Blue Water Navy USS Houston kit in 1/350 scale, part number 35019. The six ships of this class were authorized in 1924 and designed under the restrictions of the Washington Navel Conference, nicknamed \"treaty cruisers.\" Houston was laid down in May 1928 at Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Co. in Virginia and commissioned in June, 1930, and was only one of three American cruisers to win the Presidential Unit Citation. In 1931, Houston became the flagship of the Asiatic Station. In 1938, she was flagship of the U.S. Fleet. During the first days of WW II, Houston joined with warships of Australia, Britain and the Netherlands in an attempt to hold the Indonesian area. On February 4, 1942, she was hit by a bomb that killed over 50 men and knocked out the aft 8-inch gun turret. On Feb. 26th, the combined task force met the Japanese for seven raging hours in what is now know as the Battle of the Java Sea. On the following day, Houston and the Australian cruiser Perth, while attempting to escape via Sunda Strait, discovered the Japanese invasion transport and immediately attacked. A savage close quarters battle ensured, and shortly after midnight, Perth went down, followed by Houston, guns still firing, with the loss of 700 of her crew. When the story of their heroic ship became known, she was awarded a Presidential Unit Citation, and her skipper Captain A.H. Rocks, was awarded the Medal of Honor (posthumously). Measuring 20.5 inches long, this kit is highly detailed. The upper hull is cast as a single piece casting split at the waterline so the modeler can have a choice as to full hull or waterline model. All the large parts, turrets, bridge, and smoke stacks are cast in resin. All small parts are cast in fine pewter. An extensive photo-etched brass sheet includes all the finishing touches. Instructions are complete including painting suggestions. The model depicts the ship as she was in 1942. There has been no painting or assembly started. The pleasure of building this vessel will only be exceeded by the display of the wonderful example of the historic ship. If it doesn\'t meet your expectations, return for a full refund, less shipping. I don\'t have a PayPal account so it can\'t be accepted for payment. Please use checkout only after I email winning buyer at sale\'s end.

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