hello all. I am an armor and aircraft modeler, but have been asked by a dive instructor if I could build a series of models for him.
I am located on Okinawa, and the USS Emmons is a very popular deep dive that he takes his students to. He asked if I could build three models of the Emmons, one in it’s destroyer configuration, one in it’s mine-sweeper configuration, and also if I could build a model of how she sits on the floor.
I want to at least build one of her before I commit to anything else. what are my options for a Gleaves class destroyer? I know just about nothing on ship modeling.
I have the Buchanan on the bench as I type. Have spent a couple of days building sub assemblies for painting and hope to shoot some paint later today. So far so good, nice kit, good instruction sheet and plenty of internet info.
The latest kit out in 1/350 is from Dragon models and it is the Gleaves class DD Buchanan, an excellent kit that may very well be the finest injection molded kit to date. This would also be your cheapest option if you need to build three of them. Your only other option would be a more expensive resin kit that would probably not be suitable for conversion or demolition…
Nonetheless, if you want to go resin check out the Yankee Modelworks kits. They have their own website and they can be purchased at numerous on line outlets. You may want to wait until after this weekend though as most of the US vendors are attending the big IPMS convention in Norfolk, VA. WS
Your best bet is the Buchanan 45 kit now available from Dragon. It includes extra parts for a late war version that your ship will need. For the DMS, you will either have to do some scratchbuiding or talk the folks at Yankee Modelworks into selling just the mine gear from one of their kits. They make DMS versions of the Gearing, but not the Benson/Gleaves. For reference check Classic Warships Benson/Gleaves class photo album on the class. There are some nice detail shots of the DMS configuration.
Tim’s suggestion of the '45 Buchanan as a starting point is good. His suggestion of using the YMW Gearing DMS gear may be overkill - at least as far as your purposes.
Quick & dirty – delete the #4 5-inch gun house and replace it with sweep gear.
Many other photos here on NAVSOURCE show that a large sweep reel (magnetic) replaced the mount.
There is a fret of PE in the kit which provides replacements for some of the plastic parts which are too large (in scale). PE allows for a finer part which may be beyond the limits of technology in styrene. These include ladders, hatches, support brackets, prop guards, and similar items.
The upgrade PE set available for the '42 Buchanan includes railings, both inboard rails and deck-edge rails with mesh. There is also a pre-formed MK37 fire control radar antenna with stiffener brackets.
There are no PE masthead radar antenna nor PE latticework for the midship searchlight stand in either fret.
The choice is up to you. There are no other dedicated PE sets for either Buchanan at this time. There may be one from GMM in a while. It will likely be more expensive than the upgrade PE set which is currently available and/or repeat items which are in the basic set.
I’m thinking that the 45 Buchanan may be the better starting point. The Emmons and other Gleaves destroyers were converted to DMS in late 1944. Among other things, the 1.1 inch gun on the aft superstructure was replaced by a pair of 40mm twins by the time they left the yard following the conversion. The twin 40 layout is included in the 45 Buchanan. The 1.1 inch gun layout is in the '42 version. Less destruction before construction.
I am going to purchase the 45 version of Buchanan, but neither DragonUSA nor Cyber-hobby.com say if it is in stock… oh well, I’ll just purchase and wait… I got other kits to work on anyhow
You may be too late; the 1945 Buchanan was a limited run kit.
One comment on the Cyberhobby PE set. The PE railings with the net lack cut outs in said net where the lines would pass through to tie off the ship. This may or may not be a big deal to you.
thanks for the info. I just bought through Dragonusa.com, my brother will forward ship it to me when it gets to his place… damn non APO shipping companies.
Dragon took my money and had it listed as there, so we shall see [#dots]
the Chief is excited as hell, I just need to find better reference photos of the mine-sweeping equipment on the DMS conversions. I have been looking for 1/350 minesweeper equipment but no such luck… hand-building will be fun work, and I hope I can do it well.
I am having a blast building this, I am going to have to Evilbay one for myself… trying to figure what to build and when to assemble/paint is the big learning curve part. the PE radar dish assembly was a real PITA
I made my first dive on the USS Emmons today! absolutely beautiful!
I didn’t realize she had damage to both her #1 and #3 guns from the fight before her sinking.
She is sitting at 120ft to 135 depending on location. I was narq’d out and experiencing euphoria just being down on her… absolutely awesome! She sure took a beating.
