The Ship Model Forum

Scratchbuilding the Fletcher class destroyer
USS Gregory DD-802, 1944 in 1/125 scale.

This build was inspired by, but is NOT the classic Lindberg "Blue
Devil Destroyer" kit. It will contain some parts from that kit.

When complete, she'll be built to represent USS Gregory DD-802,
as she appeared in 1944-45 wearing the dramatic MS 31/11d scheme.

Of the 175 Fletchers built, USS Gregory DD-802 was one of 21 Fletchers built
at Seattle-Tacoma.

Inspired by, but definitely not, the Lindberg model.
As you know, Lindberg makes a popular, fun, motorized model of the
Fletcher. It is big and pond-worthy. But it is not a very accurate
representation of a real Fletcher. There are noticeable hull, bridge
and turret shape inaccuracies with the Lindberg kit. Like many other
modelers I like the size and scale of the Lindberg kit but wanted better
accuracy. So I chose to make a new, more accurate model from scratch
using whatever Lindberg kit parts that were reasonably accurate.

1/96 scale plans obtained from Floating Drydock were reduced to 1/125
scale. The plans showed what, if anything, was accurate with the Lindberg
kit and could be used on my model. Aftermarket white-metal 1/125th
scale Bofors and Oerlikons are available from HR Products so I bought
sets of those. They are not yet installed.

More to follow!

Great work Steve, how long is she?

John

She is 36.14 inches (91.8cm) long x 3.81 inches (9.68cm) wide. I like the big size a lot.

Cool! Couldn't you have saved the old bridge and made a second Fletcher for it?

Excellent styrene work!! I am impressed. Another great build on the way!

Hi Steve Good to see you posting more on your superb builds and as Bill says a nice piece of styrene work.
Dave Wooley

Hey Stephen
From one Fletcher builder to another; excellent work, that superstructure looks great! Keep up the good work she's going to be a beauty.

Bruce
USS Stevens DD479

Steve that thing looks incredible. Right down to the "I" in the little structural I-beams. Truly a work of art!

Thanks, gentlemen!

Timmy C wrote:Cool! Couldn't you have saved the old bridge and made a second Fletcher for it?

Great question. Don't want to since the original bridge is inaccurate. I'll explain in more detail later in this thread.

If you haven't seen Bruce's USS Stevens, also in the "RC and Scratchbuilding" forum, you are missing a real treat. His styrene work is superb. And check out the hull plating detail.


Work continues...

Photos from "Destroyer History" http://www.destroyerhistory.org/ were very helpful in determining how features and structures appeared on USS Gregory.

Steve that's some AWESOMELY clean work. What is the technique for forming those radii? It must be heat and bend? Such smoothe looking rounds!
I still haven't decided if my next large scale model will be a 16th pt-boat or a 96th Fletcher, but this thread has me leaning this way!

Thanks, Chuck!

To make thin sheet curve I simply pull the sheet across the handle of a small file, the diameter of which is about half that of a standard pencil. Pull it hard and quickly. By drawing it quickly across the handle the sheet curls right up in a pretty uniform curve. I then glue the piece down to marks on the deck. This technique works very well for thin sheet.

For thicker sheet, I place the sheet in very hot water to soften it then press it to the proper shape by hand sometimes using another object as a form.

PT Boats are very cool but Fletcher's rock.

Steve, loking beautiful so far, keep us updated. I hope my Arizona will turn out that nice once I can start working on it again.

Steve, the detail work is coming along very nicely. If you need more pictures of square-bridge Fletchers let me know; I've probably got 70-80 pictures of the USS Kidd that might help you.

Best,
Bruce

Thanks, Abe and Bruce!

Bruce, if you have any pictures showing any overhead areas or bulkhead details I would appreciate them immensely! I'd like to get the details right. Finding good photos of the overhead areas has been particularly tough!

Stephen,

Looking good...

Don't know if you've seen them or if they would be of any use to you but Fine Art Models large scale Fletcher models. There are a few pics of their version here: http://www.fineartmodels.com/pages/prod ... uct_id=190

I've been using them a lot for my build of the Tamiya Fletcher (albeit I haven't been that concerned with being accurate for a particular ship).

John

Beautiful models, only seven thousand dollars eh?

Wow! What a great job on that superstructure. Really clean and crisp!

Nice work there Steve, it's nice to see more builds on the scratchbuilding forum, and for a change, a smaller class of ship. I am not really an American ship fan, but I do like the Fletcher's.
Look forward to more pictures, as you progress.

Thanks for all the kind comments and helpful suggestions!!

Slowly but surely...
A little more work done on the aft deckhouse and Bofors platform.
Splinter shield reinforcing ribs and the base of the Mk-51 Director
platform are now installed. An open-topped, circular splinter shield will be
added to the top of the director base later. The penciled circles on the
deck indicate the positions of two of the 5"/38 single mounts.

She's looking good Steve; keep up the good work.

Bruce