Dragon’s kit no. 1023 is a reissue of the 1/350 USS Arleigh Burke class destroyer with a large PE set now included for details such as railings, netting for the helicopter pad, and mast details. The kit comes with a full hull and a display stand as well as decal options for the first eight ships in this class, DDG-51 to DDG-58.

Before starting, decide which ship you are building, as there are several options that require choices based on which version you are making. Construction then starts by adding the decking to the hull. Fit is OK, but putty was needed to fair the deck in all the way around for a nice smooth look. The main superstructures are added in pieces and most required small amounts of putty also. On the bridge/front superstructure, the large octagonal sensors can be removed and replaced with PE versions of the same. The main mast was added and also required some filling. All the small details were left off and the painting was started.

The bottom hull was given a coat of red oxide color from Testors. The boot topping was painted next and them the decking was shot in a dark gray. I then applied the main color (light ghost gray) on all the vertical surfaces. I found that the masking in and around all the parts is very difficult and took a lot of time and even then, there were still touch ups.

The railings were added next with no difficulty. I used dividers and measure them and installed with no large issues. This did require some patience. The remainder of the CWIS, radars, smoker stacks and other small bits were added. A quick gloss coat and the decals are added for USS Arleigh Burke. I used some dark gray was to highlight some of the doors, panels and exhausts. I added some pastels for wear and flat coated the whole ship.

I can recommend this kit as a starter kit for those trying to get into ship building. I now have a much greater appreciation for the guys building ships. This model did require some filling, and some patience, but should be good for a medium level modeler trying to expand their range into this genre.