1/144 Scale USS STODDARD (DD-566) - Kitbash, Revell FLETCHER

[Willie]

Hi there Hank, Mr. Davis and all the folks,

Wow, wow and wow. Such a complete study on such a difficult subject will be hard to find again.

Thanks to both of you for the superb pictures and blue prints. Curiously enough, I already knew the ones of the interior of the dome attachment to the hull, but not the outside. The relative position of both domes reg. the frames clears any doubt of placing and size once and forever.

What a pleasure to be sharing a space with such authorities, because once you know what to do, doing it is no problem at all.

Nice going and best regards from the stormy North Atlantic.

Willie.

[Fliger747]

Good information! A photo worth lengthy great descriptions! Even more worthwhile if one is fortunate to have numbers attached. The largest differences between these two styles of domes appears to be the radius of joining curvature of the bottom and sides (fairly hard chine). I did come across a USN early post war document showing "typical" sonar domes. No specifics as to which unit was portrayed. However one did closely resemble the one in the photographs. It showed a frame with windows, much like an auto with front and side windows and apparently covered with a sound translucent (rubber?) covering and filled with water in service.

There was an academically interesting discussion about filling and draining when dry-docking and again preparing for sea.

[BB62vet]

Did a bit more work on the hull tonight - something other models will probably NOT have:

On March 17, 1967 STODDARD was attempting to rescue a downed pilot and we were well inside coastal waters up along the North Vietnamese coast in a river inlet when the entire coastline opened up with artillery fire. We received a 4" shell thru the starboard side of the hull, severing power from the engine rooms and the boilers - thus, rendering the ship a "sitting duck" without any electrical power. Shrapnel rained down on the ship and tore up most of the boat covers, reel covers, anything that was not metal - but, we came thru this without any casualties. All the while our two other FLETCHER class companions were watching all this without lending a hand - either physically or with counterbattery. We had at the time a flag officer on board and our small task group was called Rogerson's Raiders. During the interim, damage control had filled the hole in order to get the wiring spliced and once that occurred and we had power, we began a 5" after battery (2 guns) return and Rogerson literally gave those other ship captains Hell over the radio and they finally began to return fire. All the while, we a slowly floating into the river and ultimatly would have gone aground in NVN territory had we not restored power and gotten the hell out of Dodge. Once Engineering signaled they had steam up, we headed directly east away from the coast far enough to where the water was calm, and we then brought the ship to a halt, pumped oil/water into port side tanks to heel the ship over to allow shipfitters to weld a temporary patch on the offending hole, seal it up and then head to Sasebo, Jn for emergency battle damage repairs. Although the ship maintained radio silence throughout the excursion, when we finally docked in drydock at the Naval Base, Sasebo and my liberty group was given Liberty, the bars already had big banners out front saying "Welcome USS STODDARD (DD-566). How did they know....?

So, the 4" shell entered an engineering berthing area, and the fuse when crazy in that compartment tearing thru lockers, racks (beds to you landlubbers!), a guitar, and various other boxes, etc. until its energy was spent. So, the ship being secured in drydock, repairs began - the berthing area of course, but also the hull was cut out and a permanent patch welded into place. So, thanks to Ens. Robert Schutte who provided this photo, this is what the drydock worked looked like before the patch was welded in place:

The workers then welded a new permanent patch in place:

With the hole repaired, the berthing compartment rebuilt, and a few other repairs and hull painting done, we headed back to the war zone to complete that leg of our 6 month deployment.

So, tonight I created the hole and patch and then put the patch in place with a bit of Testors putty:

To conclude the above day's events - a total of 6 pilots were shot down and went into the water that day, one who was never recovered - I think they were all from USS KITTY HAWK (CVA-63) but I'm not positively sure. STODDARD received the Navy Unit Commendation for that event and our efforts to retrieve a downed pilot.

[Fliger747]

Great story and thanks for the photos! I was about to ask if you would add the patch!

Cheers: Tom

[Willie]

Hi there Hank and all,

As there are dead pilots involved, I will not say that this is a wonderful story, but definitely an utmost interesting one. As it seems that the ship was virtually sprayed with shells, I hope you had the occasion of picking some splinters up, and that you have preserved them.

I liberated some items on board my ship, and they are now precious souvenirs. Actually, my everyday key holder is made with a piece of a 5"/54 case, and even if it is only brass, it is literally gold worth for me.

Excellent idea to replicate the damage to the hull. It can only add personality, lots of personality, to your model.

Please keep the pics coming, and very best regards from this side,

Willie.

[BB62vet]

Willie,
Thanks for the kind remarks, etc.!! Actually, NO - I was not able to collect any shrapnel souveniors - at the time I was in the Mt. 54 magazine and we did not secure from G.Q. until well after the deck divisions had cleaned up topside. A couple of my mates managed to save a few shards and showed them around, etc. Nasty little things - I can imagine what cluster bombs to to the recipients.

Hank

[BB62vet]

Further work on the various deck parts last week did include complete removal of the kit 5" gun mount base rings - they were incorrect so they are GONE! I inserted styrene plastic into the opening on the underside of the decks and center drilled a small hole for location purposes later. Here is where this stands now:

Back a couple years ago when I decided to build this model, I made a list of 3D printed parts I wanted to purchase for a more complete and detailed model - at the time, Model Monkey offered the correct mounts with base rings and these are what I purchased. The rings will replace the incorrect ones now removed.

Willie has mentioned this topic tonight on his build and I applaud him for being able to scratch build the rings for his model - although we have taken two different approaches towards solving the problem we are in total agreement that there WAS A PROBLEM to begin with. Nothing like NATO partners at sea and in the model workshop, as well!!!

Hank

[Fliger747]

Hank:

Will the 5" mounts be able to rotate?

Cheers: Tom

[BB62vet]

Hank:
Will the 5" mounts be able to rotate?
Cheers: Tom

Tom,
I'm not sure - that's something I'll have to look into (haven't separated the mounts/rings, etc. from the supporting sprues!)

Hank

[Fliger747]

Hank:

Something i did on Missouri that I liked was attaching the 5" mounts by magnets which allowed both rotation and removal.

Cheers: Tom

[BB62vet]

Hank:
Something i did on Missouri that I liked was attaching the 5" mounts by magnets which allowed both rotation and removal.
Cheers: Tom

Tom,
I recall you emailing me about the magnets - that's a possible solution.

Hank

[Fliger747]

Looking at the damage photos you can see why they were called "tin cans"!

[BB62vet]

Looking at the damage photos you can see why they were called "tin cans"!

Yeah, 1/4" steel plate doesn't offer a lot of protection - esp. when it's 25 years old at that!

Tues. - For the last couple weeks I've been working on the main deck after deck house & 01 Level Deck house and both these will require extensive remodeling due to the changes made to the ship in the mid-50's. In addition, I've downloaded the Digital Spark - Mechanical 3D modeling program (freeware version!) - and along with Flinger747, have been trying to learn a bit about designing 3D parts. So, while pulling my hair out doing this, my model building time has been slashed and adding in the usual "Honey-do's" for The Admiral, well...not a whole lot of anything is getting accomplished. At least, IMHO!

So, the model stands here with the described assembly at this point (just after spraying deck gray, so not dry yet) just sitting as one unit:

Note: The vents will have screens & covers when complete - they are not complete here!)
I have also been working on finishing the hull openings in the bottom and those should be completed tomorrow sometime (if I get back out to the shop ) The main deck amidships deck house is also under construction and will look entirely different when completed. I am able to use the basic kit parts but with extensive rework and additional sheet styrene to make the proper modifications.

As for learning DSM 3D, it is a steep learning curve as I have been doing 2D CAD design/drafting for 45+ years and my CAD program is a professional level unlike the DSM freeware. Now, it's quite possible that their 3D software that you purchase has additional (and much more user-friendly Interface) commands, I just don't know - and don't intend to know!!! Anyhow, I have been able to design two parts for this project at this point. Of course, getting them from design to actual printing is another thing entirely!!!
Here are snips of these two items:
6" Bitt (FLETCHER Class DD's had a few of these, the kit does not include these) -

Large Vent Cover (kit does not mold these at all) -

Since neither of these parts is necessary at this juncture of the build, it will remain as a future possibility. Flinger747 & I have been corresponding regarding the 3D modeling software and today I downloaded the Chitubox freeware program which takes your design output file and translates it to something the printer can use to print the part. Much of this is still w-a-y above my pay grade

Stay tuned.....it can only get better!

Hank

[Fliger747]

Hank:

Glad that you are coming along, even if it seem slow! Speed isn't really the goal. Model ship building his a little like sex, it's the actual act (and reflecting on it) that provides the enjoyment. Having a custom model of you old ship, made by yourself will be a long, but enduring project!

Cheers: Tom

[BB62vet]

Thanks, Tom - a bit late in replying but you & I are fairly caught up via email!

After finishing my slide-out/in work surface for more work area earlier today, I assembled a jig to hold the parts for the 3" gun assemblies as they begin to take shape. These mounts (3"/50 cal R.F. Dual mounts) are only available as 3D printed parts from one designer on Shapeways and he sent the wrong scale 3 years ago when I ordered them. Without any recourse, I'm going to build mine from scratch and have begun the process. I think mine will turn out a whole lot more detailed than this other guy's product - it actually was pretty much "junk".

Anyhow, here is a shot of tonight's work on the new work surface in the shop:

This work surface is a slide in/out affair to save space, etc.:

So, I will knock this jig apart now that it's fuction has served its purpose and re-use the wood for another jig for the next assembly!

Also, I'm slowing working on the 01 level after deck house and should have a new photo or 2 of this later this week.

[Fliger747]

Looks very custom Hank! Looks to be a very convenient layout!

Tom

[BB62vet]

Looks very custom Hank! Looks to be a very convenient layout!
Tom

Thanks, Tom! Yeah, it's actually working out very well. I don't have to move any of the other "mess" to work on tiny items that will be created and then installed and something new created all in a small area.

Hank

[Fliger747]

Hank:

Bet you wish you had a lot of photos from your time aboard! But that was back in the day of film, which was expensive and there probably wasn't much thought of taking photos of hatches, steam valves, railings and whatnot that are treasures for modelers. It would be a little like going around and photographing each door (both sides) in your house. I know being able to visit Missouri several times, camera in hand, in her current mode, helped with many small details that no "plans" contain. Back in the 60's when she was in the reserve fleet, she was pretty austere with the light AA gone and the Bofors all in cocoons.

Looking forward to more progress! Tom

[BB62vet]

Hank:
Bet you wish you had a lot of photos from your time aboard! But that was back in the day of film, which was expensive and there probably wasn't much thought of taking photos of hatches, steam valves, railings and whatnot that are treasures for modelers. It would be a little like going around and photographing each door (both sides) in your house. I know being able to visit Missouri several times, camera in hand, in her current mode, helped with many small details that no "plans" contain. Back in the 60's when she was in the reserve fleet, she was pretty austere with the light AA gone and the Bofors all in cocoons.
Looking forward to more progress! Tom

Quite right - too much time spent in the various & sundry places of overseas enjoyment!!!!! - why worry about parts of a ship you never will need to know about again, right??? then came ships models..................

Well, at least today we have the availability of some good print materials, and the internet which puts us in touch with others in the same predicament...and quite possibly photos WE forgot to take!!

Actually, I wish there were more photos to show up from people who may have visited the various mothball fleets in the 50s/60s/70s before all the cruisers, DDs, & DEs were scrapped. Also, the 4 IOWAs prior to their current configuration. In spite of the limitations, NARA does upon occasion provide some insight into this info, but at a serious cost of time, etc.

Working on oil/steam/air vents & exhausts today with the mini-lathe & dowels - getting some decent results.

Hank

[Fliger747]

Hank:

My recollection of dealings with the Mothball fleet in the 60's was that camera's and such activities were (ummmm) strongly discouraged... The one at PSNS of course had an active Navy Yard associated with it. Rafts of destroyers and Cruisers, Benson's, Fletchers and even some venerable fleet veterans such as Bunker Hill. I remember some local High School kids getting a visit from the FBI for climbing all over one of the SODAK's, swinging at a buoy out in Sinclair Inlet. I have somewhere a couple of photos I took on Missouri at the time, when she was open to the public in a limited way.

Tom