Fletcher class in 350th scale

%100 Tamiya. Enhanced with a PE set, it becomes an instant show star.

I think they also represent different stages of the Fletcher class. One has the squared bridge and one has the rounded bridge. You will probably need to see which type would be closer to the ship you intend to model.

Thank you!

I've been to both Gold Medal and White Ensign and can't find PE for the Fletcher class.....who makes PE?

 

Looks like it is the Trumpeter USS Sullivans kit for me. The Tamiya kit is an older fit with the rounded bridge. All the pics of the Marshall show the squared bridge. There is also a slightly different configuration around the aft turrets on the Tamiya kit. Thanks for pointing that out stikpusher

btp2k2 wrote:

Thank you! I've been to both Gold Medal and White Ensign and can't find PE for the Fletcher class.....who makes PE?   Looks like it is the Trumpeter USS Sullivans kit for me. The Tamiya kit is an older fit with the rounded bridge. All the pics of the Marshall show the squared bridge. There is also a slightly different configuration around the aft turrets on the Tamiya kit. Thanks for pointing that out stikpusher

You also had the Fletcher Class destroyers with the #2 turret replaced with hedgehog launchers in the ATO.

btp2k2 wrote:

Hey all, I was chatting with a co worker the other day and we started talking about Navy vessels. He told me that his grandfather was the captain of DD-676 USS Marshall, a Fletcher class destroyer based up in Tacoma, Wa. I would like to surprise him with a build of his grandfathers ship. I have found both Tamiya and Trumpeter have a Fletcher class in 1:350th scale, does anyone have any info on them and which one would be considered better? I would love to check out the upcoming RoG 144th release, but that is pretty expensive

The Trumpeter Sullivans has a number of problems with it. Yes, it is a square bridge but you would be better off with a different kit than that one. I would suggest one of the resin square bridge kits from Yankee Modelworks. These kits are sold at a discount by FreeTime Hobbies at www.Freetimehobbies.com. With the YMW kits you get everything you will need including PE. Should you wish to go with the inexpensive but seriously flawed Trumpeter kit you can find PE for it at either FreeTime or Pacific Front Hobbies. WS

Mikeym_us wrote:

btp2k2 wrote: Thank you! I've been to both Gold Medal and White Ensign and can't find PE for the Fletcher class.....who makes PE? Looks like it is the Trumpeter USS Sullivans kit for me. The Tamiya kit is an older fit with the rounded bridge. All the pics of the Marshall show the squared bridge. There is also a slightly different configuration around the aft turrets on the Tamiya kit. Thanks for pointing that out stikpusher You also had the Fletcher Class destroyers with the #2 turret replaced with hedgehog launchers in the ATO.

That configuration with Hedgehogs was not present during WWII.    See the destroyerhistory.org armament page for the sequence of guns installed on Fletchers during the war.

http://www.destroyerhistory.org/fletcherclass/armament.html

The Hedgehog launcher configuration was present on DEs during WWII. 

With regards to the PE maunufacturer's,  White Ensign doesn't make a PE set for the Fletcher.

The Trumpeter Sullivans kit has some problems with it which can be fixed with some sandpaper and the resin & PE set from L'Arsenal.   The walkways on the deck are raised curbing/sidewalks.  They need to be sanded flush and replaced with decals (L'Arsenal) or be painted on.   The 20mm guns are too tall -- appropriate for a 10 foot tall sailor but not the typical sailor of WWII.   Replace with L'Arsenal.  The 40mm guns are just sticks on boxes.   No recoil springs, no other details.  Again replace them with the L'Arsenal.

http://www.larsenal.com/

Gold Medal Models set for the updated/late-war Fletcher is probably the second best.

Flagship Models made a set for the round-bridge (Tamiya) Fletcher, as does Eduard.

EDIT: One gig against the L'Arsenal set is that it contains two of the quintuple torpedo tube banks with the protective crew shield against the superfiring #53 mount.   L'Arsenal is aware of the problem, but I don't know if they have replaced one of the tube pairs with a correct one.  One "fix" is to cut the can off, but that leaves an inaccurate circular spot without the controls.  The better solution is the YankeeModelworks white metal quint torpedo bank.    The Trumpeter kit's torpedo tubes are a bit anemic looking.   The Tamiya are better but lack detail.

 

btp2k2 wrote:

captain of DD-676 USS Marshall, a Fletcher class destroyer based up in Tacoma, Wa.

Here's a link to the ship's history:  http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/sh-usn/usnsh-m/dd676.htm

If you can, find out when the man was captain, this will help define which kit and which accessories are needed.  Marshall is a "square bridge" Fletcher, and also appears to have the "last" AA modification package.  So, for a WWII ship, you may have to look not for Fletcher but for Sullivans accessories.

If the service was post war, you have an advantage, as it appears Marshall was never changed to the 3"50 AA mounting, but would have the disadvantage of needing the post-war tripod mast and radar suite (which I'm not sure is out).

There is no choice actually. In terms of accuracy and quality of detail, the Tamiya Fletcher will be the hands down favorite. the Trumpeter has the square tower and the Tamiya the rounded one. I'm actually building one at the moment and I'm using the Eduard PE and it look so good! The downside is the the Eduard PE metal is a little to soft to handle but it makes the ship look fantastic. Tamiya it is then!

constructor  i built this one with the features mixed where needed .the bridge is trumpeter and the rest is tamiya and yes i found the eduard p.e. to take it to the next level     tankerbuilder

 To get details on the Vessel you want, I suggest you google search USS Fletcher and get the links to the US Destroyer Websites. Hear you will find the information you may want to convert the Tamiya or the Revell Fletcher to any one of her Class.