USS Detroit (CL‑8) — Omaha Class Light Cruiser
Iron Shipwright • 1:350 Scale
Overview:
The Iron Shipwright 1:350 scale USS Detroit is a high‑fidelity resin kit representing the cruiser in her 1945 refit. One of ten Omaha‑class light cruisers, Detroit served in convoy escort, the Aleutians campaign, and provided shore bombardment at Iwo Jima and Okinawa. This kit captures the ship’s distinctive long, narrow hull and four‑stack profile with cast‑in superstructure detail for an attractive, eye‑catching display model. The kit is all resin — no white metal parts.
Features
- One‑piece full resin hull and cast superstructure details for easy assembly
- Custom photo‑etch brass fret and brass rod to fabricate the tripod and mainmast
- Includes decals for all ships in the Omaha class
- Represents USS Detroit in her 1945 fit (post‑refit armament and aircraft)
- Complete instructions included
- Excellent customer support with free replacement parts — no questions asked
Kit Contents
- Full resin hull and resin parts
- Custom etched brass fret and brass rod
- Decals for all ships in the class
- Assembly instructions
Vital Specifications (as designed)
- Displacement: 7,050 tons; 9,150 tons full load
- Length: 555' 6 oa, 550' wl
- Beam: 55' 4
- Range: 8,460 nm @ 10 kts
- Top Speed: 34 kts
- Armament (as built): Twelve 6 (2x2, 8x1); two 3
- Mines: 224 — Torpedoes: six 21 (2x3)
- Aircraft: 2 — Catapults: 2
- Complement: 800
Historical Summary
USS Detroit (CL‑8) was one of the Omaha‑class light cruisers completed in the early 1920s. During the interwar years these ships performed show‑the‑flag cruises, training, and patrols. By World War II Detroit and her sisters were modernized with improved anti‑aircraft armament and radar. During the war these cruisers performed convoy escort, patrol and screening duties, coastal and Caribbean operations, and other secondary combat/support roles. After the war the class quickly became surplus to needs and most ships were decommissioned and sold for scrap in the immediate postwar period.
Historical & Modeling Notes
This kit represents Detroit after her 1945 refit: some 6 casemate guns were removed and replaced with 40mm AA mounts; torpedo tubes were removed; she carried additional 5/38 (350 caliber) guns midships; and Kingfisher float planes were replaced by Curtiss SOC Seagulls. Much of the superstructure detail is cast into the hull, making the model straightforward to assemble while preserving excellent surface detail.
Model Length (1/350 Scale)
The typical Omaha‑class overall length is approximately 555 ft (6,660 in). At 1/350 scale this converts to about 19.0 inches (6,660 in ÷ 350 ≈ 19.0286 in, rounded to the nearest tenth). Exact kit length can vary slightly depending on how the builder treats bow fittings, stern overhangs, or a display base.
Preview & Photography
Preview photography by Rob Mackie. If the product photo shows a completed model, your kit will arrive brand new and unassembled, like all Iron Shipwright kits.
Please Note: Model kit does not include a display stand.
Recommended Reading: Refer to specialist books on the Omaha class for additional reference and painting schemes.
