Vlad wrote:
On that note, what are the differences between the San Francisco and Tuscaloosa in 1944, when they were wearing Ms.33? SF seems to be fairly well photographed around this time but T isn't at all, and I can't work out what I would need to do to the bridge on Trumpeter's kit to make it accurate.
There were quite a few differences. It might be easiest to break up the differences into categories.
8" mounts - identical
5" mounts - SF: on the three main deck 5" mounts on each side, the middle one was the inset one
T: on the three main deck 5" mounts on each side, the after one was the inset one
40MM - On T, the forward set was 1/2 deck level lower than on SF
On T, the starboard hangar quad was slightly further aft, with a 20MM forward of it
On SF, the fantail tubs were round. On T, they were stretched forward under the director tubs
20MM - totally different arrangement. T never had 20MM on bow. Galleries abeam searchlights different. You need photos to sort it out.
Bridge - T retained more of her original pilothouse than SF (wider). On both, the open bridge widened as you moved aft, but on SF, they cut back inward abeam the director structure while on T they retained the width of the back of the open bridge. On SF, flag bags at level of 40MM, on T at level of pilothouse. 20MM galleries on bridge front at same level on both.
Vents aft of second stack. On SF, one wide rectangular "mushroom" type vent. On T, two square vents that curved aft. Trash incinerator and projection booth positions differed. Need photos to sort it out.
After mast - SF had her mast replaced by a heavier mast slightly further forward that had short trailing legs and a masthead platform for a tracking radar that was not installed. T retained her original mast.
There were a lot of detail differences. This list is only to let you know the places you need to examine in the photos. Just so you know, the Trumpy 1944 kit bridge has proportion problems even for SF. Good luck on your build.