by Bob Dedmon
1/700 USS Cassin DD-372 (Midship Models)
This kit isn't for kit assemblers. It provides an adequate beginning to build the Cassin or Downs after they were rebuilt after Pearl Harbor but there is a lot of work required to build it up. First off the stem appears to have the shape of a Japanese ship rather than an American one. I didn't bother with that or the next problem (this one not discovered until I was nearly finished) there are problems with the forward superstructure. Looking at a side view of the Downs (Cassin similar) the deck over hanging the #1 turret is too long and interferes with the #1 turret movement. #2 turret is too far back on it's deck forcing the main superstructure back, the superstructure is too far aft causing problems with the main mast ( I drilled a hole in the upper level to allow the mast to pass through). Fixing the forward superstructure will take major surgery and I won't pretend to know what is required here. Next the deck level holding the torpedo mounts needs to pass around the aft funnel and end under the forward torpedo mount. I used .030 sheep plastic to form this deck area and install it over the stubs that come with the kit. I Scratch built the main mast as the kit part is a bit sparce and fragile. I replaced the shields on the 40 MM mounts with railings and replaced the 20 MM mounts with photo etched mounts. I formed the shields for the 20's with .005 sheet plastic and replaced the kit main gun directer with the correct MK 37 directer and radar. I added a photo etched SG2 radar antenna to the main mast, necessary rails and ladders, screw guards, K-gun mounts and the railings arond thd depth charge racks on the stern. I also fabricated the spray shield around the #1 gun from .005 sheet plastic. The rigging is invisable thread. I added a torpedo handling crane along side the aft funnel per the photo reference I had for the Cassin. I added bracing for the life rafts forward and aft and added floater net baskets on the forward superstructure. I filled in all the port holes on the hull and redrilled three forward of the step in the hull between the main deck and the forcastle. The water is acrylic jell ultramarine blue paint over painted with Mr. Color clear blue lacquer, dry brushed with MM white and clear coated. The bow wave is acrylic jell paint spread thin over parchment paper, peeled up and cut to shape, painted with Mr. Color and dry brushed then cut to shape and glued in place to simulate the bow wave of a ship at speed.
