1/350 USS Reading CL-154 (kitbash/scratch)
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by Patrick McDermott |
1/350 USS Reading CL-154 (kitbash/scratch)
This is my model of the un-named and unbuilt USN CL-154 class designed in 1944 as a new 5"/54 Cal. AA cruiser. The idea for this build came about since the design has similar dimensions to the USS San Francisco CA-38. The hull is modified from the Trumpeter San Francisco kit, with the rounded transom retained. The rest of the model is a combo of scratch and bash. I named the ship for my wife's hometown of Reading, PA. The plans were enlarged to 1/350 scale from the USN Historical Center photo available on the web. The ship was completed to have 8x2 5" guns and updated to late 1940s standards with 3"50 Cal. medium AA and 35 mm light AA. The deck is covered with thin sheet wood. The superstructure was a combination built of wood, sheet styrene, and various other kit parts. Scale hatches, doors and ladders were placed where it felt appropriate. Veteran model 3"/50 and MK-56 parts were used. The hull numbers and bollards are from Alliance Modelworks. Wood dowel was used for the 5" gun bases. Brass rod for the masts. The most difficult part was carving the gun turrets from wood for the twin 5"54 automatic guns. When finished, copies were cast to complete the set. Anchors and chain were Flyhawk made. The 5"gun barrels are Master Model KM 15cm barrels. The result is an interesting what if.
