USS Springfield

As stated in another review this model is inaccurate in detail for the USS Springfield CLG-7. It is easy to build, however to make the model more accurate, I used The USS Chicago Dragoon kit for the Missile house and directors. With some added accessories the results were pleasing.

This is an old Renwal Kit from the late 1950s. There will always be better, much more accurate kits out there by today's standards, especially in the light that this is 64 year old mold. Skywave and PitRoad 1/700 scale kits come to mind. However, given the age of the kit, it is still an excellent first kit for beginners. The size is good 1/500 scale, the form, fit and function of the kit and weaponry are well designed. Far better than some Revell kits of the same vintage. By today's prices the price is excellent. Renwal also produced other kits in the series in the same scale which have been recently released by other companies (Revell and Atlantis) that have purchased the old molds. So, starting a nice first collection could a great bonding experience for parent and child. If exact historical accuracy is not a great concern or consideration, this is a great kit and enjoyable build as is, or for scratch build detailing.

This ship kit is inaccurate in it's details in the missile directors are missing or are simply wrong. The kit itself is well wanting in it's details the hull is 1 piece but is not accurately shaped. The propellor shafts are not the ones that were actually used on the springfield. The main guns fit poorly but can be elevated separately but don't like to stay elevated so i glued them at a 15 degree elevation. the secondary guns are 1 piece the guns do not move but the mount rotates. The 3 guns are just glued in place all these gun mounts look too big for the ship. The superstructure is easy to build as are the mast. The crane rotates. The deck and hull fit well enough but look odd. The hull seems too tall and the superstructure seems too small. The plus side is that it all goes together fairly easy the main guns giving the most hassle. I can think of far better kits revel could bring back. It will take way too much scratch building to make the missile directors accurate on this kit I would recommend you pass this one by.