David Sandifer wrote:
Hi, Jaime
Yes, I have the DML Laffey kit. The prewar Benson appears to have the same M-sprue parts as Laffey. Whew - no major refit there!
From your third photo, I see that you've constructed the forward stack trunking already. Where did you slice off the midships deckhouse (part B1)? How did you shape the trunking block itself, and from what material(s)? Please post photos of that area.
In order to show off all the added work involved, I'm thinking about turning the davits and positioning the two forward whaleboats outboard - otherwise all the extra effort is hidden.
Regards, David
Hey David:
Heres my work in progress; Im taking the 'easy' way out by sanding/scraping down the deckhouse forward edges to mimic the vertical casing ahead of the stack, but instead of cutting away the deck, am filling (hiding) the forward casing area with consumables & storage; these vessels had various items such as lumber, stores, crates etc. with all the changes Im having to do to the base Laffey kit, I have a limit! By looking at sister ship Woodworth, the casing doesnt have a dramatic shape difference from what Ive done.
Items to note:
1. walkways on forward casing ahead of forward stack, note re-located storage lockers, they fit nicely
2. mods on bridge 02/03 deck, ie cut down rear wings with railing, visor, my best guess on railing config.
3. staggered 20mm tubs midship, including added deck pieces
4. on stern deckhouse, note the filled-in cutouts next to the aft steering stn and the added deck overhang forward. Also, note the significant changes required (documented previously, Woodworth pics)
5. on searchlight platform, note extra little deckhouse portside (last pic); luckily this is included in the kit...
next up, lets look at the foremast! Cause Laffeys is a bit different from the kit! Yay!