Tamiya 1/700 Uss Indianapolis as Uss Portland?

[Tincan_Warspite]

Seeing that my 1/700 USN fleet is sorely missing a heavy cruiser, i've been thinking about getting two of Tamiya's USS Indianapolis kits and modifying one of them to be Indi's sistership (and lead ship of her class) USS Portland. Does anyone know the differences between Indianapolis and Portland. I intend to be building both ships in their late war configurations. 

[michaele]

It'll be a lot of work. The main differences are the configuration of the superstructure around the aft funnel (which is much different and would take a lot of work to accomplish), the location and configuration of the radar rig, and some minor differences regarding AAA fit (e.g., the after gun tubs by the fantail are a plain oval and the guns there are two dual 40mm guns). There are a few other differences I cannot recall just now. Instead, just get the magnificent Niko USS Portland kit which can be had from Jadar Hobby in Poland for the price of two Tamiya Indianapolis kits.

 

Really. 

 

Mike E.

 

[Our Ned]

Additionally, the hull would need amendment - Portland's fo'c'sle break was level with the after end of the bridge structure, whereas Indianapolis had hers aft of the funnel.

[EwenS]

Plenty of photos here

https://www.navsource.org/archives/04/033/04033.htm

https://www.navsource.org/archives/04/035/04035.htm