Quick overview: The design was originally for CA-37/38, but was so superior to the Portland design that 3 ships planned for that class were switched to the new design. But the guns had been started, so the turret was redesigned for the older guns. That was why those first 3 had the curved face turrets. 2 repeat ships were ordered, but needed to have their weight reduced to allow tonnage for desired additional light AA guns - Quincy and Vincennes. These 2 had turret 1 moved back 8' to shorten the armor belt, so the superstructure around the front of the turret 2 barbette was removed to allow this. Also, the wings of the comm bridge level were cut way back.

The kits for New Orleans, Astoria, Minneapolis and San Francisco (1942) are reasonable (or correctable). The Quincy kit has some of the changes needed, but bridge height and turret 1 positioning are problems. Vincennes uses the Quincy kit, but makes no corrections for that specific ship. Tuscaloosa kit duplicates Quincy kit when San Francisco kit is actually closer. San Francisco (1944) kit has the bridge structure overly narrow, and some other issues, but can be worked with.

Hope this helps.