CONVERT INEXPENSIVE SOVREMENNY CLASS TO FLETCHER?
08-20-2006, 09:22 PM
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CONVERT INEXPENSIVE SOVREMENNY CLASS TO FLETCHER?
Hello,
This is my first post here, so please go easy on me.
I've always had an interest in R/C models, and I saw an R/C boat on E-Bay that was also discussed on the thread below:
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_4503737/tm.htm
I would like to build a Fletcher Class Destroyer, as my father served on one during the mid-50's (USS Hale DD-642). However, from what I'm seeing, it would cost quite a bit to buy a Fletcher plastic kit and outfit it out with the gear and radio to make it R/C.
Would it be possible to use this pre-built ship as a platform for building a Fletcher model? Could I just remove the structure, guns, etc., and replace with scale replicas of Fletcher parts? I believe this is a 1:115 model, and most Fletcher models I've seen aren't that scale. Is there somewhere on-line where I could buy the parts (structure, gun turrets, etc.) to make this a Fletcher? I know it wouldn't be exact, and I'm not going for show-quality, but I'd like to get into this fairly inexpensively. Any other suggestions if not this?
This is my first post here, so please go easy on me.
I've always had an interest in R/C models, and I saw an R/C boat on E-Bay that was also discussed on the thread below:http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_4503737/tm.htm
I would like to build a Fletcher Class Destroyer, as my father served on one during the mid-50's (USS Hale DD-642). However, from what I'm seeing, it would cost quite a bit to buy a Fletcher plastic kit and outfit it out with the gear and radio to make it R/C.
Would it be possible to use this pre-built ship as a platform for building a Fletcher model? Could I just remove the structure, guns, etc., and replace with scale replicas of Fletcher parts? I believe this is a 1:115 model, and most Fletcher models I've seen aren't that scale. Is there somewhere on-line where I could buy the parts (structure, gun turrets, etc.) to make this a Fletcher? I know it wouldn't be exact, and I'm not going for show-quality, but I'd like to get into this fairly inexpensively. Any other suggestions if not this?
08-21-2006, 09:49 PM
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RE: CONVERT INEXPENSIVE SOVREMENNY CLASS TO FLETCHER?
I would imagine that the bow is too modern(the bulb) and raked, and that the ship is too wide for it's length to really make a good Fletcher.
Most people use the Lindberg Blue Devil kit. I have seen some really good builds, and modifications to the Blue Devil. Some to change the torpedo configurations to more AA guns, and others that change the entire bridge section to the rounded bridge of some of the older boats.
The Blue Devil, while not "scale" is the best starting point for most Fletcher enthusiasts.
Most people use the Lindberg Blue Devil kit. I have seen some really good builds, and modifications to the Blue Devil. Some to change the torpedo configurations to more AA guns, and others that change the entire bridge section to the rounded bridge of some of the older boats.
The Blue Devil, while not "scale" is the best starting point for most Fletcher enthusiasts.
08-24-2006, 01:54 AM
#3
RE: CONVERT INEXPENSIVE SOVREMENNY CLASS TO FLETCHER?
I second what Umi advised. The Lindberg "Blue Devil" Fletcher kit is the best basis for a model of this type. Since the Blue Devil is a square bridge Fletcher like the USS Hale, it is already in the configuration you need to model the ship your father served on. Conversion to RC is quite simple as it is a motorized kit to begin with (has props and running gear included), designed from the get-go to be used in the water and has been converted by countless individuals. At 1/125 scale, it is about 36 inches in overall length and has plenty of room for all your equipment.
I would suggest joining this discussion group for further details: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lindyfletcher/
USS Hale: http://www.destroyerhistory.org/flet...42hale_01.html
If you wanted to depict the destroyer in WWII colors, this profile (taken in 1945) shows that the camouflage pattern is Measure 22 which would be easier to replicate than Measure 31. Otherwise it would be overall Haze Gray for post war operations after she was recommissioned.
http://www.shipcamouflage.com/measure_22.htm
http://www.navsource.org/archives/05/642.htm
-Harquebus
I would suggest joining this discussion group for further details: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lindyfletcher/
USS Hale: http://www.destroyerhistory.org/flet...42hale_01.html
If you wanted to depict the destroyer in WWII colors, this profile (taken in 1945) shows that the camouflage pattern is Measure 22 which would be easier to replicate than Measure 31. Otherwise it would be overall Haze Gray for post war operations after she was recommissioned.
http://www.shipcamouflage.com/measure_22.htm
http://www.navsource.org/archives/05/642.htm
-Harquebus
