Upgrading the Revell 1/240 USS WardReviewed By Richard Eaton |
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Introduction
Having
built this model as a youth, I really wanted to do another with state
of the art fittings. The old Revell four-stacker is OOP but readily available
on the Internet and at shows. I picked one up and was rewarded with a
complete kit. The old Revell kit has crude details but really does capture
the sleek shape of the US flush deck destroyer of 1918. Inspired by other
internet builds I tracked down a set of Gold Medal Models 1/240 Buckley/Wards
PE fittings. It was a tad expensive but did contain two complete frets
one for the Ward and one for Revell's Buckley class destroyer escort.
Looking further I found HR Products excellent metal fittings and ordered
a set of replacement guns, searchlights, and propellers. I ordered the
HR 3"/50 open mount guns in 1/256 scale. They also had these fittings
in 1/194 scale, which, in hindsight, might have been a better replacement
for the kit 4" guns. Thus stocked up I was ready to breath some life into
this old kit! Read on.
The Bridge
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I studied the GMM instructions to pace the rest of the build. I assembled the kit following instructions until I had GMM replacement parts to deal with. With hull and decks together I began reworking the bridge. The GMM set has two different styles of bridge windows. I cut apart the kit pieces and test fitted the PE part. I reassembled the bridge superstructure and was very pleased with the effect. The GMM windshield gives the open bridge a nice, airy look. I then completed the upper bridgework replacing the kit antennae with the PE. GMM has two types of upper bridge railings. I chose the canvas covered ones. I place one of HR's metal searchlights in the crow's nest and used the canvas style rails there too.
The Mast
I kept the kit mast but replaced the yardarms with the GMM set. These are very nicely done with ringlets for later rigging. I also used PE ladders on the mast covering the molded in details.
The Guns
The Revell main guns are terrible so the HR replacements were most welcome. I replaced all four 4"/50 main guns and modified one of HR's guns for the aft 3" AAA mount. I fitted the bow gun with the GMM gun shield and upgraded all guns with PE gun sights. Now we are getting somewhere!
Mid-Ship Searchlight Tower
The prominent mid-ship searchlight tower was one of the most noticeable improvements. The old Revell tower was good in its day but GMM's PE is unbeatable! I bent that beauty into shape and the kit platform. I topped things off with the HR large searchlight and PE railings. Add a PE ladder and popped things into place on the deck. Sharp!
Ship's boats
I thought about replacing the kit's boats but they cleaned up well. Add the PE oars and they were perfectly usable. I added PE netting to the bottoms of the kits life rafts and started popping things into place. GGM has a set of excellent boats davits that you fold together before installing.
Aft
I folded up GMM's really nice set of depth charge racks and put them in place. I toyed with the idea of making some charges out of sprue but the pieces just looked so nice as they were. The pointed stern of the ship has the racks hanging partly off the ship.
Finishing things up!
Having painted all PE parts a Light Sea Gray I proceeded in building the ship's stairs and put them in place. The large scale and great design of these stairs allows you to fold individual steps to the correct alignment. I added railings from the interior of the ship out. The GMM PE rails are just super and easy to work with. They feature very nice sag in the rail lines where appropriate.
I touched things up a bit and added some light weathering all around using oils and chalks with a hint of dry brushing. I then followed GMM's rigging instructions and went to town. I used painted brass wire again working from the interior outward. These ships had a ton of rigging! I added a few kit flags to bring some color to the build and things wound down to a satisfactory conclusion. Speaking of which..
Conclusion
I was very pleased with the results of this upgrade. I was able to use the gorgeous shape of the old Revell kit while replacing the kit's warts with just excellent details! If you love the old four stacker as much as I do, the expense and time is more than worth it. I just need to find the old Buckley kit now!
Sources
Gold Medal Models
HR Products
