1/350 Scale Academy USS Indianapolis CA-35 Heavy Cruiser Model Kit
Build one of the most famous and tragic warships in U.S. Navy history with this highly detailed 1/350 scale model of the USS Indianapolis CA-35 from Academy Models. This all-new tooling kit represents the Portland-class heavy cruiser that delivered critical components for the first atomic bomb and met a tragic fate in the final days of World War II, becoming one of the most compelling stories of courage and survival in naval history.
Kit Features
- Highly detailed 1/350 scale plastic model kit
- All-new tooling with exceptional detail
- Accurate representation of USS Indianapolis CA-35
- Bristles with armament including eight 8-inch main guns in four twin turrets
- Detailed 5-inch secondary guns
- Quad 40mm and twin 20mm anti-aircraft cannons
- Scale SC-1 Seahawk search plane with catapult
- Life rafts and floater nets accurately represented
- Detailed searchlights and fire control equipment
- Carefully reproduced radar systems
- Aircraft steam catapult with detailed mechanism
- Nicely defined superstructure with intricate details
- Detailed propellers and underwater hull
- Countless skillfully crafted details throughout
- Clear assembly instructions with painting guide
Historical Significance
The USS Indianapolis CA-35 was a Portland-class heavy cruiser that served with distinction throughout World War II in the Pacific theater. Her most famous mission came in July 1945 when she delivered critical components for 'Little Boy,' the atomic bomb that would be dropped on Hiroshima, to Tinian Island. After completing this top-secret mission, Indianapolis was torpedoed by Japanese submarine I-58 on July 30, 1945, just days before the end of the war. The ship sank in approximately 12 minutes, and due to the classified nature of her mission and communication failures, her loss went unnoticed for nearly four days. Of the 1,196 crew members aboard, only 317 survived the sinking and subsequent ordeal in shark-infested waters, making it the worst single loss of life at sea in U.S. Navy history. The tragedy led to significant changes in Navy procedures and remains one of the most compelling survival stories of World War II.
About the USS Indianapolis CA-35
The USS Indianapolis was commissioned in November 1932 as a Portland-class heavy cruiser. She displaced 9,950 tons and measured 610 feet in length with a beam of 66 feet. Powered by Parsons geared turbines producing 107,000 shaft horsepower, she could achieve speeds up to 32.7 knots. Her main armament consisted of nine 8-inch guns in three triple turrets (later modified to four twin turrets), eight 5-inch guns, and numerous anti-aircraft weapons. Throughout the war, Indianapolis participated in numerous campaigns including the Aleutian Islands, Gilbert Islands, Marshall Islands, Marianas, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. She served as flagship for Admiral Raymond Spruance during several major operations. The ship earned ten battle stars for her World War II service before her tragic loss.
Specifications
- Scale: 1/350
- Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced
- Item Number: 14107
- Manufacturer: Academy Models
- Origin: South Korea
- Ship Type: Portland-class Heavy Cruiser
- Service Branch: United States Navy
- Historical Period: World War II (1932-1945)
- Hull Number: CA-35
What You'll Need
This unassembled plastic model kit requires plastic cement, paint, and modeling tools. We recommend using authentic USN colors including Haze Gray (5-H), Deck Blue (20-B), and Navy Blue for period-accurate 1945 appearance.
Complementary Products
Enhance your USS Indianapolis build with these related items from our store:
- Schiffer Publishing USS Indianapolis CA-35 Reference Book - Detailed historical photos and information
- 1/350 Artwox USS Indianapolis CA-35 Wood Deck - Wooden deck upgrade
- 1/350 KA Models USS Indianapolis Basic Upgrade Set - Detail enhancement parts
- 1/350 Academy German Battleship Bismarck - Another 1/350 scale warship
About Academy Models
Academy Models is a renowned South Korean manufacturer of high-quality plastic model kits. With decades of experience, Academy produces accurate, well-engineered kits across multiple scales and subjects. Visit Academy's official website to learn more about their complete product line and company history.