Fletcher Class DD recommendations?

Thanks everyone.

Ed,

I figured the Lindy model would be a mess as I think it has been around for at least 40 years. I've been reading some WWII history on Destroyers lately and it has gotten my interest up. After reading "Last of the Tin Can Sailors", I would like to learn more about the fire control system.

kursinsky wrote:

EdGrune wrote: If you want a big Fletcher, Iron Shipwright makes a 1:192 scale resin & brass.   There are several RC scale Fletchers which are available also. Blue Jacket Shipfitters also offers a 1:192 Fletcher, in wood with brass fittings. <<SNIP>>

Yeah,  I remembered the Blue Jacket Fletcher after I hit post -- and didn't get around to editing my post.    See Bob Steinbrunn's series of articles in Ships in Scale to read of his work to produce his award winning USS Kidd from the Blue Jacket kit.   IIRC he wrote that the hull was about 1/2 inch too large in all dimensions and he had to carve it down to finish size before continuing.  Bob's build article was also printed (shortened version) in FSM.  The BJ kit also relies heavily on white metal parts.  The cost differential between the BJ kit and the ISW kit is not significant.   The BJ kit lists at 310 USD while the ISW kit lists for 275 USD.

BigJim wrote:

I am looking for a good model of a Fletcher Class Destroyer. Any recommendations? What about photo etch parts to go with it? How good is the Lindbergh "Blue Devil"? Seems to me that it has been around a very long time.

If you want a very nice Fletcher in 1/350 you can also get the Yankee Modelworks USS Johnston, a square bridge model. This is a resin/multimedia kit with photoetch that will build into a full hull or waterline version. It is kit no. 35098 and can be obtained from Freetime Hobbies, usually at less than list price.

EdGrune wrote:

If you want a big Fletcher, Iron Shipwright makes a 1:192 scale resin & brass.   There are several RC scale Fletchers which are available also.

Blue Jacket Shipfitters also offers a 1:192 Fletcher, in wood with brass fittings.

Dean's Marine offers a 1:96 Fletcher kit, using a fiberglass hull and various fittings.

The Scale Shipyard offers a 1:192 Fletcher hull and some resin fittings. They also have a 1:96 Fletcher hull as well as various fittings, and fiberglass superstructure. Additionally they have both a 1:72 hull and 1:48 scale Fletcher hull and various fittings for it.

I have no experience with the first, but the Dean's Marine kit (a Flower class that I have) seem to be alright, I would expect similar from their other kits. I also have two SSY hulls (not Fletchers, but another class DD) and they are amazing and so are the fittings.

If you did go big, there is a good supply of additional aftermarket fittings in 1/96 scale from several suppliers. 

 

I note in your post you say "good model".   Be sure to read and take to heart the article on building the Lindberg Blue Devil titled "Trial By Ordeal"  (get the hint)

http://www.steelnavy.com/BDFletcher.htm

This article addresses the pitfalls and shortcomings of the kit. 

In a word, DON'T!    Not unless you have immense patience and time.  Since the time that article was written there is a photoetch set available.   But that doesn't begin to address the problems with the kit.  Caveat emptor.

If you want a big Fletcher, Iron Shipwright makes a 1:192 scale resin & brass.   There are several RC scale Fletchers which are available also.

The best of the smaller Fletchers is the round-bridge Fletcher by Tamiya in 1:350 scale.   It has some problems,  but it fits together well.    Trumpeter's Fletcher, sold as The Sullivans has numerous problems - it doesn't get my recommendation unless it is for a project.

The best photoetch for this scale is probably by Gold Medal Models.   Flagship Models also makes a good set.    While the Tom's Modelworks set for the 1:350 set is also very good I do not recommend Tom's sets to novice ship modelers.  Tom Harrison uses a softer brass which more easily crushes under an errant thumb.

In 1:700 scale the better Fletchers are again by Tamiya, either their round-bridge sold as the Fletcher or the square-bridge sold as the Cushing.