Jump to content

USS Spence DD-512, 1944 (Tamiya late-war conversion)


Recommended Posts

Hi folks,

Six weeks work and it's finished!

Build thread is HERE (click) for top tips on converting the stock Tamiya kit into a late-war, round-bridge Fletcher.

Photos courtesy of IPMS Farnborough website.

DSCF5028.JPG

DSCF5030.JPG

DSCF5031.JPG

DSCF5032.JPG

 

These photos were taken with an old mobile phone, hence the washed out appearance - the model was still awaiting its pennant numbers and flags to arrive!

bde0c6c9-ffb3-453a-bda1-1128137019ff.jpg
0092c335-e827-43be-8083-dc5afa0e78cc.jpg
0d835db1-12d7-4bbc-bda5-4848afbb17f9.jpg
41df1e9f-049d-4427-a90e-51ed738493d6.jpg
f716ab1b-781c-4554-b6c1-2e47da677d99.jpg
0985b211-600b-4cff-90d6-636303f1d270.jpg
d8c2bfff-fcd3-4f74-b88b-597f3c580cd9.jpg
42f8d018-568e-4262-ae47-f32e46c719e9.jpg

A few build notes if you can't stomach the build thread:
Tamiya 1/350 kit with Gold Medal Models PE set
L'Arsenal 40mm Bofors, 20mm Oerlikons, Mk51 AA directors (excellent pieces all!)
Scratchbuilt ECM mast, fwd funnel siren and searchlight platform, midships gun sponsons, bridge equipment, 5" practice loader
Trumpeter "Sullivans" kit donated fwd 40mm tubs, aft deckhouse and fantail 20mm gun tub
Rigged with Uni-Caenis thread and 0.16mm monofilament fishing line
Seascape built from wood & polystyrene base, acrylic artist paint, clear silicone sealant, acrylic gloss gel.

I'm really proud of this result, only the second ship I've built in 1/350. And I couldn't have hoped for a better result with the sea base, although the presentation could be better if I was a bit more proficient in woodwork!!

Thanks a lot,

Al

Edited by Alan P
  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Excellent result! I bet clear silicone is a lot cheaper than the scenic water craft stuff! May I suggest some gloss varnish on the decks as she is "taking it green " . MODeller

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks a lot, very much indeed. :lol:

 

The sea effect was a first time effort, one which I will definitely use again. I got the silicone sealant from Halfords for £4.99 and used about 1/3rd of the tube, so it's relatively inexpensive for the effect it produces.

 

I forgot all about the effect of the sea on the actual ship! I will take Brian's advice on that one, once I get my decals from WEM (should be today).

 

Thanks again, and don't be surprised if you see this on other model sites, I've been flaunting it a bit in an attack of hubris I'm afraid (big 'ed!)

Al

Edited by Alan P
Link to comment
Share on other sites

A lovely model! B)

I had "Typhoon - The Other Enemy: Third Fleet and the Pacific Storm of December, 1944" by Raymond C. Calhoun out from Aberdeen Central Library a few years back. It details his experience commanding the USS Dewey during the typhoon.

If you can get a copy of it, I'd highly recommend it!

Amazon Link.

Mike. :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...
  • 1 year later...

Outstanding, superb seascape - how did you do it...is it in the build thread?

Pete

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 months later...

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...