I’ve wanted to build models of my fathers ships he’s served on but since I dont build alot of ship models,mostly a aircraft and armour guy,I dont know what kits are out there.I was wondering if you guys can help me track down actual kits or kits I could convert to my fathers specific ships.
He served on these ships.
USS John R. Craig
USS America
USS Long Beach
USS Stein
Help would be greatly appreciated.THANKS!
USS John R Craig (DD-885) - Gearing-class. 1945 - 1972
http://www.navsource.org/archives/05/885.htm
When was he on her? Assuming it to be late in her service - after she got her FRAM, the JAG Josepth P Kennedy in 1:700 (resin) would be an excellent start. Your alternative would be one of the PitRoad Gearings and do the FRAM on her yourself (doable if you have plans and lots of time/Evergreen).
Trying to stay in 1:700/1:720 scale, I thing the America is available from Italieri (styrene)
The CGN-9 Long Beach is also a JAG item in 1:700 scale (resin).
The Stein (DE-1065) is a Knox-class frigate. In 1:700 scale you actually have a choice of styrene or resin. AFV Club makes (made) a styrene Knox frigate. In resin Corsair Armada makes a very nice Knox
When was he on Stein? I was on Stein in '87 - '89.
Rick Heinbaugh
I agree with Ed above. The AFV Club 1/700 styrene kit is very nice, although it shows some of the upgrades that Stein never received (later mast, Sea Sparrow, etc)
Thanks for all the info guys!
My Father was on the John R.Craig in the mid-sixties and was a comissioning crew member on the America,Long Beach and Stein.
He liked all his ships except for the Long Beach.He said it felt like a death trap and was always leary of it.He did’nt like going out to sea on it like he did with his other ships.They were always having breakdowns and the nuclear reactor was twitchy.He always was a Destroyer man.
tell us more about your fathers long beach adventures or should i say (misadventures)
i know i am very iterested to hear
Yeah my Father said he never felt safe on the Long Beach.They would be out to sea and they’ed often have breakdowns all over the ship and not just the reactor.He said they knew when the reactor was acting up when they would have a crew of "maintinance"guys that looked like they belonged at J.P.L. come in on a non scheduled ship to ship or helicopter transfer.
Thankfully there was’nt any major misshaps.Not that he’s telling me anyway.My Father does suffer from many ailments now from asbestos exposure(they used to cut that stuff up with no masks or venillation equipment) so who knows if the crew might of been exposed to any kind of radiation while on board.