USS Indianapolis

I've never been overly fond of her lines, but if you want one, Tamiya makes one in 1/700 scale.  I'm not sure of the vintage, but even if it's an older release, Tamiya is usually pretty dependable.

 

Iron Shipwright makes a 1:350 scale Indianapolis.

http://www.commanderseries.com/pages/Indianapolis.html

 

The Tamiya Indianapolis is one of their newer releases, only being a couple of years old. 

The Scale Shipyard has a 1/96 scale fiberglass hull and semi-kit of the INDY.  The hull is suotable for radio control, as it's over 6 feet long.  You'll need to provide materials for the decks, superstructure and props and shaftes.

Thanks for your help guys. I was surfing Evil Bay yesterday and someone has a Matchbox Indianapolis for sale.Anyone know anything about this kit?

Cheers

Mick

The Matchbox kit wasn't bad for its time (the late seventies, I think).  It represented a reasonably serious attempt to "get it right."  The designers had, for instance, correctly noted that the ship only had one of her original two midships catapults late in her career.  By comparison with the new Tamiya kit, though, the Matchbox one can most gently be described as a recognizable blob of styrene.  In 1/700 scale the Tamiya one is the one to get.  It's close to the current state of the art; with the help of an aftermarket detail set, such as the one available from Gold Medal Models, it could without a great deal of difficulty be turned into a real masterpiece.

Totally forgot about the Matchbox kit.

It DOES have the packing case for the atomic bomb molded onto the deck.   How 'bout that for detail & accuracy   ;->

Thanks for the info guys.Looks like I'll be keeping an eye out for the Tamiya kit

Cheers

Mick

I am currently building the Tamiya kit. nice kit .Great Models carries it in stock. PE set helps. but, damn those parts are small. Never again anything in 1/700.

Thanks Juan

Yes 1/700 etch can be painfull!! I'm currently working on the Italeri HOOD in taht scale and many a piece has shot out of the tweezers across the room!

Cheers

Mick

The book to read about the men on the USS Indianapolis, is Doug Stanton's " In Harms Way".
Now we need an affordable kit of this ship, one you don't have to skip a car payment to purchase.

Don

I'm just finishing up Stanton's book myself. Excellent read and truly a tragic affair.
As to the Tamiya kit, it represents her at the time of her sinking, and is an excellent kit. Some reviews knock it for too low bulwarks. PE truly make it stand out.

Gary