¹⁄35

USS Duluth - A Cleveland Classic

After the fore and aft superstructures were assembled the detail parts were added. Guns , gun directors, searchlights and the like. All painted to match the surrounding camouflage pattern. At this time the for a and aft superstructures are glued in position on the hull, and any touching up of the brass is done. While all this work is going on I've made bow and wake waves for my base out of Celluclay. These were then painted blue, then drybrushed white. When dry a coat of acrylic artist medium was applied overall to give the water some depth. 2 or 3 of these coats would be applied then the masking tape hull outlines cut out with an x-acto and removed leaving a depression for the hulls to sit in. The bottom of the hull is coated with the acrylic medium and set into place, all further work will take place with the ship already mounted to it's base.

The long runs of railing around the main deck level are attached now. I cut out a full length of railing and dip the first inch or so into the superglue, then set it into place on the deck's edge. Then using the toothpick I pick up some superglue and place it ¼ inch or so down the deck and set the railing in place. Repeat this process until the entire rail is attached to the deck. The more imposing looking pieces like the radars and catapults are really no more difficult than any of the railings. Care needs to be taken when shaping these parts because you need to be careful of the bends you've already made. Curiously the round SK-2 radar was not on the photo etched parts sheet. It is given as an option in the plastic pieces and I believe the Duluth had this type of radar fitted. Not having one available I fitted the square SK radar but will probably replace it at a later date. The masts were replaced with brass rod and the rigging was done. The Kingfisher floatplanes were then painted insignia decals from another Sky Wave set were added as none were supplied in this kit and a photo etched propeller was attached. Placing the floatplanes in their photo etched cradles on the catapults completed the Duluth. It was then given a coat of Testors Dullcoat laquer.