USS Cleveland

“I wish to have no Connection with any Ship that does not Sail fast for I intend to go in harm’s way.”

Captain John Paul Jones, 1778

Kit Details

  • Scale: 1/350
  • Brand: Very Fire USS Cleveland

Summary

USS Cleveland (CL-55) was the lead ship of the Cleveland-class light cruiser, commissioned in 1942. The Cleveland saw extensive service in the war, taking part in several battles across the Atlantic and Pacific theatres.

I consider this kit to be my first real warship. While I have built a few ship kits leading up to this one, this was the first that I consider properly planned and constructed. My goal was to not get lost in the details. While I did employ quite a bit of photo etch (Tom’s Modelworks), I primarily focused on the “meat & potatoes” of shipbuilding.

I decided to also do some light weathering, attempting to capture a day in the life of the Cleveland. Painted in a measure 22 camouflage scheme, I was quite happy with the way this one turned out.

Photos