1/350 USS Runels DE-793 (Iron Shipwright)

For a number of years, I wanted to build a 1/350 scale Buckley Class DE. The only resin (my preferred modeling medium) kit that was available was the mid-1990's Iron Shipwright (ISW) waterline kit. Since I wanted to build a full hull model, that kit was not an option unless I wanted to spend hours carving or modifying a Trumpeter DE England plastic bottom to fit--I didn't.  Then, either at a model contest or on an on-line auction site, I discovered an ISW kit that included both the waterline hull and a FULL Hull version. (I assume that the full hull version had been specially cast by ISW for a customer who later decided not to proceed with the project.). Needless-to-say, I purchased the kit.

I decided to use this kit to model one of the Buckley Class destroyer escorts with the 1944 European Theater four single barrel 40mm mount modification. I chose the USS Runels as I had located a reasonable good photo of that ship. I removed the torpedo mount and added four tubs to the aft superstructure. Making the four tubs took a little time; but, the most difficult modification was the fabrication of the pipe guard rails that prevented the 40mm gun crews from "firing" into their own ship in the"heat-of-battle". These were made from .012" brass rod and took much time and several attempts to complete. (I discovered there was no standard design/configuration for these pipe guards.) The overall casting of the hull/superstructure was very good with few pinholes and good detail. The "small parts" reflected the mid-1990's over-scale white metal standard and most were replaced with modern after market parts. I used L'Arsenal's 3"50 guns, 40mm single mounts, 1.1" quad mounts, 20mm guns, Mk 51 director, SA radar, whaleboat, life rafts, floater net baskets, sky look-outs, and bridge details. The mast and mast details were fabricated from from brass rod/pieces. The depth charge racks were from the kit's PE;and, the "netted" railing was L'Arsenal's.Other deck details/lockers were scratch-built. Rigging was Caenis line and .004" dia. nylon thread. The model was painted in the Measure 22 camouflage scheme using Model Master acrylics. This "build" took about 100 hours. Overall, this was a very good kit considering it's age. It was an enjoyable build and resulted a model of Buckley Class DE with a different, non-standard configuration dictated my the necessities of wartime conditions.
 
 

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