I’ve joined the Pearl Harbor group build and am interested in possibly doing a model of the USS Ward. I was wondering if anyone has any experience with the Commander Series kit of the USS Decatur (DD341). The description of this kit on the GreatModels web site (inv. # csm4074) states that the kit includes parts to also build the Ward (as well as the Bainbridge). The problem I’m having is that while they are similar in appearance, they are from different classes (the Ward is a Wickes class and the Decatur and Bainbridge are Clemson class)From the limited research I have done so far, it seems possible that this is the correct kit, as the ships from both classes are very similar in appearance (both being flush deck, four stack destroyers), so I think it is possible that you could build both from the same kit, but I’m not 100% sure and don’t really want to plunk down $70 if it’s not the right kit. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Pete
The Clemson and Wickes Classes were very similar, used the same hull, and differed in the bridge structure, funnel height (IIRC), and weapons.
The ISW kit is a buildable model of the class, and provides the necessary parts to build her as Ward.
Your other option is to look for the old Gulfstream kit of the Ward, it’s still out there, especially on Ebay. Your other option is the old Revell kit of the Ward…as GMM and Tom’s Modelworks both do a PE set for it. It’s bigger 1/256 scale I believe, but is easily turned into a showpiece.
Regards,
Jeff
The Revell four-stack destroyer kit is a nice one - a classic from a classic age of modeling. I do feel obliged, though, to warn anybody wanting to use it as the basis for a serious model that it suffers from one conspicuous and downright weird flaw (which I’m sure Jeff has noticed too).
The designers, for some reason, spent a great deal of time making the surfaces of the decks look like wood planks. A lot of four-stack destroyers were built, but I’m 99.9% certain that all of them had steel decks.
Fortunately this “surface detail” is raised, so it can be scraped off fairly easily. If I were building that kit that’s the first thing I do after opening the box.
On the long, long list of projects I want to do some day is a modification of that kit into a destroyer-minesweeper, with the number DMS 22 and the name U.S.S. Caine. The novel The Caine Mutiny has been a hit among my modern U.S. military history students for years, and I get a charge out of rereading it periodically myself. (The students have discovered, the hard way, that watching the movie doesn’t help on the book quiz. Humphrey Bogart was a great actor, but he was way too old to play Captain Queeg.)
Building a model of a ship that never existed would be a refreshing break. Some years ago the Naval Institute Proceedings published a photo of the DMS in which the author, Herman Wouk, served - complete with rust spots, laundry hanging on the rails, etc. That would be a good reference to start with, and the book itself provides plenty of other tidbits of information. The vomit-filled hat hanging on the mast would be a nice touch.
I’ve found that the Commander Series kit on GM (4074) is the right kit(funny what you can find out if you look at a companies web site.LOL) I’m a little leery about pulling the trigger, as it’s a resin kit and I’ve never worked with resin. I’m going to keep a look out for the Gulfstream and Revell kits and see if one pops up on E-Bay or somewhere else. Thanks for the info. Pete
Be warned, the Gulfstream kit is a resin kit as well.
I must admit, one of the biggest misconceptions about resin kits is that they’re tougher to build than plastic kits, which is not true. It’s a slightly different skillset, but in my opinion, they’re actually easier to build than many plastic kits.
You’ll find that with resin kits, most of the parts are solid cast, like funnels, bridges, etc…you will have to do more sanding to remove resin overpour, and sometimes parts can be ‘short-shots’ or partial casts, but that can be easily rectified with plastic strip.
If you have any questions, please feel free to drop me a note, I’ve got a ‘few’ resin ships under my belt. I’ll be happy to help out.
Best,
Jeff
Jeff, Thanks. I will definately look you up if I have any questions or problems. Pete