My CVL just arrived and she's well worth the wait. Much like their Scharnhorst, the molding is precise and very detailed, and most gratifyingly, the hangar deck overhead and bulkhead interiors are included--not much need for scratchbuilding there!

The photo etch fret is surprisingly small for a carrier, but the roller doors are brass, a nice touch. Clear sprues for TBM's, F6F's, and SBD,s are included. A handful of carefully sculpted crew figures and tow tractors round out the plastic goodies.

The decal sheet only has markings for the Independence, but the aircraft markings are extensive, including an alternate set of the September 1943 red-bordered star-and-bar national insignia!

This kit should be an excellent out-of-the-box effort and I look forward to Dragon's Cleveland light cruiser as well.

--Karl

Did Dragon announce the Cleveland cruiser??

No, and the principals who gave rise to this rumor are backing away from it.

Hmmm, not sure how to take that. LOL

Don't hold your breath!

That's a pity about the Clevelands--they would have been steady sellers....

--Karl