I got my kit a couple of weeks ago. My expectations for Trumpeter wasn’t high based on their track record. I figured I could fix headaches as I have had to do with other of their kits. There are actually multiple errors which makes corrections a real chore. The kit doesn’t accurately represent any of the three sisters for WWII or post-WWII. The missing quad 40-mm guns and tubs on the fantail is puzzling, even more so since they do have the Mk51 directors for them. But, that can be fixed. I’m use to replacing Trumpeter weapons (oh their quad 40-mm mounts have on mount shields that these cruisers DID NOT HAVE).

The aft deckhouse as mentioned already, is the modified version from early 1950’s when these three cruisers got electronics upgrades. This “can” be corrected with a saw and plastic strip. But, if you wish to model this kit for the 1950’s, the kit does NOT have parts to represent post-WWII electronics suite and modified masts for them.

However the biggest headaches, are the bridge. Each sister had different bridge configurations during and after WWII. Problem is Trumpeter managed to NOT represent any of them for A SINGLE specific timeframe. Two sisters upgraded at Philadelphia Navy Yard had a rounded face bridge during WWII, and GLOIRE had a small enclosed bridge. But the two Philly upgraded units had different bridge quad 40-mm mount positions/configurations. Post-WWII they had a flat faced open bridge and common 40-mm installations. The kit has the flat face bridge.

Also, I have been told that the hull has multiple issues as well. The portholes aren’t accurately placed, the anti-magnetic cables were different for each sister and it isn’t clear that what is shown is correct for any of the three, also the wood decking etching is bizarre.

Also, just in general, the kit is very plain and lack details on the superstructure.

I have a mess, because before I caught on, I had assembled most of the bridge.