Conclusion

If you've got this kit on a shelf gathering dust, think twice before opening the box. This kit requires work and will frustrate you, no matter your proficiency level. When I finished my Fletcher, I was in the midst of writing a book on the ship and had access to countless sources of information. This proved to be a major aid in getting this ship built. It actually influenced my writing, as I designed the book around the research required to build the model. Even now, long after finishing the model, I view these photos and I see countless things I should have replaced, corrected or added.   If I had to do it again, I definitely would go after the Bluejacket kit, or the ISW resin kit in 1/192. If I had to do another Lindbergh kit (under duress)  I would use HR Products fittings, as well as other off-the-shelf fittings. Minor details such as lifeboat davits, railing stanchions, and hose reels can make a fair model look great, even if the parts are slightly out of scale. I have forgotten much of what I did to the Lindbergh Fletcher, so this article leaves out many modifications. Turning this kit into an attractive replica is a struggle, but in the end you'll have a large, eye-catching Fletcher for your efforts.

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