by Gene Berger
Categories:
- Build type: [Scratch]
- Material: [Fiberglass][Metal][Resin]
- Scale: [1:48 (1/4" = 1')]
- Subject Type: [Frigates and Escorts]
- Era: [1914-1945]
- Nationality: [United States]
- Propulsion: [Diesel/Fuel Oil] [Propeller] [Steam Turbine]
About the Vessel
USS Kendall C. Campbell was a John C. Butler-class destroyer escort built during World War II. She took part in hunter-killer operations out of Hawaii and anti-submarine patrols in the area of the Marianas and Western Carolines.
Kendall C. Campbell was named in honor of Kendall Carl Campbell who was twice awarded the Navy Cross, once during the New Guinea campaign and again during the Battle of the Coral Sea.
The model maker’s father-in-law served on the Campbell during the war.
The Completed Model
Construction
We start out showing the progression of the hull and superstructure of Gene’s model. When the details begin to emerge we switch from viewing the model as a whole to examining particular aspects from start to finish. At then end we return a holistic view of the ship.
Hull Construction
Assembling the Superstructure
Gene originally intended to create the superstructure entirely from brass. The fit-up tolerance and heat warpage proved to be too much of a burden and he switched to gluing the brass sheets he intended to solder onto a wood core. The brass deck plates remained useful as they provided a strong base for the sponsons.
Initial Assembly
Weld Beads
In the preceding section you could see where the weld seams were laid out. If details are left out that (at proper scale) should be visible to the naked eye either at a normal distance or a close-up inspection, the model will look “flat”. On the other hand, if included at too large a scale, the effect is even worse. Beyond the naked eye, a modeler may want the work to stand up to the zoom lens of a camera. These weld decals are properly scaled and add a world or realism to this model. The product is no longer produced, leaving the rest of us to ponder how to replicate these results.
Hull Fittings
Shafts and Propellers
The Stack
The stack was made of 3 pieces, the top and bottom sections being of brass so they could be open and show the proper material thickness. The center section is PVC. Putty hid the seam between the lower two sections. Balsa was used for the ductwork, the heavy grain hidden by layers of filler and primer. The Goofy mascot was made with an ink-jet decal printed at home.
The Bridge
The Mast
Photo-Etching
In this section we take a closer look at the many photo-etched parts seen in the preceeding and following photographs. You can find how-to articles on photo-etching in our Shop Notes section and a list of related publications in our References section.
Portholes
This is the most complete set of etching photographs available for this model, showing the artwork, results of etching, assembly, and installation.
Stantions, Railings, Racks
Hooks and Ladders
Not a firetruck or a football play…and yes, they are stairs, not ladders.
Torpedo Loader
Boat Davits
Miscellaneous
Weapons
5 inch / 38 caliber gun
The ship has two 5″/38cal guns, the forward of which was one of the more ambitious aspects of this model. The 3D-printings only show the exterior, but the foward gun was heavily modified in order to open the side doors and show the interior. Two printings of the gun enclosure were purchased, as the process of cutting them open left them unfit to be reassembled. The bottom of one and the top of the other were used in the final assembly. To detail the interior, an 3rd printing was ordered, this one of an open-mount gun. The barrel of this printing was cut off and mated to the barrel that came with the enclosure, as it includes the shield that mates with the enclosure. Rivets, control and communication boxes, wiring, lights, and other details were added to the interior of the shell.
Stern Depth Charge Racks
K-Gun Depth Charges
The Mark 6 Projector was known as the “K-gun”, as it resembled the letter “K”.
Hedgehog
The Hedgehog was a forward-throwing anti-submarine weapon used primarily during the Second World War. The device, which was developed by the Royal Navy, fired up to 24 spigot mortars ahead of a ship when attacking a submarine.
Torpedoes
40 mm Bofors
20 mm Oerlikon
26′ Whaleboat
This is a fine model in its own right. Gene gutted the interior of the 3D printed model to retain only the hull.
Life Rafts
Miscellaneous Details
Bells and Whistles
So to speak…
Flags
Float Racks
Lights
Life Lines and Safety Nets
Vegetable Locker
Hoses, Ropes, and Fenders
Anchor Windlass
Portable Pumps
Mini-Me
Compelling Impression
In our club, we talk about “compelling impressions”. This is often alludes to details that draw the viewer in to take a closer look.
Painting
Walkthrough
This combination of standard macro and fiber-optic camera shots gives you the impression you are standing onboard the Campbell and highlight the detail the model maker achieved even in areas not easily seen.
The Completed Model
We wrap it up with a few shots as the model nears completion until it takes its place in Gene’s mini-museum.
