by Bob Nandell
1/471 USS Helena CA-75 (Revell)
If one keeps at a hobby long enough second and even editions start coming around. Such is the case with the re-issue of the Revell 'Picture Fleet' from the 1950's. In this case, the model is the U.S.S. Helena, CA 75, Baltimore class. In the photos behind the Helena is my model of the U.S.S. Pittsburgh, built in 1958, complete with its woefully inaccurate hull below the waterline. The old model has survived moves from home to home over the years with a few patches and a few re-paints. My new model of the Helena is the very same thing, re-issued by Revell, and in this case, I water-lined the model. Unfortunately, unlike the original 1958 kit, the new kit had mis-cast pieces, poor quality castings. I had to scavage some five inch gun mounts from the parts box to complete the model, along with the stern catapult for the float plane. The original model was purchased with paper route money for under two dollars. The Helena kit was discount at $19.95. I think I got my money's worth out of the original 1958 kit.
