Reviews : Tamiya US Navy DD445 Fletcher Destroyer Boat

This was a challenging build for me. I have disabilities that make all but basic modeling difficult, but I like the challenge of increasing degrees of difficulty in my builds. This model was indeed more of a challenge than I'm used to tackling. The directions were fairly clear and straightforward. (although something I find vaguely annoying is that in this age of digital everything, most model instruction graphics remain comparatively primitive hand drawings.) The parts sprue was organized and labeled clearly and rationally, mostly sequentially numbered with parts that are assembled together placed together on the sprue. The parts were free of excess plastic, and they came off the sprue easily and very cleanly. They need very little trimming or sanding to make them ready for joining. There were A LOT of tiny pieces that were a real challenge. In fact, I lost at least half a dozen of those tiny pieces when they slipped out my hand and landed on the dirt floor. But those tiny pieces were part of the challenge (I've since discovered using a small piece of Silly Putty stuck on the end of a dowel makes an excellent tool to hold tiny pieces for assembly.) The paints were a disappointment, although they were provided with the kit. Following the painting as indicated on the plans required mixing different paints in really bizarre proportions, like 56:1. I decided to omit those nearly impossible color mixtures for ones that were close. I also chose to paint the hull the good old fashioned haze gray I remember from my time at sea in the Navy, as opposed to the more realistic camo scheme (Haze Gray and under way). I did most of the painting while the parts were on the sprue. My only really maddening problem was gluing. Using a CA glue is problematic in that I have great difficulty controlling the flow, so it marred a lot of the fine details when fused. Regular polystyrene glue is just as difficult. But none of that has anything to do with the model per se, just another challenge to face. In sum, this was a really good and interesting model to build. It was a challenge, though an experienced modeler probably would find it easy. This model helped me move to the next level of difficulty, and I intend to use what I learned to build the USS Indianapolis, relabeled as the USS Portland (CA-33) Pros: Clearly, rationally organized sprue; clean parts; excellent replica of the actual ship; moderate challenge. Cons: Sometimes muddied directions; paint requires mixing in bizarre ratios.

This is the first smaller ship model i have done, i usually do Battleships/Carriers but have started to get to smaller ships/subs. This kit was excellent, there were many parts that had added detail i haven't seen in other ships before. The turret mounts were movable along with the gun itself, there were even rubber buffers to allow for seamless movement. This was a great, high quality model, thoroughly enjoyed it. The only downside is the paint scheme/colors. Something that is unusual from my experience is paint schemes that require mixing to get the color, add to it that the colors that needed to be mixed were somewhat harder to find, that was a roadblock and i had to pause this model until i got the required paint. So, if you get this kit and go by what the instructions call out for the paint scheme, make sure you have enough extra paint for mixing ahead of time. If you do your own scheme or you are proficient in mixing paints, you don't need to worry about it. Overall this kit was great and i recommend it

This build was a challenge, but I enjoyed it. I wanted to add more to this build. So, I added PE parts from (Tom's Modelworks set#3508) which I got from Hobbylinc. The radar, ladder and rails made the ship look more realistic. This was the first time I ever used PE on a ship. So, I would have to say that was the real challenge. Pro's: Everything fit good. Instructions were clear but need updated. No putty was needed. Single piece hull. Painting directions were clear. Decals ok. Con's: None. I would like to see Tamiya come out with a Gearing class in 1/350 also.

I have been a 1/700 fan for a while but picked this kit up to give 1/350 a try. I thoroughly enjoyed working in this scale and the end result is really nice. I added the PE set from Toms Model Works and it made the difference. Be careful with the railings ... the PE set gives no extra for errors. Also recommend doing some research on the USN paint measures. I question the accuracy of some of Tamiya's color recommendations for this build ... especially the deck blue. I'll be building more in this scale. Then quality of this kit is typical of what you expectfrom Tamiya.

Said it before in reviews, but Tamiya always seems to make a great product for a very fair price. There is a lot of detail in this set given the very low price. I just had to have this model being a fan of the Battle of Leyte Gulf were these tin cans made such a showing. It is not very large which I consider a plus since it makes it both easier to find a place to keep it and it makes painting a little easier. Would recommend this and other models by Tamiya.

I just moved from tanks to ships, and that was a great kit to build - not too difficult and not to easy. Just perfect. Everything was fitting in great, so there was no need for any kind of alterations. Just a note: I have used EDU53003 photo etched for improved looks. It was first time using Eduard product on the ship, and i was highly impressed by instructions and its quality. Anyway, I think it is a great mode for both beginners and advanced modelers.

This was my first model ship. I have always kinda stayed away from them due to the crazy camo schemes. this kit went together like a dream and as it wasn't that expensive I figured what better to learn on. I did, I learned a lot. it does have some very small parts, but if that doesn't bother you you'll enjoy this kit

I have always been a fan of Fletcher type destroyers. So I built this one and loved the outcome. Of course Tamiya puts out a wonderful product, but the details, fit and finish of the model were outstanding, as well as being challenging enough to make it fun. This is an awesome model for the price.

Built this one a few months ago...easy to build, went together well. Did NOT do the camo scheme, but went with all navy blue on hull and a haze gray on upper works.

The kit was really nice and I enjoyed building it a lot actually haven’t built one in a while so this was a refreshing build can’t wait to build more

This is the baseline of what destroyer is. This model really is great would just recommend that your get the photo etching to really make is pop.

This is a very nice kit that goes together very well. Aftermarket extras do help but it's very nice out-of-box as well. Highly recommended.

I liked the operable parts. The instructions were simple and just okay. Painting instructions were not the best. I had fun building it

This was my first model kit that I made and I'd say its great for a beginner. Was challenging and fun but not overwhelming.

I like the detail, and the realism of the pieces. I suggest this kit to anyone who enjoys ships and small pieces.

MUST BUY , EXCELLENT DETAIL ENJOYED BUILDING ,GREAT PRICE