BY BILL ENGAR

LATE JULY, 2026 UPDATE:  THERE'S A LOT OF INTEREST IN THIS KIT ACCORDING TO OUR WEB TRAFFIC INDICATORS!

ATLANTIS #M8295 -- 1/311 USS BROOKE DEG-1 UNASSEMBLED HOBBY KIT MOLDED IN LIGHT GRAY STYRENE -- GLUE AND PAINT REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY (NOT INCLUDED) -- RECOMMENDED FOR AGES 14 AND UP -- 56 PARTS -- COMPLETED MODEL 16" IN LENGTH -- MSRP $US24.95 -- MADE IN USA

The model comes in a long box displaying Atlantis' updated logo.  We like the new look!

Atlantis Models has released another of former Monogram Models' 16-inch ship model kits.  These models were engineered for easy assembly but are packed full of detail.  Monogram Models was known for innovative engineering of their model kits and this one has a number of features which demonstrate this.   A few years ago, Atlantis released a pair of these legendary kits and this one makes a trio!

In 1/311-scale, that hull measures 16".  Monogram Models had a series of ships, all nicely detailed, with this standard hull length.

Monogram Models produced a few 16" wood ship kits in the 1940's.  These were innovative at the time since a builder did not have to be an experienced woodworker to make a decent scale ship model.  In the 1970's, Monogram decided to release a new small line of plastic ship models, also 16" in length.  They were economical and easy to build so that younger modelers of the era could enjoy them but they were detailed enough to satisfy the more discerning modeler.  A one-piece hull using sophisticated slide-mold technology assures full detail.  Monogram kits were known for their raised panel lines; these are apparent in hull and superstructure detailing.  The Brooke has a prominent nose sonar dome; Monogram molded this component in halves separate from the rest of the hull to faithfully replicate the complex curves of the ship's elegant clipper-style prow with incorporated sonar pod.

It's a small decal sheet with markings for the USS Brooke, DEG-1.  The large-text curved title is intended for the included funnel-stand.

Here's a closeup view showing the other side of the secondary sprue.

Some of Monogram's 16" ship kits had moving action features; the main gun and rear missile launcher each have a linkage which connects to its appropriate radar director so that the pair can move in a coordinated fashion--just like the real thing.  We like that the superstructure sides are molded as separate parts.  Competitors had upperworks sides molded in one piece connected to the decks so the vertical bulkheads had no detail.  This is another area where Monogram innovated in the tooling of this ship line originally.

Here's a bottoms-up view of that 16" hull.   Monogram worked hard to get the shape right and they added some nice details.  And it's one piece!

Atlantis has refreshed this tooling and re-released the USS Brooke in 2026 for the first time in 35 years.  in 1/311-scale, the ship model comes with some great features.  Included is a anti-submarine Seasprite helicopter which is actually identifiable as a Seasprite!  Many ship kits come with generic-looking helos that don't look right for what they're supposed to be; this one is pretty accurate.  Those rectangular frame-like structures amidships on the hull bottom are mounts for the Denny-Brown stabilizers.  These were retractable and were supposed to smooth the ride at certain speeds.

Another view of the flipped-over secondary sprue.

This closer view of the main sprue shows superstructure front, ships boats and various fittings.

In addition to the ASW helicopter there's an ASROC launcher and RIM-24 Tartar missile with turret.  There's a torpedo launcher and two kinds of boats including a whaler-type and personnel boat.  Primary artillery is a 5" gun which rotates and elevates and can be linked to the forward gun director.  The final feature is Monogram's funnel-stand.  From the 1950's, most model ship manufacturers included a cradle-type stand.  Monogram's unique "funnel" was included with their 16" line which consists of a single swoopy, artsy (it's very 1970's) support that fits in a hole at the center of the ship.

Superstructure sides are molded separately. This makes for some nice detailing on surfaces that otherwise might be flat and featureless.  It's one of the nice enhancements that Monogram put into their 16" ships series.

There are no rigging instructions but the more experienced modeler who enjoys adding this type of detail can probably use online references.  Check out the photo of the built model; it looks like some minimal rigging was done on the radar masts which shouldn't be difficult to replicate with some thread or stretched sprue.

The Brooke was a single-prop ship.  It's nicely done.

We like that the Seasprite helicopter acutually looks like a Seasprite!

The main radar mast has some nice detailing.

As mentioned, this will assemble like a vintage kit with some minor flash to trim.  Putty-work (seam-filling, sinkholes) should be minimal.  We anticipate an easy, quick build.  The modeler who needs to be challenged could consider doing an RC conversion.  The design feature allowing that of course is the one-piece hull.  A competent RC'er would know how to replace that molded-in prop shaft with a working unit which includes a functional stuffing box to prevent leaks.  The molded-in rudder would need to be cut off and replaced with a working unit.  Perhaps the biggest challenge would be fitting a motor, mini-servos and radio receiver in the slender hull.

This page of the instructions shows how the moving forward radar director is linked to the main 5" gun.  The motion of the gun follows the radar.  The same is done with the rear radar and the Tartar missile launcher!

Instructions use vintage Monogram art.  They provide the option of gluing the Seasprite helicopter to the deck or leaving it free so that "simulated takeoffs and landings can be made."

For those wishing less effort, the instructions suggest a little extra care to be sure the hull is watertight and adding three ounces of modeling clay (or other suitable ballast weight, not included) to the inside-bottom of the hull which will allow the ship to float upright.

We know there are plenty of seasoned ship modelers out there who are very excited for this kit in light of the fact that it hasn't seen a release since 1991.  Instead of a quick-build destined for the bathtub, you're the ones who wish to add a bunch of detail to enhance the basic kit.  Being 1/311-scale, the model will be nearly 10% oversize for any 1/350 generic ship detailing sets, but you could probably adapt some existing 1/350-scale accessory hardware to this ship to, say, add some railings.  Regardless, whether you crave a contest-quality result or just want a quick nostalgic build, there will be plenty to keep you happy with this nicely detailed kit.  Being so close to 1/350-scale, the model will display nicely with your other 1/350-scale ships.

The box-side includes kit specs, a brief history of the ship, recommended paint colors and a small photo of a built model.  Few manufacturers put this kind of attention into their boxes any more--but Atlantis always has.

While Atlantis' USS Brooke has just one decal choice, you could build other versions of the ship with varying levels of work.  You could build an early or late version of the ship with a little scratch-building effort, build the USS Ramsey with the simple purchase of alternate decals from Atlantis, or even do a simple conversion to a Garcia-class ship.  At Atlantis' low price, it is easy to buy more than one kit to build these other versions.  Read on into our Bonus Features for some interesting projects you might be interested in by purchasing more than one Atlantis USS Brooke kit.

This photo shows how the USS Brooke looks if built right out of the box with parts painted and a bit of restrained weathering added.  Note that some minimal rigging has been added to the horizontal antenna.   The completed model is displayed on the unique Monogram "funnel" stand.

We were thrilled when we heard that Atlantis had the molds to this kit and planned a re-release!  We love Monogram's 16" ship series.  We can't decide which is our favorite; they made an awesome pair of aircraft carriers which are near the top of the list.  The Atlantis 1/665 Iowa-class battleship is nicely done as is the 1/618 DKM Bismarck.  We're hoping to see additional releases in this series from Atlantis!

We give Atlantis' USS Brooke DEG-1 four thumbs up!  Whether you're looking forward to a simple, fast out-of-box build or using the kit as the basis for a super-detailed contest masterpiece, there is enough here for everybody thanks to the original engineering of this kit.  It's an example of what made Monogram Models a beloved producer of innovative model kits!  We think you'll agree that Atlantis did a super job with this great kit!

SPECIAL THANKS TO ATLANTIS MODELS FOR PROVIDING THIS AWESOME MODEL KIT FOR US TO REVIEW AND ENJOY!  PICK UP YOURS TODAY DIRECTLY FROM ATLANTIS OR ON AMAZON!

BONUS FEATURES

BROOKE-CLASS GUIDED MISSILE DESTROYER ESCORT

The USS Brooke late in her career.  The large structure just forward of the helipad is a hangar that was added later during the ship's history (Rick Garcia photo from the Chris Howell collection).

Post-WWII, naval technology and needs evolved quickly.  New weapons such as guided missiles replaced traditional large-caliber artillery.

​Missions changed rapidly as well.  While the carrier task force escort mission was still maturing, support for new requirements like nuclear submarine protection and antisubmarine warfare (ASW) made new ship designs and considerations necessary.

The Brooke class ships trace their roots back to the Bronstein Class.  Two ships of this class were built but early testing quickly demonstrated limitations for the ASW mission.

The design of the Bronstein (FF-1037) and sister ship McCloy (FF-1038) was tweaked slightly to become the Garcia Class.  These ships were larger than the Bronsteins with stronger powerplants which could maintain sufficient performance and support for new missile and ASW systems.  Eleven of this class were built.  The Brooke Class was similar to the Garcia ships with the exception of the rear 5" gun being replaced by a missile launcher, in the case of the Atlantis kit, a RIM-24 Tartar installation.  A total of six Brooke-Class ships were built.  When Monogram Models first released the USS Brooke (and Ramsey), these ships were still in their heyday.  By the late 1980's, the Brooke- and Garcia-class ships were primarily replaced by the US Navy with Knox-Class frigates.

SECRET HACK:  BUILD A GARCIA-CLASS SHIP FROM THE ATLANTIS KIT

The USS Garcia is very similar to the Brooke-class ships except for that rear gun.  On the Brooke ships, it's a Tartar missile launcher!  That large structure just behind the rear gun is a helicopter hangar that was added to both the Brooke-class ships and Garcia and her sisters later in their career.

No injection-molded plastic kit of a Garcia-Class ship exists.  3D-printed and resin versions are available.  Prepare to dig deep in your pocket to buy one of these.  They're pricey.

If the modeler wishes to build a Garcia Class ship, we have a simple suggestion for an easy conversion to build a Garcia or one of her ten sister ships from the Atlantis USS Brooke.

As mentioned, the Garcia ships had a pair of 5" guns, one fore and one aft.  To do the conversion, you need an extra 5" gun and turret.  The easiest way to get one is to appropriate it out of a second Atlantis USS Brooke kit.  If you don't want to pay for two kits and end up with one missing its main gun, you could scratch-build a gun.  Our favorite way to do this is with some .040" styrene sheet plastic.  Build a hollow "block" approximating the turret, reinforce the insides with epoxy and sand the edges a little bit round.  Just copy the forward turret included in the kit as closely as you can.  A third option is to make a resin copy.  You have to make a mold, usually from flexible rubber and then use casting resin.  The cool thing about this is that you can get a number of parts cast from one mold.  Of course there's always 3D printing if you know how to do that.  There are all kinds of options for replicating or creating new parts these days!

Of course you'll have to get markings.  There are many options for generic ship numbers and lettering decals in 1/350-scale.  They'll be close enough for this rather simple conversion.

BUILD THE USS RAMSEY

Monogram Models' "new" 16-inch ship series of the 1970's went head-to-head with Revell's line of model ships which had been around since the 1950's.  As mentioned, both companies used differing approaches in the engineering of their kits.  Revell's collection of ships were a little more eclectic as features evolved with a rapidly changing industry throughout the 1950's and 60's.  Dozens of different kits were released.  To somewhat compete with this, each new Monogram subject was released as two separate kits--both with the same plastic--at the same time.  This made it appear that the line was twice as big.  A great example of this is the USS Brooke and USS Ramsey.

Atlantis Models made a special run of their Brooke-Class kit as the USS Ramsey a couple years ago for Ollie's Bargain Outlet, a discount retailer found in the Eastern United States.  Some extra kits were briefly sold by Atlantis on their website (they went quickly--way too quick for us to get our hands on one!).  As of posting (July 2026), Atlantis offers decals for the Ramsey on their website.  So it's very easy to build a Ramsey if you want at a very reasonable price.  

If you're in a scratch-building mood after considering a Garcia-Class conversion, you could also update your Brooke-Class ship (or Garcia!) with the late hangar modification.  Use sheet-styrene to do this.  There are plenty of photos online to use as references.

Sorry, Altantis doesn't currently offer the Ramsey, sister sihp to the Brooke.  But you can get a decal and easily make one from a Brooke kit!

BOX ART TRIP BACK THROUGH TIME

Enjoy this strip of screen-grabs from Scalemates.com for the USS Brooke throughout twenty years of scale modeling history.

Monogram had a few nautical subjects in their catalog by 1969.  Their military ships were all small boats including a UDT, swift boat and river boat.  With their acquisition by Mattel Toys in 1968, a big part of Mattel-Monogram's strategy was to make kits that would appeal to younger modelers.  A new line of large warships starting in 1970 was planned for easy construction by younger modelers yet include superior detailing for the experienced ship builder.  Among the first of these models was the USS Brooke.  By 1970, at least in the USA, kitmakers hadn't yet settled on common scales for the most part.  So Monogram selected a 16" length which allowed a kit with a reasonable level of detail that wouldn't be too costly for the younger builder.

These are images of the Ramsey.  It was the same plastic as the Brooke (both ships were from the same class/built on the same basic set of plans).

In addition to the Brooke Guided Missile Destroyer, Monogram released the Leahy, a guided missile cruiser.  In 1/400-scale, it's a larger ship than the Brooke.  Of course the model sizes out to 16 inches.  An even larger Monogram cruiser released in 1/500 scale was the Chicago, a modernized Baltimore-class cruiser dating back to WWII.  Revell did the WWII-version of the Baltimore, which Atlantis offers as a 1/490-scale kit.

Monogram also released a couple aircraft carriers including a Kitty Hawk-Class and Nimitz.  The Kitty Hawk kit was released as the USS America and USS John F. Kennedy.  Internet sources indicate that the kit was perhaps closest to the unique JFK.  We're hopeful that Atlantis has these kit molds and may perhaps some day soon announce their re-release.

Monogram also released its 1/400 USS Leahy as the Halsey.

The plastic for the 1/800 USS Kennedy was also released as the America, a Kitty Hawk-class carrier.

Monogram's 16" Chicago represents the heavily upgraded Baltimore Class cruiser.  It was also released as the Halsey.

Monogram's final 16-inch ship was a Nimitz-class carrier.  It was also released as the Eisenhower.

Monogram's Nimitz was the last of the 16" ship kits, released in 1977.  The nuclear-powered Nimitz was a new ship at that time, having been commissioned in 1975. 

​Crazy 2Modeler.com Trivia:  In 2026, the Nimitz exceeded the time-in-service record previously set by the USS Enterprise (CVN 65), the first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.  The Nimitz is scheduled for retirement in 2027.  Her career will have spanned nearly 52 years--the longest of any aircraft carrier in history.  Each of the subjects of Monogram's 16" ship series has an interesting history!

LATE JULY 2026:  MORE NIMITZ

We don't currently know the location of the Monogram Nimitz molds; perhaps Atlantis has them.  Since this classic kit is one of our favorite model ships, we'll share some photos of the Nimitz kit parts.  This is a 1977 "Fit the Box" kit, maybe a shade over 16" in length.  Scale listed in various places as 1/823.  When first released it was very popular.  It's our favorite of the early Nimitz kits; it seems to have more detailing than its competitors. 

Perhaps the most interesting detail of this 1977 Monogram 16" model ship is that it included F/A-18 Hornets.  The Hornet was still some years away from being operational when the kit was released.  The other airplanes, F-14's and A-4's were very nicely rendered by Monograam.

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