1/700 Trumpeter USS Astoria CA-34

[Paul Helfrich]

This is Trumpeter's 1/700 USS Astoria, CA-34. She was in the Battles of the Coral Sea and Midway but then sunk in August 1942 at the Battle of Savo Island.

This is one of Trumpy's newer kits and it is excellent - nicely detailed and well-fitting. Photoetch railings, catapults, and cranes are from the Gold Medal Models 1/700 USN Cruiser/Destroyer set.


This is the last of my 2013 holiday completions. It felt good to finish another 1/700 ship, probably my favorite type of modeling subject.

[Haijun watcher]

Good model. I have the same kit as well and you've provided me with the inspiration as well on one way to do it. I especially like the added rigging for the funnels and masts.

Still, I have a question- wasn't she in the MS21 paint scheme during the Battle for Savo Island?

Just wondering which gray you used here instead of the navy blue and deck blue that should have come with MS21.

Keep up the good work.

[Paul Helfrich]

Based on photographs and other models of the same subject, that's my interpretation of MS21. The paint is Tamiya medium blue, with some washes and other weathering.

[Gordon Bjorklund]

Paul,

Nice job on your Astoria. I think see looks great.

[marijn van gils]

good job!
Congrats on a holiday well spent!

Marijn