| The USS Indianapolis is finally available
in 1/350 scale
plastic from Academy Models. It's not a bad kit, but is a little soft
on the details. This new set from Gold Medal Models is just what you need
to fix that. It is custom tailored for the new Academy kit and can even
be used on the Trumpeter
version. The details are correct for either an Indianapolis or Portland
from the 1944-45 time frame.
This set includes most of the items that the modeler will want to upgrade.
The set includes railings, but they are more than just lengths of 2 or
3 bar. They are etched with braces and open and closed chocks where appropriate.
Separate chocks are included to glue to these to add thickness. Swabs and
brooms, their racks, and even stokes litters can be found on the relief
etched brass fret. The open doors with their etched on dogs that can be
bent into position are probably the most detailed ones now on the market.
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click images to enlarge
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Relief etching is used to give the catapults frames some
really amazing rivet detail. Ammo racks for the gun tubs are another one
of those details that will set your Cruiser apart from the others. These
now have little legs that when folded down help you get the spacing right.
A great deal of time went into the design of this set and it shows. Features
like the mast platforms with slots to help locate the angle braces on the
underside. I really hate trying to apply gussets to a part with nothing
to help guide me. Little things like this help those of us with fat fingers
get it right. That assembly also folds over to give thickness where it
is needed while retaining the thin open mesh of the platform.
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Additional detail shots of the photo etch fret.
I have listed some of the highlights of this set. A more complete listing
of the parts is shown below.
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custom fitted deck and superstructure railing
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platforms railings
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SK, SG, Mk. 3, Mk. 8, & Mk. 12 radars
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TDY & TDY-1 ECM antennas
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funnel cap grilles and detailed catwalks for both funnels
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details for 40mm Bofors guns
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pre-shaped ready ammunition racks for all 40mm Bofors gun tubs
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armor shields and other details for single and dual 20mm Oerlikon cannon
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rails for 5" 25 cal. gun mounts
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see-through bottoms for all life rafts
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tiedown rigging for turret-mounted rafts
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life raft paddles
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correctly detailed replacement yardarms and see-through platforms for both
masts
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watertight doors in open and closed positions
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cable reels in two sizes
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two detailed aircraft catapults
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crane boom and rigging
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accommodation ladders with davits
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rudders and manropes for ships' boats
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struts and propellers for two SOC Seagull seaplanes
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life rings
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two leadsman's platforms
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two propellers guards
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windshield for open bridge
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detailed replacements for jackstaff and flagstaff
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swab and broom racks
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floater net baskets
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figure of CAPT Charles B. McVay III.
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| INSTRUCTIONS |
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| The instructions are two legal sized pages with the usual
in-depth assembly notes. The modifications to the existing kit parts are
clearly spelled out. These instructions are some of the best out there
and clearly show where the details go.
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| CONCLUSIONS |
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 I
am glad to see that Loren is not quite ready for retirement. This new set
proves he is still able to produce some great detail sets. This one is
just the ticket for your Indy. This is set #350-52 USS Indianapolis Detail
Set for $50.00 US ($2.50 shipping for North America). A great value that
will give you hours of modeling enjoyment. You can get it direct from
Gold
Medal Models
or pick your set up wherever fine ship accessories are
sold. Paypal is now accepted. |
