
"repeat Gleaves (and, as needed for rapid mobilization, repeat Bensons) were authorized in three more groups, their hull numbers mingling with those for follow-on Fletcher orders.
All these repeat ships were ordered with only four 5-inch/38s due to severe topweight problems with the initial ships. Thus differentiated, they were launched as the Bristol (DD 453) class and, less the lead ship (already attached to DesRon 13) and Barton, were organized into Destroyer Squadrons 10, 12, and 14–19."
From the fact that you are using the Admiralty square bridge kit, you are talking 1/350 scale. Per Scalemates, your Dragon kit choices are:
https://www.scalemates.com/kits/dragon-1027-uss-livermore-dd-429--100770/timeline
Of this selection, only the USS Buchanan DD-484 is a repeat Gleaves. So, it is your only choice. The others are either Bensons, or earlier Gleaves. Put the Admiralty kit on the Buchanan, and you have a good foundational start. In fact, this kit review even indicates the Admiralty set was made for the Buchanan kit:
http://www.modelwarships.com/reviews/misc/admiralty/sqbridge-350-amw/amw-review.html
As to her configuration on D-Day, look at this link:
https://www.charlesherrickbooks.com/blog-1-1/destroyers-inshore-support-at-omaha-beach-motion-picture-evidence
The nice clear overhead photo is of DD-496 (Frankford is DD-497.) They will be very close to each other. It is from Navsource, and going there shows the photo dated March of 1944. Also, if you look at the screen captures he shows from the film he mentions, you'll see other destroyers in this paint scheme. So, that overhead image is a close sister, and in the measure in use on D-Day.
HTH some.
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I’m looking for information on USS Frankford’s configuration on D-Day. Photos of her are somewhat few and far between. I know she received twin and quad Bofors by 1945, but her precise D-Day configuration and paint scheme remains a mystery to me. I’d like to convert a Dragon destroyer model into her using the old Admiralty square bridge conversion lurking in the stash. Does anyone know what her actual configuration was when she cruised along Omaha Beach nearly scraping bottom while banging away at the German defenses? And, which Dragon Gleaves/Livermore/Benson class model would be the best starting point?
Many thanks,
Bob
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