GHQ Models Forums

Could someone explain the differences between the CA-26 Northampton (USN28) and CA-30 Houston (USN84) 1:2400 scale Micronauts models?

Are the differences very visible between the two models?

Which model is the appropriate model for each of the six ships in the class? Both models are described as "1942" versions of this ship class.

Thanks!

Houston (also Chicago and Augusta) differ from Northampton (also Chester and Louisville) in that they were fitted as flagships. The most noticable visible difference is that in Houston the forecastle extended farther aft, almost to the pedistal for the aircraft catapults. In Northampton, the forecastle terminated immediately aft of the foremast so that there was a significant open deck forward of the catapult pedistals.

Both USN28 and USN84 depict the early-war appearance of the two groups of ships in this class. This is reasonable, since both Houston and Northampton were lost relatively early in the war (March 1942 and November 1942, respectively). USN28 is also a reasonable representation of an early-war Indianapolis, as USN84 will do for an early-war Portland. GHQ does not (yet) make a late-war appearance model for any of the survivors (Chester, Louisville, and Augusta).

For now, I using USN68, CA-33 Portland, to represent late war Chester and Louisville. Augusta seems to have had relatively little modification during the war, so USN28 should suffice. What is really missing is a late-war version of Indianapolis.

Don S.

The difference is due to the fact that CA 29-31 were built as flahships with additional accomodations . For this they had a longer forecastle arriving beyond the first funnel.

The difference is quite evident looking at the catalog on line. (knowing what to look for helps)

So the Houston is good for CA 29-31 and Northampton for CA 26-28.

This topic got me thinking...always a dangerous thing. I broke out one of my books US Cruisers An Illustrated Design History by Norman Friedman and looked at side by side line drawings of the Portland and her sister ship the Indianapolis. With a few minor modifications a Portland kit could be converted to Indianapolis.

Modifications needed to pull off the conversion:
1. Remove the ships boats that are on either side of the forward stack on the hanger deck
2. Add to the forward superstructure on either side of the forward stack out to the edge of the deck stopping just forward of the catapult pylons. Should be as high as the base of the forward stack.
3. Remove the catapult from the starboard side pylon.
4. Remove the light AA mounts on the catwalk between the two aft directors

I don't have a spare one on hand to give it a try right now, but if anyone else is looking for a challenge here you go. Of course, if GHQ announces a late war USS Indianapolis kit in the near future it would save some of us some time scratchbuilding and kit bashing.

I haven't taken that close of a look at the Northampton class variants....yet.
I'm looking at conversion of a IJN Takeo kit into IJN Maya, with the # 3 8" turret replaced by an AA tower...and I do have an unbuilt IJN Takeo laying around!