"...the Dragon USS Essex CV-9 is a superb 1:700 scale kit of the lead ship of the class of carriers that carried the offensive might of the United States Navy from mid war to the end. The DML Essex is an outstanding buy for the money when you consider that it comes with so many options, over 500 parts, photo-etch fret and comprehensive decal sheet. If you’re a 1:700 airdale, don’t miss it! You’ll be in for a treat..."

full review here
- Steven Backer

"...this kit is extremely well designed and packed with options. The modeler has many choices when building this kit. Full hull or waterline, Open hanger doors or closed, clear deck or opaque, and many more...right now this kit gets my vote for the best 1/700 scale injection molded kit on the market today. Bravo Zulu Dragon...."

full review here
- Timothy Dike

"...I have been a shipmodeller for over 20 years now, and the new series of ESSEX kit releases from Dragon have raised the bar of excellence in kit detailing. Not only can this model be built straight from the box into an impressive display piece, but there are so many new options included for the builder to creat a museum piece original. For the FIRST TIME we have a visible hangar deck with optional roller doors, we have an OPTIONAL see-thru flight deck for the viewer to catch all the details of stowed airplanes in a hangar bay... For the FIRST TIME we have a bottom hull option, with rudder and props.

For the FIRST TIME we have fine detailed engraving of bulkhead detailing never seen before, and properly scaled anti aircraft guns that look just right. In ONE kit the modeller has options of building an early war variant, or a later, heavier gunned late Pacific war carrier, with optional placements of radars, and gun galleries and sponsons. Included also is a stunning BRASS fret of photo etched metal parts so the modeller can optionally install the see through aerials and radars....and unexpectedly, we have included actual 700 scale action figures!!! The clear aircraft have separate struts and wheels and wing fold capability... Bravo Zulu !!!!!!! DRAGON..."

- Ray Bean