1/350 USS Baltimore CA-68 Heavy Cruiser (YMW)
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by Richard Sliwka |
Yankee Modelworks' (YMWs') 1/350 scale USS Baltimore heavy cruiser kit was the basis for this "build". References used were numerous USS Baltimore photographs from various sources and diagrams/drawings from the kit's instruction booklet.
Basically, the model was built "out-of-the-box" with minimal structural modifications. Some resin platforms were replaced with ones made from .015" sheet plastic to reduce thickness and refine shape; and, Mk51 director tubs were fabricated from brass and plastic tubing to replace the under scale white metal tubs.
The kit's PE catapults (distinct mirror-image port and starboard catapults??) appeared to be battleship-type catapults so L'Arsenal's heavy cruiser catapults were used. Other, L'Arsenal products employed were: 5"/38 brass gun barrels; 40mm quad mounts; 20mm guns; MK37 and MK51 gun directors; 36" searchlights; large oval and rectangular life rafts; whaleboats; paravanes; sky lookouts; chocks; and railings. White Ensign Models' (WEMs') Kingfisher aircraft and floater net strings and Nuttall's 8"/55 brass barrels were also added.
Scratch-built additions were: paravane handling equipment; signal lamps; ranging/sighting devices; support stanchions; detailed brass masts; shaft struts; and brass prop guards. Halyards and radio lines were UNI-Caenis line; and, support rigging was .004" dia. nylon thread.
The model was painted in the Measure 32/16d camouflage scheme (diagram provided in the instructions) of Dull Black, Ocean Gray, and Light Gray for the vertical surfaces and Ocean Gray and Deck Blue for the decks using Model Master and Poly Scale acrylics.
About 325 hours were expended on this "build" with a very satisfying
result. Overall, this was a very good kit with excellent castings, details,
and ease of assembly. The instructions were extensive, comprehensive, and
detailed. However, there are some instructional errors. The location of
the 40+ PE piece superstructure catwalks is an example--I wasted hours
by assembling and attaching the catwalks to the location shown in the instructions
only to determine later that the location was 1/4"-3/8" too low. So, don't
assume the instruction writer actually assembled anything--check other
sources. The PE was extensive and user- friendly. The biggest negative
was quality of the white metal parts--some very good and acceptable; but,
many (hence, the large number of after-market item used during this "build")
did not meet today's standards and had to be replaced. Without considering
the white metal parts, I would rated this kit as a "9" out of "10". With
the white metal parts considered, I would drop my rating to "6" or "7".
If anyone plans to build this model and would like ask any questions, please
contact me.
