Fletcher-class Tear Drop Gun Tub Version 1

This is a 1/350th scale after deckhouse and tear drop shaped gun tub for the Trumpeter or Tamiya 1/350th USS Fletcher-class model. Check your references to ensure that this is the correct part for your model as there were many different versions each with little detail differences.

 

 

This version represents a tub with a Mark 51 director (not included). The mounting hole for the aftermarket, modeler supplied 40mm Bofors is 1 mm in diameter. The holes in the deckhouse sides represent locations where hatches would normally be. Simply apply your favorite aftermarket photoetched hatches there. Each Fletcher was almost unique in the myriad types of doors and hatches it carried, so to ensure accuracy its probably best that the modeler select the hatch or door that best replicates that carried by the Fletcher that he or she is building.

 

 

You can either place the Mark 51 inside the little tub, or attach a small piece of circular scrap plastic atop it and mount the Mark 51 there.  In this latter case, the modeler will need to supply and apply photoetch rails to enclose the Mark 51, as current printing limits just don’t allow us the resolution to print things as small as railings.  It all depends upon the particular ship that you are modeling, so please check your references.

 

 

Clean the part by soaking it in lukewarm soapy water and then CAREFULLY scrubbing it with a soft toothbrush or similar. Be carefully, as the splinter shielding is just 0.3 mm thin and is easily damaged. Acrylic modeling paints are probably best. Consider painting the interior of the part, as well, to reduce light transfer through the otherwise mostly clear part. This will reduce the need to overpaint the exterior, allowing the parts finer details to not be covered over with paint.

 

 

NOTE: little Mark 51 tub now included. Its bottom is filleted and shoudl fit right in atop the little on-deck tub. The mounting hole for the modeler supplied Mark 51 remains 0.5mm.