Tamiya 1:350 DD445 Fletcher

Another out of box build. I really liked this kit. Went together very well,as opposed to my last 2 problems. Nice fit,minimal filling,no flashing or ejection marks to speak of,decent detail,but to my eye the mast and lifeboats seem dis-proportionate. Definitely a different mind set (ships), and it gave me a new perspective and impetus on the recently shelved Dreadnought project. Now for shooting myself in the foot;snapped both fore and aft staffs, and in attempting some rigging, just as I had most of the line laid, I brushed the mast and snapped all the CA joints. What remains is what I could salvage with out starting all over.Last,but not least, the last decal( there are only four) wrapped on me and I lost the 5, I monkey fudged it but will replace when the opportunity arises.

  Now I wouldn't be me without a complaint. I used Model Masters acrylics on this and every time I pulled masking, paint would come up. I should have hand painted for all the touchups,but think I got most of it blended in. I'll stick with Tamiya for now on. For anyone thinking of this scale I think you could find far worse to cut your teeth on.

Here's the obligatory apology for the pics. The one good thing that can be said about them is that they hide the flaws.