The Ship Model Forum

Here are photos of where I'm currently at with my Dragon Laffey conversion to the USS Nields DD-616 as seen in August 1945. My model depicts the Nields as she appeared with the late war anti aircraft refit which involved removing the torpedo tubes and adding 40mm and 20 mm AA guns, getting rid of the forward most side depth charge racks, and removing the starboard anchor and chain. I have pieced the many subassemblies together for these photos. So any gaps or misalignments will not be there after painting and final assembly.

The prototype USS Nields in July '45.
http://www.navsource.org/archives/05/0561601.jpg

















Erik

Nice job, looks very accurate. I REALLY like your model, the anti-kamikaze mods are a favorite interest of mine. I'll look at images I have later today to see if there is anything that may help you. But a quick-look at images I have of DD-616, 600, 601 and DD-612 (all modified at New York Navy Yard) tells me that may not add anything to what you have already. Some other BENSON-GLEAVES units modified to the Anti-Kamikaze configuration had extra Mk 51 directors atop the pilothouse, but none of these ships seem to show that.

As an aside. DD-600, 601, 616, and 617 (DesDiv 32) were the first BENSON-GLEAVES to be modified with the Anti-Kamikaze mod. The original plan was to remove the TT and to replace the twin 40-mm mounts with quad 40-mm mounts and not to install the twin 40-mm mounts between the stacks. But, as they were being modified, the plan changed to what you see.

Great work.

Thanks for the kind words Rick. I like the look of the AA refit on the Bensons. They are literally bristling with guns. I'm working on building the main mast now, out of brass. I have a few things to tweak and add then I'll start painting the separate components before final assembly. This site has been a real inspiration for me to push the envelope as far as my modeling skills are concerned.

Erik

Erik W wrote:They are literally bristling with guns.

I'll say!!

Excellent work, Erik - I love the way she looks.

Agreed, very nice work! Keep posting.

Impressive! I'm jealous!

Hi Erik

Fantastic
Luciano

Nice clean build.
Looking forward to seeing more !!
David

Waterlined, modified, looks very nice.

Jim

Here's a few photos of the mast assembly. I used .032"brass rod soldered to the end of .047" brass rod for the main mast. I sanded the joint thouroughly . The rest of the mast is a combination of brass rod, GMM Benson photo etch and some of the details off the original Dragon mast.







Erik

You are really good at this. The mast looks very nice.

Great job Erik. I'm looking forward to more updates.

Superb!!!!






Bob Pink.

Like fine jewelry. Very impressive.

Rick E Davis wrote:You are really good at this.

And how!

Boy, that looks good.

P.E is truly a delight!!! awesome job Erik


Jose

After many months away from this project, I'm back to working on it. Here's where I am now. I'm on the home stretch! I still have some details to add as well as masts, rigging and the crew.













Erik

She looks amazing! I had a question, how did you get your scratch-built gun tubs to look so clean and precise? Keep up the good work.

... Just some of the things I feel about this build! Fantastic job, can't wait to see this one done!

Matt

Bob Pink.,