USS Crockett PG-88, Time has come to do another build of the Dumas kit. Options

[rktman56]

I have been thinking of redoing the USS Crockett for a few years now. Back in 1998 when I first started working on my website, I only had a cheap camara and no real idea to design the site to simplify the assembly for others. I knew how to build the model and I knew what I was going to do to build it. But the problem was thinking of what others would have problems with, then cover those with good directions and more quality (close-up) pictures. What I have done on the USS Crockett and what I did for the Boothbay Lobster Boat is a far cry. http://www.rktman.com/rlh/boothbay/index.html

Now after many years I have tons of emails saved from model builders who have sent me questions about the Dumas USS Crockett kit. I know that Dumas lends little help and the directions in the kit are a JOKE. Someone who has never built such a kit is lost and often tosses it aside and the kit never gets built or ends up on ebay.

I not only want to add more pictures, but I've been thinking of more features to add to the model. You see all have seen what I added back in 1999, so just think what I could add now!!! I want to not only add these features but show how I did them, I want to show where I got the items needed and how much it cost me to do it. Features like sounds, rotating 40mm Bofors, more crew members, detailed bridge, detailed main stack, working search lights, working signal lights.

On my first Crockett build Dumas had helped me, but the two guys who worked at Dumas that helped are no longer working at Dumas. Plus, Dumas is not happy with what I did. Is it because I talked about the poor directions/plans and wood in the kit? I was told by Dumas that I was "unfavorable" to Dumas. YES, it is due to what I have said on my site about the quality of the wood and to poor directions. I will not EVER cut the modeler short, lie just to make it look good for Dumas. So, I need something anyone who is building this model or has a wish to build this kit. Also anyone who searved abord the USS Crockett, I need INFORMATION!

For those who are building or have built this kit, I need to know what problems you had. I need to know your ideas on how you built the kit. Also, I need pictures to post for others to see.

Thanks

[Iran Ausley]

Hi Roger,

Just finished framing up the hull and am ready to put the first planks on. Even with all the pictures, I still find putting on the first plank confusing. It appears that this plank should start out in the bow at the level of the shear, work its way back following the break of the knuckle and ultimately getting to the aft end of the hull. What made the lay of this plank very clear is that when you removed the hull from the workboard some planks still had to be added to bring the planks up to the shear or deck level. This then makes it abundantly clear how this plank should run because after it passes the knuckle area it just takes a natural run aft. Otherwise this plank needs to take some twists that would put stress on the hull.

I hope that you get back to the build steps soon because I will soon catch up.

Regards,

Iran