDG-1000 program evolves, that there will be subtle changes
to the ship and future versions. However you have the base for an accurate
Zumwalt to sail with your modern fleet. How cool is that!
This is kit #DRA-7141 1/700 U.S.S. Zumwalt Class Destroyer DDG-1000
"Black Label Look for them on the shelves of your favorite hobby shop or
get it direct from Dragon
USA or Cyber-Hobby for $34.95. |
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