by Les Foran
1/125 USS Fletcher DD-445 (Lindberg)
This ship was built from the Lindberg kit for the USS Melvin in 1/125 scale. It is equipped for three channel R/C.
The model was heavily modified from the kit. The single biggest modification was conversion from the later model square bridge to the early round bridge. The gun turrets were extensively modified, with repositioned gun slots and corrected roof detail. New floors were fabricated with corrected pivot points.
The hull was modified with the addition of bildge keels, sonar dome, and additional anchor. The incorrect dual rudders were replaced by a single brass rudder.
Lifelines were fabricated from brads and wire. The radars were modified to more accurate appearance, and the ship's boats were detailed.
The ship is powered by two 280 motors. Power is fed through a Tazer reversable electronic speed control. J-Line servos control steering and turret training. Provision is made for a variety of battery options: 4 Nickle-metal-hydride D cells; 3300 Nickle-metal-hydride stick pack; or 6-volt gel cell. Reciever radio is powered by a Ni-cad battery pack.
Flotation is aided by compartmentalization. The deck is sealed by cementing a length of auto windshield washer hose around the circumference of the inside of the hull.
Modifying and detailing Lindberg models is one of my favorite activities!
