1:700 USS Cleveland CL-55 Light Cruiser [Standard Edition]

USS Cleveland CL-55 (1:700, Very Fire)

An injection-molded plastic kit of the American light cruiser USS Cleveland (CL-55) in 1:700 scale from the manufacturer Very Fire. This is the standard edition with a full hull. The model captures the lead ship of the numerous Cleveland class with its rich gun armament. Very Fire also does a Deluxe edition with additional photo-etched parts — this item is the standard version, which builds mainly on well shaped injection-molded parts. Check the exact package contents against the enclosed instructions.

The real subject

USS Cleveland (CL-55) was the lead ship of the most numerous class of American light cruisers of the Second World War — almost thirty of them were built. The Cleveland-class cruisers carried a main battery of twelve 152mm guns in five turrets and a strong anti-aircraft armament, thanks to which they were valued as escorts for carrier formations. They were deployed mainly in the Pacific to support landings, to bombard coastlines and for anti-aircraft defense. Their versatility and toughness made them one of the mainstays of the American fleet.

Building and painting tips

The hull can be built as a full one and displayed on a stand. Bond the fine parts with thin cement for plastic and the small accessories with super glue. Lay the gray naval camouflage down with an airbrush, bring the panel lines and the deck details out with a dark wash and add discreet traces of service and sea salt. Given the small scale, work with a sharp scalpel and tweezers. For the finest detail (railings, radars) a separate photo-etched set can be added.

Who the model is for

• Collectors of American Second World War cruisers
• Ship modelers in 1:700 scale
• Anyone interested in the naval battles of the Pacific

The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.