Question about Wickes class Destroyers in WWII

Modeling Subjects Ships
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I am interested in the USS Leary DD-158 in WWII. It was used in the escort and as part Hunter Killer operations in the Atlantic. I have seen one picture of the the ship and my question comes from that picture. Wickes were originally had four stacks. This photo only shows 2 stacks clearly. Were the ships modified to have fewer stacks or had fewer boilers. I know very little about ships. I am interested in this one because my wife’s great Uncle was a crewman when it was sunk. If I did build it I expect that I will have to find a similar ship and modify it . Any suggestions of where to get more information and about a good scale verison. I’ve never built ships other than the original issuer of the Seaview some time in the seventies.

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A large number of 4 stackers (or flush deck destroyers) were modified during the war. They were converted as you described into minelayers, destroyer escorts, seaplane tenders, and high speed transports for amphibious forces (APD). Probably the most famous 4 stacker was the USS Ward that fired the first shots at Pearl Harbor against one of the midget subs. It was later converted into an APD. Black Cat Models has a very good 1/350 scale kit of the Ward as an APD that might be a start for you. I know that the Floating Drydock has a plan set for another APD (forget which one) that will be a good reference. There are some good photos in various books, both about 4 stackers and the Friedman Book US Destroyers: An Illustrated Design History.
Also go to navsource.net and take a look at the various DDs of that class. You will probably find several photos of the conversions. I only found one of the Leary as she served in WWII.
Good luck!
Dave

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the 2 stacks & connected boilers were removed to give longer range over the Atlantic.

DD-158 USS Leary Booklet of General Plans (1941) USA - DD-158 USS Leary Booklet of General Plans (1941) (version 1) : Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive

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Thanks I really appreciate the information!

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Thanks. I looked at the drawings and it helps with interpreting the picture.