Jim gives us a video and photo preview of this new kit from Academy. This cruiser played an important part in the last days of the War in the Pacific.

Link to Item

If you have comments or questions please post them here.

Thanks!

Mmmm...detail looks sharper and finer than Trumpeter - not quite Dragon, though. I didn't realize Academy could be this good. Is this kit on the shelves yet?

Academy really offers a good product, and I like the look of their new kits. One note, it should be CA-35 in the title. CV35 was for an Essex class carrier that was never completed.

Quite right Russ. Last minute typo.

Thanks,
Jim

I think it is, but in limited quantities so it may be hit and miss right now.

Cheers,
Jim

i have this kit on preorder. Looks better than expected with the exception of some of the smaller calibre guns ( those twins). I ordered the preminum editon with the photo etch anF metal tubes..so hopefully those are replaced. I think fretime Hobbies just got them in

I received my Indy and was impressed with the molding and surface detailing. The only fault I found so far from dry-fitting was that the foredeck didn't want to fit into the hull. Looks like the forward hull is slightly warped, or too narrow, but is easily fixable. I was much less impressed (extremely dissapointed) with the Blue Ridge photo-etch set (made by Yankee Modelworks). The only useful parts IMHO are the made-to-measure railings, and the radar screens, and a very few other pieces. Some of the plastic kit parts are better than the PE. Luckily Alliance Modelworks make better cranes and catapults, and AA weapons.