Dragon Models Limited

1/700 USS Ingraham FFG-61 RAST

Kit Number: 7068 (Premiun Edition)

Reviewed by  Luke R. Bucci, PhD, IPMS# 33549

MSRP: $28.00 Thanks to DragonModelsUSA for supplying the review kit. Dragon has reissued their Oliver Hazard Perry class modern US Navy frigate kit as the last ship built in the class - USS Ingraham FFG-61. Although the box does not say do, this kit is like other Premium Edition kits and includes a full hull option, photoetch parts, decals to represent each ship in the flight, an updated modern US Navy weapons sprue and a bonus mini-kit of the attack hydrofoil USS Pegasus class. As usual, Dragon has issued a finely detailed, injected plastic kit that has clear, 10-step instructions. The molding is sharp and crisp, with virtually no flash. Assembly looks to be straightforward, with minimal seams to fill, mostly on the superstructure, but also noticeably for the new stern piece. The model scales out to 452 feet in length with the new extension piece, when the actual length is 453 feet. Beam scales to exactly the same as the actual 45 feet. The kit itself depicts the Ingraham as commissioned in 1989, because the additional 25mm chain guns added before 2003 are not included in the kit. Otherwise the Ingraham appears to accurately depict a later long-hull FFG, as long as you ignore the short stern piece (#60) and use the proper longer stern piece (#53). Paint colors are given for GSI Creos Aqueous Hobby Colours, GSI Creos Mr. Colour, and fortunately for those in the USA, Model Master. Decals are included for FFG-56 to -61. Photoetch pieces are very well done, and consist of railings, the very complicated radars and masts, and the netting around the flight deck. The kit is so well molded that other photoetched pieces are not really needed, although the SH60 helicopter would benefit from photoetch rotors (not supplied in this kit). The nameplate is a generic "Oliver Hazard Perry class" name - at least it is not incorrect like many other Dragon reissue kits of class members. Dragon, Fujimi, Revell Germany, SeaClub AFV and Skywave have all issued 9 other kits of Oliver Hazard Perry class FFGs in 1/700 scale, but the Ingraham looks to be the best of the bunch for its accuracy, decals and photoetch parts included in the kit. The Pegasus hydrofoil mini-kit looks like a new mold, and can also be built waterline or full hull (with projectors). In summary, Dragon has produced an excellent and relatively easy build of a current US Navy escort stalwart, complete with photoetch and full hull option. The kit contains everything except paints to make an accurate and detailed model of the 1990s version of USS Ingraham and other long-hull US Navy FFGs. USS Ingraham - Brief History This kit depicts the fourth US Navy ship to bear the name of Captain Duncan Nathaniel Ingraham (1802-1891). Captain Ingraham's main claim to fame was preventing the Austrian consul's attempt to forcibly repatriate a Hungarian national in 1853 who had declared his intent to become a US citizen. Captain Ingraham protected this civilian while on station in Turkey in spite of stronger Austrian naval forces pressuring him. Captain Ingraham became the Chief of the Bureau of Ordnance until 1860, then joined the Confederate Navy in 1861 as commandant of the Charleston naval station (he was a native of Charleston). The three previous Ingrahams were all destroyers. The 2nd Ingraham was a Benson-class destroyer that was rammed and sunk by an oiler in fog off Nova Scotia in 1942. The 3rd Ingraham was a Sumner-class destroyer that saw service and 7 battle stars in WW2, Korea and Vietnam. The last of 51 Oliver Hazard Perry class frigates built for the US Navy (and another 22 for other navies), Ingraham was launched in 1989 and is still in service. She usually accompanies the USS Carl Vinson carrier group, and served in Iraqi Freedom. Websites: Dragon USA description of kit. US Navy: Ingraham's official website. US Navy: Excellent photo gallery and description. Wikipedia: History of Captain Ingraham, the namesake of this kit. Wikipedia: Brief characteristics with ship photos.

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