This kit represents one of many of the Benson/Gleaves (Livermore) class DD's build before and during the war. The Gleaves class can be distinguished by round funnels compared to the flat sided one on the Livermore. The Monssen like most of her sisters had the #3 5" turret removed to save weight as extra 20 mm guns were added. She also retained her 10 torpedo  fit while a number of other ships had the #2 launcher removed to allow for 40 mm gun additions. You will need a Skywave/Pitroad weapons set to complete this kit, as there were no 5" gun houses or Torpedo launchers included in my kit. I also used the 20 mm guns and the gun directors from this set to complete this kit. I choose Gold Medal Models #700-8 Cruiser/Destroyer set and their #700-23 Gold Plus Ultra-Fine Railings to finish off my kit. I obtained plans from the Floating Drydock of some of the other Benson class DD's for reference in the building of this ship.

Begin by cleaning up the over pour on the casting and filling the bubble holes in the resin. I assembled the superstructure and drilled out the portholes next. Leave all the guns and torpedo's off until you have attached the Photo Etch railings. I assembled and painted the guns and set them aside for later. I painted my kit in MS12 Mod using a photo in the book "Third Savo, Battle of Guadalcanal" by Turner. This book show the Monssen coming along side a cruiser? for mail. If you look closely you can make out the dapple pattern of the paint on the Starboard side. I mirrored this scheme for the Port side. Refer to  The Ship Camouflage Website for info on this and other Camo measures as well as painting info. After the superstructure railing were attached I installed the guns and small details. K-guns were fashioned from plastic rod and wire, and a mast was fabricated using brass rod. The rigging is made from Dai-Riki 9X line, I got mine from Pacific Front Hobbies, it is really fine at .002", thin enough not to look too out of scale on a ship that is only about 6" long. The model was finished off in a small base of water and represents Monssen as she appeared at Guadalcanal, Friday November 13th. The Monssen has just engaged three Japanese Destroyers, and is about to take over 30 hits, some of Battleship caliber shortly before being put out of action

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