Pensacola Class Heavy Cruiser Summary

This is the 3D print sculpt of the USS Pensacola by EBard Models.

The Pensacola heavy cruiser class was the first "treaty cruisers" designed under the limitations set by the Washington Naval Treaty, which limited cruisers to a maximum of 10,000 long tons (10,160 t) displacement and a maximum main battery caliber of 8-inch (203 mm).

In an effort to remain within treaty limits, while still mounting a very heavy main battery of ten 8-inch (203 mm) guns, the hull was of welded construction, and the armor belt was thin. This was inadequate to protect her vitals from enemy 8-inch shells and was no thicker than the armor on 6-inch (152 mm) gun cruisers. The class was initially classified as a light cruiser due to their minimal armor until re-designated in July 1931, as heavy cruisers in accord with international practice of designating all cruisers with guns larger than 6-inch as heavy cruisers.

Their main gun arrangement, mounted in two twin turrets on the main deck, and two triple turrets two decks above, made them unique, as one of the two US Navy ship classes (besides the Nevada-class battleships) to have different-sized turrets for main armament. All the guns in each turret were mounted in a single slide, and were unable to elevate independently of each other. Also, unlike the few other ships with different sized main battery turrets (Nevada-class battleships and King George V-class battleships) the Pensacolas had the larger turrets superfiring over the smaller turrets, causing top heaviness and reduces stability.

Unfortunately, because of the rather unusual main battery layout and their heavy tripod fore-masts, they were top-heavy and prone to excessive rolling at sea. This combined with low freeboard forward made them inferior seaboats compared to later designs. Rework in the shipyards modified the hull and superstructure in the 1930s to eliminate the rolling.

The Navy built only two ships in this class before switching to the Northampton-class design. 

In spite of light armor protection, the class participated in nearly all the major Pacific battles, including direct naval action, and survived.

Ships of Class:

• CA-24 - Pensacola - Survived the war and atomic testing. Sunk as target, 1948
• CA-25 - Salt Lake City - Survived the war and atomic testing. Sunk as target, 1948

Insignia can be added to each deck decal. Select from your choice of roundel images.

Early War	Mid War	ETO

Approximate dimensions (LWH): 54mm x 6.5 mm x 11.5mm

Customer Reviews

No Reviews Posted Yet - be the first! (write review)