Academy vs. Trumpeter for 1:350 USS Indianapolis?

Modeling Subjects Ships
1

Hi folks,

It’s been a long, long time since I posted here, but I know this community will steer me in the right direction.

I’m looking at purchasing a 1:350 USS Indianapolis and I’m wondering which one to go with Trumpeter or Academy? The price is right for either one of those manufacturers, so give me your opinion…which one is a better quality model.

My skills are average, but always trying to challenge myself.

Thanks for the input!

Rich

2

I went with the Academy USS Indianapolis. I opened the box and it looks great. I could not justify the difference in price.

3

Having built plenty of both companies kits, but not the Indie; I can only say (1) it sounds like both are nice models, and (2) never believe anything Trumpeter says about colors or the way they render the color views. Not that its wrong in this case, but I would do the research.

4

Thanks Torybear!

The thing is that Model Expo is running a sale whereby the Trumpeter 1:350 Indianapolis is $39.99 + $9 S&H, and Amazon has the Academy version for $46. So the price is pretty much a wash,

5

Thanks G! I will keep that in mind about colors.

6

I did more research on here and found the kit review of the Academy Indie from the end of 2013. The review mentioned a lot of small parts with breakage and many small parts.

Here’s what Tom Foti had to say:

"Assembling the other armament was challenging, with tiny parts and nonexistent attachment points.

The 40mm barrels have numerous sprue attachment points, making it easy to break the flash hiders. The 40mm mount never gave a positive feel while I was adding the guns. The 20mm cannons, with the stand, shield, and guns as separate pieces, were hard to assemble with very small attachment points. The 5" cannon mount is two pieces that are very small and challenging to glue together.

Attachment points for the superstructures are minimal, making the glue joint less solid than I would like. The mast — part numbers D23, D24, D25 — was difficult to glue together and had a seam that needed to be cleaned up. The radar turret had gaps between the walls that needed filling."

I’m not sure if my skills are up to minimal attach points

7

I would vote for the Trumpeter kit .

I have a whole Battle group made up of Trumpeter products and they were a pleasure to build up .

8

Thanks Tank!

I went with the Trumpeter kit. Should have it next week.

9

Anybody know of a kit review here or anywhere else on the Trumpeter offering? I’ve searched this site and came up with nothing.

Thanks!

10

www.shipmodels.info/…/viewtopic.php

Read through this, it’s got lots of info.

11

Wow Thanks G!

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l also found it difficult to work with the 40mm and 20mm guns. The mast also gave me some trouble. Did get it completed though and am now going to try the Trumpter version.

13

When you finish the Trumpeter kit, please do update this thread to give a comparison from someone who has built both. Roses and thorns for both, as well against each other.