¹⁄350

Dragon Models have released detailed information on the impending release of their 1/350 U.S.S. Livermore DD-429, 1942 ~ Smart Kit.

The most exciting news is that this kit will be released in April 2009. The retail price has yet to be announced.

This latest Smart Kit represents the U.S.S. Livermore as it appeared in 1942 during its Atlantic and Mediterranean service. The kit features a brand new mid-ship superstructure on which a second quintuple torpedo launcher has been added. Also new are hooded vents on the superstructure, and the aft superstructure deck with two 20mm AA mounts. These modifications make this Gleaves-class destroyer appear distinctive from the other previously released kits.

Kit features:

• Photo-etched ladders;
  
• Antennas;
  
• Rudders for the whaleboats;
  
• Turrets with rivet details;
  
• Six crewmen.
  

Ship History
The U.S.S. Livermore (DD-429) was a Gleaves-class destroyer commissioned on the 7th of October 1940. It was named after Samuel Livermore, a naval chaplain. Despite the USA’s neutrality at that time, it escorted convoys heading for the UK, and performed a shadowy war against German U-boat packs. It also endured other dangers such as grounding in a storm and being fired upon by a friendly artillery battery on Iceland. Upon the USA’s entry into WWII after Pearl Harbor, it conducted numerous transatlantic escort missions, and also supported Allied landings in North Africa in November 1942. The U.S.S. Livermore also supported landings in Sicily and later the invasion of southern France.

Images and Ship History courtesy of Dragon Models.