by John Bange
1/500 USS Augusta CA-31 (Scratchbuilt)
This is an attempt at a Northhampton class "treaty" cruiser. The ship is shown as she appeared in 1942 serving off North Africa. At this time of the Atlantic war, she was painted in measure 17.
I made the hull out of cedar. The superstructure is out of basswood, sheet plastic, and brass. The tripod control towers are out of plastic rod,pe, and some kit parts I no longer recognize. the 8" main battery is made of wood with barrels from my parts box, not perfect but, at least they are tapered. The 5" 25's came from Revell as did the 40mm's. I used photo-etch catapults and a Revell crane and floatplanes
UPDATED: The US navy refitted Augusta in the later years of the war and so I refitted mine. This is my attempt at the 1945 appearance that greeted President Truman as he traveled to the Potsdam Conference. She has a smaller bridge, lower foremast, and MS 22. Way too much fun! The after tower/mast has given me much trouble...this is my latest, and final version
