Well, to me, it makes sense that ROG would put out a 1/144 destroyer, as they have been producing a number of 1/144 submarines, and it is always nice to have ‘the competition’ in the same scale! At the same time, the ‘Fletcher’ is probably the best known subject for a destroyer, and what better way to ‘test the waters’ to guage future offerings in this scale? While the 1/72 scale subs are splendid, it really isn’t too feasible to produce a destroyer at that scale (though there is the 1/72 scale ‘Flower-class’ corvette out there). Of course, if they are going to make a ‘Fletcher’ in this scale, perhaps they will also make a Japanese destroyer sometime, perhaps one of the Kagero’s or Fubuki’s… Personally, I think 1/144 is a bit large, and have wondered for some time why the 1/200 scale never really took off after it was introduced by Nichimo. I have a couple Japanese destroyers in this scale, and they do build up into impressive models that don’t fill the living room! Of course, if you get the 1/200 Yamato, you have only yourself to blame!
That’s a small one. I did some commission work on a 1:48th scale FLETCHER. I installed the motors, radio gear, wiring, painted the hull, and made the boat davits and anchor chain stoppers. They’re more fun when you can put them in the water and play with them.
If your bookcase is wide enough for the 1/350 battleship models, the 1/144 Fletcher will fit with easy. The Iowa class 1/350 are about the same length.
The 1:144 started showing up as in stock in Far East and European shops at about US$60 or 35 British Pounds since 12/16. The large size box makes shipping not practical to order overseas. Hope that the kit will show up at this side of the Oceans soon.
http://www.wonderlandmodels.com/products/revell-1144-fletcher-class-destroyer-z-1/
That’s what bathtubs were made for.