USS CHAFEE (DDG 90)
 		    

THE IDEA     

 

 

 

 

 


 

 


  
 



 

 The USS Chafee was one of the destroyers assigned to CSG 11during its 2005 deployment. One of the few model kits of a Flight IIA Arleigh Burke available is Dragon's USS Mustin kit. However, it is known that there are several major flaws to the kit. 1) The hull itself is a little too short 2) the aft VLS launchers, as well as the little shack on top of the hangar are too small and finally, the biggest flaw of all 3) the entire hangar is totally out of proportion. These things need to be fixed.

MUSTIN to CHAFEE modification:

General improvements:

- extending the aft hull by 1-2mm
- lowering the two sensors at the stern to a more accurate position
- extending the hangar by approx. 14mm, retaining the angled walls
- replacing the sensor bays at the outside of the hangar, replacing them with scratch built ones
- replacing the VLS launcher with a more accurate one
- enlarging and detailing the stack on top of the hangar, adding the exhaust outlet
- adding the six missing "strips" on the port and starboard hull
- adding a more accurate anchor outlet at the bow
- adding PE bridge windows
- general addition of PE, primarily railings and ladders
- general detailing, primarily antennas

USS Chafee specific changes:

- massive modification to the main mast and adding details
- ...

Here are some pictures of the finished model:

   Model Kit:
  USS Mustin (Dragon)

  Accessories:
  GMM 700-10 Modern USN/JMSDF
 
  Colors:
  WEM 03 US Navy Haze Grey
  WEM 04 US Navy Deck Grey
 

 

 



 

 

 

 

  

PICTURES   
 

 

              

 

 

            

 

   BUILDING PROCESS   

 

 

 

 



 









 

              
Hull lengthened, flight deck sanded and hangar lengthened with 4 separate pieces to retain the angled outer walls. Stern view showing the retained angles. Plastic parts glued into the hangar for structural strength of the new "walls". "Roof" and back attached, filled with putty and sanded.
             
VLS cells, sensor bay, hut with exhaust outlet replaced. Beginning the detailing of the main mast. Close-ups of further progress, detailing the radars, adding vertical ladders, etc.
             
Re-modeled anchor bays. Close-up study of the main mast. All railings attached, ready for painting.
             
All railings and details added, ready for painting. After painting and added decals, adding the finishing touches.
         
In comparison to a CG.
   

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