1/350 USS Worcester CL-144 (Yankee Modelworks)

This is Yankee Modelworks" (YMW) 1/350 scale USS Worcester light cruiser kit. It was, basically, built "out-of-the-box" with few modifications. The kit was well designed and cast with many molded details. While the instructions were extensive and well-written with outstanding illustrations, assembly did require much advanced planning and trial-fitting. (If you don't do this, you'll have to hire 1/350 scale workers to install some of the sub-assemblies and PE parts.)

The kit had a two-piece hull with a molded exterior armored belt--portions on both upper and lower hull pieces. I fought the battle to fit and align the hull pieces while at the same time match the armored belt. I accomplished that task; but, in hindsight, I should have simply sanded off the molded belt and replaced it with sheet plastic as it would have easier. Modifications made to the the hull were the addition of scratch-built prop shafts, struts, and prop guards made from brass. Also, numerous discharge "pipe/ports" made from small brass tubing were added to the hull.  (I don't know their purpose; but, they are very prominent in photos.)

The masts are well-detailed and quite complex--small kits in themselves. For example, the foremast is composed of some 70+ PE and brass parts--not counting the radars. I elected to omit the mid-ship mast (only used for a short period of time) and saved a few hours of construction time.

I modified the kit's 3"50 gun mounts by replacing the barrels with Sea Master brass barrels. The mounts themselves are good; but, not as detailed as Vetran's after-market mounts. I used Nuttall's 6"47 brass barrels for the main turrets as the kit provided white metal 6" barrels were not very good. I replaced Mk 51 director tubs with ones made from plastic tubing. The Mk 51 directors were L'Arsenals. The ship's crew boats and "visiting" rescue helicopter were detailed Iron Shipwright Parts. (Most photos show the crew boats stowed on the aft deck where the catapults would have been installed.)

The PE sheet was extensive and the parts user friendly. Assembling the many radars that this ship carried, took a little time. Again, advanced planning is the key.

The model was painted in the standard post-war gray scheme--not very exciting--using acrylic paints. This the first model that I actually had to paint the deck to represent natural wood. I used a combination of Model masters "sand" and "dark sand". It's OK; but, I'm not completely satisfied with it. I haven't found a good photo that really shows the color of a well maintained deck.

The rigging was various nylon fishing line and sewing thread.

I expended about 350 hours on this build. This is one of the best kits produced by Yankee Modelworks (no longer in business). There are some flaws in the kit, a few parts that don't fit and small number instructions that don't match the parts: but, overall, I would rate this kit as a 9.5 on a 10 point scale.
 

Gallery updated 2012

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