Hi Guys,
First time on this thread!
Cut to the chase:
I am building the Tamiya 1/350 Fletcher as DD499; USS Renshaw. She is a round bridge Fletcher, and will be configured as she appeared on the 27th of October 1945..Navy Day.
This will be a kitbash with the Trumpeter sq bridge Fletcher. Well, actually I'll be using the midships deckhouse and a few other items from the Trumpeter kit; otherwise it's all Tamiya.
The thing is, I needed the midships deckhouse from the Trumpeter kit to simplify the Renshaw's late war AAA fit. The fwd torpedo tubes were replaced with a pair of quad 40's and a raised platform for the pair of Mk51 directors.
The 01 base below the bridge will have a pair of twin 40's and enlarged splinter shields/platforms common to later than Tamiya's config; another small kit modification.
This is the, "kamikaze AAA fit", or so I've had it explained.
The Renshaw will be displayed with the Missouri in a multi-ship ocean type display portraying a scene from Navy day on the Hudson River, October 27, 1945. The Renshaw was President Truman's, "Taxi", as she made her way past quite a number of USN ships all with their names' painted on the ship's sides; anchored in a long line astern for this Post War celebration.
When I get a little further along, I'll post some progress pics of Tamiya's Fletcher>Renshaw showing the afore-mentioned changes.
I already have some questions for the Fletcher Fans, but I'll have to show as well as ask.
Thanks Guys, Tony Bunch