SPA Modeler

I didn't want to hijack Fermis thread so I'll start here.

I have been wanting to build a couple of destroyers my did served on while he was in the Navy - USS Wadleigh and USS Courtney. I mentioned I had done some research on each destroyer; USS Wadleigh is a Fletcher class destroyer:

http://www.navsource.org/archives/05/689.htm

USS Courtney is a Destroyer Escort of Buckley Class:

http://www.navsource.org/archives/06/06021021.htm

I do recall seeing a kit of one of his ships at his mother's den growing up. To this day, I have no idea what happened to it after my grandmother went in the nursing home in the early part of 2000s. She died in 2002.

Anyway, I was advised by a hobbyist some 2 years ago to use USS Fletcher, USS The Sullivans, and USS England. I wouldn't know how to update it to the late 50s early 60s years my dad served on both ships. Like I said, so many upgrades I wouldn't even know where or how to start it.

To build USS Wadleigh in the fit that your father served on, probably your best starting point is the Revell Germany 1/144 release of the Z119 kit Fletcher Class. It comes with the typical post WWII fit of tripod main mast and twin 3" guns replacing the 40mm Bofors. With good plans and photo refernces, you can easily modify her into whatever fit that she had when your father was on her crew. All you would need to do is find decals for her markings. But it is currently out of production.

USS Courtney is a bit more of a challenge as her Class is not represented in injection molded plastic.