1/144th scale Fletcher Midships Assembly

This 1/144th scle assembly allows the modeler to complete the big Revell model with the twin midships 40mm tubs. These tubs and clipping rooms are meant to represent those of Bethlehem units, like Boyd and Heerman, but will probably work with other units of the class (check your references to be sure!). Two 40mm mounting bases and two 40mm spare barrel lockers are also included. The ship you are modeling may or may not have carried these lockers, but they're included just in case. The modeler should attach hatches using the aftermarket photoetch of his choice to the little cutouts in the walls of the clipping room. Various ships probably carried different styled of doors and hatches here, so again check your references.

 

To attach, measure twice and cut once. Seriously. Mark where you will place the assemblies on the model and then lightly sand them down to fit. The camber will vary depending upon where on the model you locate these parts, and how "tightly" you attached the main deck to the hull. This can cause some dimensional alterations and changes. Two 2.5 mm tall plugs are included that fit the underside of each clipping room in case the modeler gets a little bit too zealous with their sanding; just install, putty in any gaps, and restart the process.

 

The little circle in the top of the tub's deck locates the center of tub. The 40mm bases may or may not attach there depending upon which 40mm gun the modeler chooses to use, the kit's or an aftermarket alternative. These guns will have slightly different sizes and therefore slightly different working circles. Verify precisely where you want to place the bases (and thus the guns) before cementing the bases down.