1/600 USS Bristol DD-453 (Lindberg,Shapeways, Dragon, etc)

This is my attempt to build a 1/600 scale model of the WWII destroyer USS Bristol (DD 453) as it looked when new in 1941. I started with a Lindberg 1/535 destroyer escort hull, and cut the middle out in order  to reduce the beam. Then I filed the aft 2/3 of the hull down to create the break in the hull. I drew a superstructure, including torpedo tubes, rafts, searchlights, and depth charges, and got them printed in 3D by Shapeways. Two years ago I bought Shapeways 3D prints of four Mk37 directors and five 5''38cal gun mounts with this and a couple of other models in mind. I lost a mount, so I laminated and filed sheet plastic to make the #3 mount an unenclosed version with a canvas cover. The rudder, keels, and two large decks are sheet plastic cut to shape. The boats are from parts boxes, and were laminated and filed to the correct size and shape. The davits are from a 1/700 Atlanta.

For a scale comparison, the last photo shows it next to an Aurora 1/600 USS St. Paul (CA 73). The other photos show the Bristol on stands for an Aurora 1/517 USS Bennion. They look a little big for the Bristol.

Although I put in much time and effort I am a little disappointed in the result.  It looks a too bulky, even though it measures right. Also, there are many small errors, and if I were to make another it would be more accurate. I did not realize I made the bulwarks too short until after I painted everything, and I did not feel like spending the effort to re-do them at that point.  Originally, I made 3D printed bulwarks with the slots on the bottoms, but they did not bend nicely to conform with shape of the hull. So, I made sheet plastic ones. Regardless of the outcome, I had much fun building it.

Gallery updated 4/4/2020

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