By Richard Sliwka
1/350 USS Porter DD-356 1937 (Yankee Model Works)
The USS Porter (1937 version) was built out-of-the-box using the YMW/BWN kit. The overall length of the model scaled out to be 1/355 scale. I enlarged/reduced my reference drawings (kit instruction drawing, Alan Raven's Jun 42 general arrangement as shown in Plastic Ship Modeler # 17, and Wilson's design plan as shown in Warships Special 2) at a local copier shop. I also studied numerous photos in various books and on the net.
The most difficult part of the build were the tripod fore and aft masts. For these, I used various diameter Special Shapes brass tubing and rods with super glue. This required much trial and error to fabricate and locate the masts on the model as well as extensive review of the drawings and photos (The kit instructions and drawings are not adequate for this task). The only minor scratch-building were the bridge top extension platform and the aft 30' boat support structures (made using Special Shapes photo etch grid). Rigging was small diameter nylon thread/fishing line--.002" (halyards), .003" (radio wires), and .004" (support wires). I also used L'Arsenal's 26' whale boats and WEM's .50 cal machine guns. The model was painted using Model Master Acryl Marine Paints (#5 Std Gray, #5D Dk Gray, Boot top Black, and Anti fouling Red).
The total tine required to complete this model was about 100-120 hours.
Editor's note: This ship took 1st place for large ships, Best Naval, and Best of Show at the 2004 IPMSWCMO contest.
