Kit: USS Northampton (CA-26) Heavy Cruiser

Scale: 1/700 waterline

Media: All resin

Producer: Corsair Armada Productions

Strengths: Highly detailed, flawless casting, excellent instructions

Weaknesses: No float planes included

The USS Northampton was the name ship of a class whose other members were Chester, Louisville, Chicago, Houston, and Augusta. All Northampton class cruisers saw considerable action in the disastrous early months of WW2, and suffered accordingly. During 1942 Houston was sunk at Java Sea, Chicago at Rennel Island (Solomons) and Northampton at Tassafaronga, where she succumbed to Japanese destroyer launched torpedoes.

Northampton class cruisers carried nine 8" guns in three triple mounts. Secondary armament consisted of eight 5" guns, four 1.1" quad mounts and fourteen 20mm Oerlikons. The AA fit improved substantially as the war progressed but the USS Northampton did not survive long enough to benefit. She could carry four floatplanes in her large amidships hangarjust aft of the two catapults.

It is worth noting that the Chicago, Houston and Augusta (the last ships of the class) were given extra quarters so they could function as flagships. This was accomplished by extending the forecastle plating aft to the catapult towers, and provides a ready means of distinguishing the late Northamptons from the earlier class members.

It is always a pleasure reviewing a Corsair Armada kit and the Northampton is no exception. The casting is flawless, nary an air bubble to be found. The hull casting is dimensionally accurate and looks "right". Scuttles line up straight, the integrally cast watertight doors are convincing, and the anchor chains are perfect. Try though I may I cannot find any faults in the hull casting.

The kit contains many small parts, but unlike some resin kits the fiddly little pieces are as clean and flash-free as the gorgeous hull casting. This is the mark of a talented resin caster. I take my hat off to you, Michael Czibovic. And the kit's many spares are worth noting. For instance, the Northampton requires four 1.1' quad guns, but eight are provided; 16 rafts required, 30 included; 2 anchors needed but 3 included etc.

Fabricate the masts from the kit-supplied plastic rod. This is acceptable but I suggest you use brass rod instead, especially if you plan on rigging your Northampton. Brass will provide more rigidity and will remain straight.

The instructions include two pages of useful construction tips, an illustrated parts list, and 1/700 scale plan/starboard profile views keyed to the parts list. The narrative tone is clear and without pretense. One gets the impression of a knowledgeable modeler who takes great pride in his work and wants his customers get full value for their $59.

Inexplicably, no floatplanes are included. The ship has a large hangar and two prominent catapults, so this is a curious omission. Nor does the kit include any photo-etch brass. Add railing using Tom's or GMM brass, replace the resin catapults and radar with photoetch, and you'll have a stunning Northampton.