Official Bancroft USS Charles Adams 1/100 Scale US Guided Missile Destroyer Discussion Thread

[jbaartz]

USS Charles Adams 1/100 Scale 1375mm (53.6") US Guided Missile Destroyer - RTR from Bancroft - BNC1061-003

The USS Charles F. Adams (DDG-2) was the lead ship of the Charles F. Adams class of guided missile destroyers, playing a significant role in the Cold War era. Commissioned on September 10, 1960, it was named in honor of Charles Francis Adams, a distinguished naval officer, and Secretary of the Navy. This class was notable for being the first designed as guided missile destroyers from the keel up.

The USS Charles F. Adams served prominently during the Cold War, equipped with advanced missile systems such as the Tartar surface-to-air missile system, enhancing the U.S. Navy’s air defense capabilities. The ship's missions included various NATO exercises, patrols, and operations intended to counter the Soviet threat. Throughout its service, it exemplified the shift towards missile technology in naval warfare.

One notable deployment was during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, where the USS Charles F. Adams participated in the naval blockade of Cuba, contributing to the resolution of this tense standoff. The ship was also involved in the Vietnam War, providing naval gunfire support, and participating in search and rescue missions.

Decommissioned on November 20, 1990, after 30 years of service, the USS Charles F. Adams was eventually designated for preservation as a museum ship. Efforts to preserve it as a historic naval ship continue, aiming to honor its legacy and educate future generations about its contributions during a pivotal era in American naval history.

Bancroft’s 1/100 scale USS Charles Adams allows an impressive museum-quality piece to be displayed on your mantle or astonish your RC boat club with this functional RTR historic model. Hundreds of parts are already assembled, painted, and installed for you. Delivered Ready to Run (RTR), the vessel can be sailing within minutes of arrival, using the included 2.4Ghz radio transmitter, 7.4v 2S LiPo battery, and charger. Only four AA batteries and minimal assembly is required.

Scale Realism The detailed USS Charles Adams model replicates her weapons systems, including RIM-24 Tartar surface-to-air missile launcher, Mark 42 5" gun, RUR-5 ASROC (Anti-Submarine Rocket) system, RIM-66 Missiles, and Mark 46 Torpedoes.

Ready To Run A 2.4Ghz radio system is included and factory installed, as are all internal electronics. A LiPo battery and charger are also included. Simply charge the included primary battery with the included charger, insert your AA batteries into the radio transmitter and shove off!

Impressive Details Hundreds of man-hours are spent on handcrafted, factory-installed details like anchor chains, ladders, and railings using scores of fingernail sized brass Photo-Etched (PE) parts, hand-formed brass wire, and larger molded sub-assemblies.

Removable Superstructure The 2-piece top deck and superstructure are easily removed for convenient access to the drive system and electronics.

Features:

• RTR (Ready to Run) with 2.4Ghz radio, receiver, battery, and charger
• 2.4Ghz radio system and all electronics installed
• Fully painted and detailed
• Zero assembly required — get underway in minutes
• Durable fiberglass one-piece molded hull
• Genuine wood decking, laser-cut and laser-etched
• Hundreds of brass photo-etched (PE) parts and high detail parts
• Extensively detailed and hand finished
• Incredible scale detail representing more than 180 hours of hand craftsmanship
• Twin motors with steel drive shafts
• Removable superstructure for easy access to the ship's interior
• Factory-installed rigging with simple disconnect design
• Rated for calm ponds and lakes appropriate for RC boats

Includes:

• Bancroft USS Charles Adams 1/100 Scale 1375mm (53.6") US Guided Missile Destroyer - RTR
• 2.4Ghz radio and receiver, factory-installed
• Twin motor drive system
• Three screws (propellers)
• Waterproofed hull and drive shafts
• Steering servo, installed and adjusted
• 2S 7.4V 2800mAh battery with XT60 connector
• 2S battery Charger
• Basic tabletop display stand

Requires:

• Four (4) AA-sized 1.5V dry cell batteries, Alkaline or NiMH - we recommend the Admiral 2600mAh 1.2V NiMH AA Rechargeable Batteries (4 Pack)

Important Information - Please Read
Bancroft model boats are molded and hand finished using very intricate details and parts including metal, wood, plastic, and fiberglass. Because of their hand made nature, minor imperfections in the fiberglass, metalwork, or painting may exist. These potential imperfections will not affect the seaworthiness of the vessel or the overall scale boating experience. Bancroft scale RC boats are fragile so care should be taken when moving or transporting your model.

Some of the electronics in this Bancroft boat, including the Battery, ESC, Motor, and Receiver, are NOT intended to get wet; they are NOT water resistant. If any of these electronic components get wet and you attempt to operate your model, the water can cause an electrical short-circuit and void your warranty. In the rare instance that you get water inside your vessel, you should drain the water completely and allow all electronics to fully dry before attempting to operate your model. Product Specifications:

AGE LEVEL : 14 and up
SKILL LEVEL : Intermediate
BUILD TIME : 1 Hour

Scale	1/100
Length	1375mm / 53.6in
Width	154mm / 6.0in
Height	520mm / 20.3in
Hull Material	Fiberglass
Battery	7.4V 2800mAh LiPo
Battery Quantity	1
Battery Connector	XT60
Motor	550 brushed motor
Motor Quantity	2
Propeller Material	Metal
Contra-Rotating Propeller	Yes
ESC	80A
ESC Waterproof	Splash-Proof
ESC Quantity	1
Radio	Stick
Receiver Channels	6

[seaphoto]

The Mk 13 single arm missile launcher was only used on later units, DDG-15 to 24. DDG-2 through 14 used the Mk 11 Twin Arm launcher.

[OSMD]

Nice boat, please can you post pictures of the inside?....motors, shafts, access hatch to rudders, etc.
It will be greatly appreciated!

[AEGISFC1]

Can this model be modified for a ship we personally served on? In my case, USS Benjamin Stoddert, DDG-22? AT least it has the correct missile launcher.

[twodawgs]

Can this model be modified for a ship we personally served on? In my case, USS Benjamin Stoddert, DDG-22? AT least it has the correct missile launcher.

Considering the other offerings from Bancroft YES it can. I did a pretty extensive re-paint of the 1/72 Fletcher (you can find the topic in this forum if you want to look) You will just have to put in the work to do it.
The gluing of some of the parts isn't likely to be... shall we say excessively determined. Not what I'd call shoddy but, what they could get away with less on they did.(not complaining it makes doing mods easier and cuts costs enough I could afford a couple of these ships)
There are lots of sites for 3D printing parts out there and scratch build for anything you can't find 3D or kit.
Easy way to do the name and Hull Numbers is if you have access to a vinyl cutter. For that check with anyone you know that's into crafting. They may already have one and if you can explain what you want and maybe even provide a file with the right font and sizes will hook you up. Otherwise paint and tape or stencil.
Your time constraints, budget to throw at parts/materials, and your imagination are the only limits. Aside from what the hull can carry. I wouldn't recommend redoing the superstructure outta lead for example.