Destroyer USS Wilson DD-408, Battle of Savo Island, August 9, 1942
by: Vladimir Karen
Evaluation
Model Nr: 2
Class: Ships
Skill: Advanced
Optional Criteria: Weathering
Type: Cast/Printed (10 + parts)
Manufacturer: Kraken Hobbies
Scale: 1/700
Description: Although the night had been disturbed already by aircraft flares and a gun duel South of Savo Island, the unaware yet Northern Group of cruisers USS Vincennes, Quincy and Astoria and destroyers USS Wilson and Helm were still enjoying the quiet of the night of August 9, 1942. Soon they would be blinded by searchlights and surprised by gunfire as the Northern Force becomes ambushed as well. The Wilson would open fire at the enemy from large distance, but without any known effect. She would then start picking up survivors of the Vincennes and Quincy the next morning and providing help in fighting fires on the stricken Astoria until the stricken cruiser gave it up to the waves.
My model is a result of another multi-year collaborations with USN destroyer expert Rick E Davis, who devoted lots of his time to help me with researching the fit and camouflage, and Matt Enochs of Kraken Hobbies, who created the 1/700 model (resin cast hull, the rest 3D printed and PE). Big thanks to both of them! I provided my part in the research and designed the PE sheet for the Benham class.
It was really interesting to find out how Benham class ships assigned originally to the Atlantic Neutrality patrol duty (incl. those transferred to the Pacific at spring 1942 until their next yard overhaul in late 1942 or early 193) were modified for their assignment and thus differed from units assigned to the Pacific (i.e. Benham & Ellet).
The most interesting part actually was the “detective story” of rediscovering Wilson´s Measure 12 Revised (modified) scheme she wore in summer 1942. It took several years from a faint suspicion that she was not in Ms21 as most other destroyers present at Savo through a piece-by-piece reconstruction using as many as 10 photos, of which only one showed the full starboard side of the camouflaged ship yet in quite low resolution, while the others provided only very fragmented coverage. The full story and the final profile of Wilson´s camo is available in my WIP blog at http://www.shipmodels.info/mws_forum/viewtopic.php?f=59&t=331641. The model was airbrushed with LifeColor paints and weathered using artistic oil paints.
The model is depicted during the night watch just before the battle when the fleet was in Condition of Readiness II, so half the crew on watch with half the guns manned only. Many figures and poses used appear quite relaxed, unaware about what would be coming upon them very soon.
Please check https://www.flickr.com/photos/vladi_k/albums/72177720310335993/ for more photos.
