Destroyer USS Patterson DD-392, Battle of Savo Island, August 9, 1942

by: Vladimir Karen

Evaluation
Model Nr: 3
Class: Ships
Skill: Advanced
Optional Criteria: Weathering
Type: Cast/Printed (10 + parts)
Manufacturer: Kraken Hobbies
Scale: 1/700
Description: “WARNING! WARNING! STRANGE SHIPS ENTERING HARBOR.”

This famous signal was issued by USS Patterson´s captain over TBS just after sighting a Japanese cruiser at 01:43. Commander Walker´s next order to fire torpedoes was unfortunately overheard in the noise of 5in gun as Patterson fired a starshell. She then got involved in a gun battle with Japanese light cruisers Tenryu and Yubari, receiving a hit aft. With two aft guns disabled and a large fire started, Patterson drew blood at the Japanese side, too.

My model shows Patterson after executing a sharp turn to port and aiming guns and torpedoes to open fire on the enemy.

This was my first fully 3D printed kit (except PE parts of course) and it worked very well for me. The research phase was really interesting. The level of available photographic evidence varies by Bagley class members but the characteristics of each ship came out quite clear as seen in my table Bagley-“class destroyers – Differences as of summer 1942” shared at https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EpCketArrE0tpQ5MgDmfEXx-8Jm-Yizw/view?usp=sharing.

The kit is Kraken Hobbies 1/700 USS Patterson DD-392 (1942) incl. waterline hull and 1/700 Bagley Class Photo Etch Set that I designed. Numerous details come from various Shelf Oddity 3D printed sets. The model was airbrushed with LifeColor paints and weathered using artistic oil paints.

Many thanks to Rick E Davis for all his help in finding the relevant information and providing guidance and photos from his great collection, and to Matt Enochs of Kraken Hobbies for embracing and supporting the whole idea of creating a 3D printed Bagley class kit.

Check http://www.shipmodels.info/mws_forum/viewtopic.php?f=59&t=377270 for my WIP blog and my album on https://www.flickr.com/photos/vladi_k/albums/72177720328002628/ for more photos in higher resolution.