Kelly,
Sorry for a delay. Things are happening for me (starting construction of a garage, seeding bare spots in my yard, and my Alaska trip just "officially" got cancelled so I have to cancel reservations and travel), for the last few days.
First off the Bath Iron Works (BIW) FLETCHER CLASS ENGINEERING DRAWINGS DVD is still available. After Dave McComb died, the TINCAN SAILOR's organization took over responsibilities for selling the DVD. I posted the contact info a couple of times in this thread, but here is a link to where the current POC for ordering the DVD ...
viewtopic.php?f=49&t=8105&p=636154&hilit=BIW+Fletcher+class+Engineering+Drawings+DVD#p647860 ... Right now, I don't know if anyone is in their office, but try calling, the E-Mail request route is always iffy. It is overwhelming going through the drawings, because as Hank said, there is one easy way to search through it. But, if you have the time, just cruise through it and keep notes as to where you found major highlights. There likely is a similar set of Engineering drawings for the CHARLESTON NAVY YARD built FLETCHERS at the National Archives (NARA-College Park, MD) as well, but besides going there (they are closed right now), it is expensive to get them copied. Dave, spent the big bucks years ago copying the BIW drawings (back when it wasn't nearly as expensive as it would be now). At the Archives, you can go through the original microfilm reels and make paper or digital (better) copies of each frame. Still the cost can add up, but is useful. The BIW drawings should be at least 90% common with the BIW drawings.
I have about 15 images of USS BURNS (DD-588), taken at various times during her career. Including a different image of USS BURNS in China in December 1945. She had several configurations during that time, but only two during her career in the Pacific, so deciding when you would like to model your build would help in knowing what you need. I would suggest that to PM/E-Mail me from the Messages app here and I could start E-Mailing you full size images.
As for models to use. I'm not a fan of the 1/144 scale Revell kit. It has a lot of problems and several inaccuracies and as you will find, it will be expensive to get all the 1/144 scale parts 3-D printed to convert the kit to a Square-Bridge unit, like USS BURNS. Basically, you are starting from a hull and deckhouses from the kit and not using much else. Going with a 1/350 scale kit would be cheaper and even if you do decide to build a 1/144 scale version, the experience would help you. The Trumpeter THE SULLIVANS kit is probably the best option for you to use as a start. It has problems as well. God, I wish someone would make an updated model of the FLETCHERS, no kit is perfect, but those out there range from old to terrible.
Here is an image of USS BURNS (DD-588) close to the end of her USN career, prior to her being used as a target and sunk in 1976. There seems to be an issue with posting/viewing right now. Try clicking on the icon.