You are viewing the archived version of the site.
Go to modelshipwrights.com for the current dynamic site!
Go to modelshipwrights.com for the current dynamic site!
1⁄350USS Fletcher (Tamiya 1/350)
10
Comments
When I started this model, the plan was to paint her Ms12 modified (splotches). However, I was unhappy with the camo came out on the hull, so over-sprayed the whole hull with Navy Blue. Since the superstructure was already painted haze gray, I shelved the model for awhile, not wanting to repaint everything.
Then I found that the Fletcher MAY have been painted into Ms. 18 (5N hull, 5H superstructure) in late 1942. Since I didn't want to repaint, "may have" was good enough for me, and I finished the model in this scheme, which I like better than Ms22.
The turrets, the twin 40mms and the Mk 37 director are all from L'Arsenal. Mast is brass rod, flag bags and signal lamps are extra YMW white metal pieces. The pelorus on each of the bridge wings are scratch built. I also added some plastic rod braces for the bridge wings.
Photo-etch is a mix of the Eduard set for the Fletcher, the Tamiya specific parts from the Gold Medal Models Fletcher set and a few odds and ends from a Tom's Modelworks and a Yankee Modelworks set. Everything else is pretty much "out of the box", including the teardrop shaped 40mm tub on the stern.
Rigging is .004 nylon quilting thread, while the decals - which gave me fits - are from a Yankee Modelworks DD kit. All in all, a very nice kit to build. Pity Mr. Tamiya didn't decide to follow this up with a square bridge kit, as the Trumpeter square bridge Fletcher is non nearly as nice as this.
Then I found that the Fletcher MAY have been painted into Ms. 18 (5N hull, 5H superstructure) in late 1942. Since I didn't want to repaint, "may have" was good enough for me, and I finished the model in this scheme, which I like better than Ms22.
The turrets, the twin 40mms and the Mk 37 director are all from L'Arsenal. Mast is brass rod, flag bags and signal lamps are extra YMW white metal pieces. The pelorus on each of the bridge wings are scratch built. I also added some plastic rod braces for the bridge wings.
Photo-etch is a mix of the Eduard set for the Fletcher, the Tamiya specific parts from the Gold Medal Models Fletcher set and a few odds and ends from a Tom's Modelworks and a Yankee Modelworks set. Everything else is pretty much "out of the box", including the teardrop shaped 40mm tub on the stern.
Rigging is .004 nylon quilting thread, while the decals - which gave me fits - are from a Yankee Modelworks DD kit. All in all, a very nice kit to build. Pity Mr. Tamiya didn't decide to follow this up with a square bridge kit, as the Trumpeter square bridge Fletcher is non nearly as nice as this.
Comments
Hi Martin
A sharp looking Fletcher you got! I really like the details and measure paint!
Congratulations
Thanks Mark, for publishing it
Skipper
FEB 04, 2008 - 12:43 AM
Martin,
That sure is a sweet looking Fletcher you made. Great details!
FEB 04, 2008 - 01:55 AM
Thanks guys. Like I say, even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in awhile!
Dave, we going to see you at MosquitoCon this year?
FEB 04, 2008 - 10:21 PM
Hi Martin,
Good to see you persevering through a tough build. Glad you continued and saw her through to the end. Great looking model, very clean and well presented.
Thanks for sharing,
Frank
FEB 05, 2008 - 02:54 AM
All I can say is 1/350 is the way to go. you did a great job on this build.
FEB 05, 2008 - 04:22 AM
What a real fine model, such a tight and clean job, absolutely fail less as far as my eyes can see!
Congratulations, another fine model from you!
JB
FEB 06, 2008 - 05:24 PM
If you want to know how to build and present this kit, this is exactly how you do it. A masterful reference to a very fine ship, Martin,
Peter F
FEB 06, 2008 - 06:23 PM
Gorgeous build... I have that one in my 'to build" short list and just bookmarked your gallery to use as reference..cheers! James
FEB 09, 2008 - 03:42 AM
Copyright ©2021 by Martin J. Quinn. _OPINIONS Model Shipwrights, KitMaker Network, or Silver Star Enterrpises. Images also by copyright holder unless otherwise noted. Opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of Model Shipwrights. All rights reserved. Originally published on: 2008-02-04 00:00:00. Unique Reads: 11736