HMS Campbeltown 1941 - Page 4

**Foute Man** · #31 02-01-2020, 10:32 AM

I do not claim to be an expert on the Wickes and Clemson class, but I did do some reading some time ago about this subject. The Clemson is an improved version of the Wickes class, but differences are minor. Clemson class recieved extra fuel capacity for longer range. Same length, same beam etc etc.
There are several "sub-groups" or "sub designs", as these ships were built at several wharves, so there is some variation in the boiler type. In the late 1920's, early 1930's a large group built by Bethlehem was broken up, because the installed boiler type was of poor quality. (Yarrow water-tube boilers)

A lot of general arrangement drawings of American WW2 vessels can be found in the American National Archives, including Wickes and Clemson class destroyers in various configuration (some are "as built" and some show these ships in converted configuration). As mentioned, some ships were converted as transport, seaplane tender, minelayer, minesweeper or to tow targets for gunnery practice.
Click on this link to browse the drawings in the American Archives
I've attached a zipped spreadsheet I made for myself to keep track of all the drawings I've downloaded from the American Archives. Perhaps this could be an aid in your own research?
The spreadsheet might contain some errors, as I'm only human. Some of the drawings might not be available anymore, as new drawings become available online every now and then, so some drawings are taken offline...

And you've inspired me, as I've ordered a copy of the JSC Campbelltown myself....

**cardist** · #32 02-01-2020, 04:18 PM

Thanks for the info Foute Man, very interesting stuff there. To all who are following, I am progressing the build in between unpacking boxes (still!)in the new house. Having fun adding very small bits. Will post again soon.

**cardist** · #33 02-05-2020, 11:49 AM

A small update. Looks like the images are rotated and I can't fix them just now. Anyhoo, almost done with the fixtures and fittings and then on to the funnels (stacks for the colonials) and masts. The fittings are a mixture of rolled paper, laser-cut and plastic bits from an Airfix kit. The guard rails on the bridge have been covered in cigarette paper and painted pale blue.

**cardist** · #34 02-09-2020, 01:26 PM

Continuing with the fixtures and fittings. Still have guard-rails and funnels etc to do.

I have started the funnels by preparing various sized paper tubes formed around appropriate sized mandrels. Why this way? Well I'm not very good at forming seam-free small tubes and I wanted to have a go at how the real things were built. These were a tube within a tube with the funnel/stack being the outer skin.

This will become clearer on the next update so stay tooned chums.

P.S. I seem to have fixed the photo alignment problem.

**wireandpaper** · #35 02-09-2020, 06:56 PM

Very impressive, in particular the gunshield of the back gun. Those openings they look laser cut!

**southwestforests** · #36 02-09-2020, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cardist

I have started the funnels by preparing various sized paper tubes formed around appropriate sized mandrels. Why this way? Well I'm not very good at forming seam-free small tubes and I wanted to have a go at how the real things were built. These were a tube within a tube with the funnel/stack being the outer skin.

That has me curious now as to where the intakes for combustion air for the boilers were.

My Dad was in US Navy during 1960s, 70s, 80s, cold war and on several Sumner and Gearing class DDs, at that time he showed me on those ships and I knew.
And I have since forgotten.

**cardist** · #37 02-09-2020, 08:27 PM

Pablo, yes they are! The shield is part of the laser-cut detail set from JSC. SWF, the boiler intakes are on the deck under the midships gun platform. See photo in post #7.

**Foute Man** · #38 02-11-2020, 11:47 PM

watched a 1952 movie about a Town class destroyer (English title "Gift Horse", US title "Glory At Sea") last night on youtube, one of the characters played by a young Richard Attenborough.....

second part of the movie is loosely based on the St. Nazaire raid and HMS Campletown's role, first part shows a Town class destroyer on convoy duty

click here to watch the movie

more info about the movie on wikipedia or on imdb

**wireandpaper** · #39 02-12-2020, 11:04 AM

Thank you for the info. I will watch it tonight when I wash the dishes!

**cardist** · #40 02-12-2020, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Foute Man

watched a 1952 movie about a Town class destroyer (English title "Gift Horse", US title "Glory At Sea") last night on youtube, one of the characters played by a young Richard Attenborough.....

second part of the movie is loosely based on the St. Nazaire raid and HMS Campletown's role, first part shows a Town class destroyer on convoy duty

Thanks Foute Man, just watched it! A classic war film which gets the details mostly right. There are some very good detail shots of hatches and fittings which are very helpful from a modelling perspective. I particularly like the way they portrayed the conversion for the raid, quite accurate to the real thing.