This is my representation of the Dutch Friesland-class destroyer. This class was a post-WW2 design but predates the guided missile era, making it a 'classic' destroyer.
My model represents the ship in her later life. This meant adding some antennas, Corvus chaff launchers, and an extension to the forward mast platform to accommodate an extra radar. The two forward 40mm guns were removed along with their directors on the bridge wings, as well as one of the boats.
For this project I did a deep dive into 3D printing, creating my own custom parts. For a Dutch ship there are not many upgrade kits available on the aftermarket. If one would like to improve a model, you’re sort of on your own.
So, many of the small fittings are my own customs. In the end I supplied my version of the 40mm guns to the manufacturer Naval Models, who now do include them with the new kits they sell.
Below a list of all 3D printed parts:
* Capstans
* Refueling pipe work on fore deck
* Anchors
* 120mm gun barrels
* ASW Rocket launchers including their shields
* Wheelhouse roof radar base
* Signaling device on wheelhouse roof
* Main gun director
* Standing binoculars
* Forward mast platform including the horn/siren
* Fwd radar base (radar itself is PE from the kit)
* Forward funnel and grill
* Life rafts
* Entire galley superstructure
* Corvus chaff launchers including shields
* Illumination rocket launcher
* Davits
*
Aft funnel including the superstructure it stands on
* 40mm Bofors guns
* 40mm directors
* Aft mast platform
* Bathy termograph
* Several winches
* Depth charge rack including the dinghy that lies on top of it
* And some other smaller fittings such as antenna bases
All other parts are from the kit itself.
The base was made using water color paper and Mod Podge gloss. I also incorporated a tiny signaling light on the bridge wings. This is connected to a battery-fed microcontroller, which randomly picks a message every few minutes and signals this.
What started as an out-of-box built, took considerably more time due to all the 3D printing. But in the end it was much fun to build and I'm happy with the result.
