Black Sheep -
First, welcome to SMF!!!
Secondly - you know that abbreviates to BS, don't you? Just thought I'd point that out!!! LOL
Anyhoo....as Rick has so stated there are a few things to decide before you start -
1)
When was your dad's service aboard WADLEIGH?
2)
What scale do you wish to build the model - size DOES matter here!!
3) Is this your first model ship and if so, what scratch building abilities do you have? Referring to Q1 will determine if 3rd party aftermarket parts are available or you will need to construct from scratch.
Once you've answered those questions, proceed with caution!!! This can get involved!!
I served aboard a 4-gun configured FLETCHER destroyer during the Vietnam War and am currently building a model of my ship USS STODDARD (DD-566) - I have a build log over on Picture Post/Works in Progress -
viewtopic.php?f=59&t=303053#p910675My model is based on the 1/144 scale Revell (Germany) kit - USS FLETCHER - but that's where the similarities end - I am basically using the hull and some of the other parts but either scratchbuilding or 3D design/printing all of the superstructure/masts/RADARs, etc. I have purchased some items from Model Monkey and a few various Shapeways 3D designers, but since learning 3D design/printing am now doing my own. You can refer to my build as well as another very similar build by Willie on his former ship - Spanish Navy destroyer JORGE JUAN - also on the same sub-forum. His build is using the same kit and converting it solely scratch building all the necessary parts. JORGE JUAN was the former U.S. destroyer USS McGOWEN and in terms of details is probably closer to WADLEIGH than STODDARD.
I would suggest that after you've decided on Q1-Q3, then go to The Floating Drydock website (
https://floatingdrydock.com/) and purchase a copy of their
PLAN BOOK - The FLETCHER Class - it is only available as an E-Book, but you can take the CD to a print shop and get it printed in 11x17 sheets - small expense, but worth it. Along with this you'll need a set of good plans for the model - they also sell what's called a Booklet of General Plans which is a general guide for the overall class of ships and can vary ship to ship. Doesn't matter - you won't be making a trip to Nati'l Archives to hunt down WADLEIGH blueprints any time soon as they are closed to the public; this is the next best source. TFD has a set of G Series plans for USS SIGSBEE or USS BOYD which are dated in the 1960s and would be similar to WADLEIGH in the 60's. You just need to look over their website and see what's available. The E-Plan book shows the ship in her original configuration - 1940s, so much of this will need to be modified. But, it is a starting point to familiarize yourself with the FLETCHER class DD and how they were configured, etc.
Based on your decisions already made (date of ship's life/scale, etc.) you'll have a few choices of kits as already mentioned. I would recommend the 1/144 scale as it is a bit larger, can show more detail, and generally is easier to work with than a smaller scale model. But, that's up to you.
I could go on and on as this gets involved depending on your desire and goal, etc. - for me it's personal as is Willie's build so we tend to go overboard
in trying to get everything JUST SO - but, enough for an opening salvo!
Hope this is helpful and not confusing!!
Hank