Dragon 7135 U.S.S. Long Beach CGN-9 1980 1/700 – Plastic Model Kit

Dragon 7135 U.S.S. Long Beach CGN-9 1980 in 1/700 scale is a unique, highly detailed plastic model kit representing the famous American nuclear-powered guided missile cruiser USS Long Beach (CGN-9), depicted as it appeared in 1980. This model is dedicated to maritime modelling enthusiasts and all those passionate about the history of warships from the Cold War era.

Historical Details and Model Specifications

• Scale: 1/700
• Country of service: United States of America
• Material: high-quality plastic with meticulously reproduced details
• Original service years: 1961–1995, model shows appearance from 1980
• Historical period: Cold War
• Category: plastic model kit

The USS Long Beach (CGN-9) was the world's first nuclear-powered cruiser, built specifically for the United States Navy. The ship entered service in 1961 and actively participated in numerous global operations, including patrolling key maritime regions during Cold War tensions, convoy protection, and supporting operations in the South China Sea.

The Dragon 7135 model impresses with its accurately rendered deck layout, superstructures, Terrier and Talos missile systems, as well as distinctive radars and the innovative mast characteristic for that era. The manufacturer has taken care to provide realistic details such as anchors, observation platforms, and artillery systems. The kit does not include photo-etched, resin, or metal parts, however, the precision of the plastic parts straight from the sprue is truly impressive.

Recommendation and Difficulty Level

We recommend this product to both intermediate and experienced modellers interested in Cold War period fleets and US Navy ship collectors. The build difficulty is rated at 3/5 – due to the small scale and the abundance of fine details requiring precise assembly and painting.

Dragon 7135 U.S.S. Long Beach CGN-9 1980 1/700 is a great addition to any maritime collection, serving as an excellent base for solo display or for expanding dioramas featuring the late 20th-century NATO fleet.