--Orignally Posted 1/17/09--

The Fletcher had been 75% built since 1997 and then about two years ago I came upon the Spru. All my previous Spru's had been 700th scale Skywave beasties. So while researching photos all over again I wanted to do a vertical launch Spru. The Spru with the most amount of photos on the web was Obannon. As I was downloading photos I realized my Fletch's name was Obannon. As she had a very storied career, I'm hoping one of the last Burke's will be named for her. As of right now, there's no more Obannons in the US Navy.

The size is indeed amazing. Spru's are easily as large as a WW2 cruiser. And firepower-wise, the last Spru's had Yamato-like weaponry. Had there been just one Spru at Guadalcanal, the Japanese would have lost the war in one night! Our sub base was right next door to the destroyer berths so I always got to watch them back in the 80's when I was active duty. As for the P.E., I'm so used to WEM frets where you use virtually part, so when I have scraps, I definately save 'em. Thanks again for the encouragement. My next pair will be USS Sullivans 1945 (Trump 350th scale) and USS Sullivans 2000 (Blue Water Navy 350th scale).

Cheers,


Don