USN28 CA Northampton vs. USN84 CA Houston?

[ww2navyguy]

Had a question about what are the main differences between the GHQ model for USN28 CA-26 Northampton and the GHQ model for USN84 CA-30 Houston? Both descriptions say they are for 1942 versions of this ship class. The description for USN84 CA-30 Houston says she was fitted out as a flagship. Would the main difference be a larger superstructure from others in this class? Is the Houston model more "correct" for certain ships in this heavy cruiser class, while the Northampton model is better representation for the remaining ships in this heavy cruiser class? I can't really see the main differences looking at the pictures of each model on the GHQ listings. Thanks for any help.

[Mickel]

The Houston model has the extended forecastle, which can be seen under the forward funnel. According to Conways, Chicago and Augusta were the same.

The Northampton model has the big CXAM air search radar array atop the mast. Chicago and Chester were the others with the CXAM. If you we're going to use this one for Louisville after her May 1942 refit, I'd whack off most of the CXAM, but leave a strip of the base to represent the later SC radar.

[ww2navyguy]

Thanks, Mickel. So, it sounds like the GHQ kit for CA Houson is only suitable for Houston, unless modifications to the radar system array on top of mast is added.

Bummer. I guess no perfect GHQ model for the other ships in the Northampton class outside of Houston and Northampton without some type of modifications.

Thanks again for your reply to my question.