1/96 USS Ward Searchlight Tower

1/96 USS Ward Searchlight Tower: Illuminating Naval History

Enhance your "First Shot" destroyer model with the meticulously crafted 1/96 scale USS Ward Searchlight Tower. This component is the essential addition for completing your 1/96 scale model of the historic USS Ward (DD-139). As a prominent feature of the Wickes-class superstructure, this searchlight tower faithfully captures the distinctive profile and intricate mechanical features of the ship's midships lighting array, adding a touch of realism and historical authenticity to your miniature warship.

Exceptional Craftsmanship & Design

• Museum-Quality Realism: The searchlight tower was a vital component for night operations and signaling on World War I-era destroyers that served into WWII. At the impressive 1/96 scale, every detail is captured with exquisite fidelity, from the elevated platform and support legs to the intricate railings. The set also includes a high-resolution replica of the searchlight itself, featuring the cooling fins and lens housing that define early 20th-century naval optics.
• Premium Material: Crafted in High Detail Resin Grey, this tower offers superior precision and a remarkably smooth finish. The resin material allows for a level of architectural sharpness—particularly in the thin railing sections and the searchlight yoke—that standard plastic parts cannot match. The hollowed design is intelligently engineered to ensure the tower remains lightweight while maintaining the structural integrity needed for a large-scale model.
• Unleash Your Artistic Vision: The unpainted finish provides the perfect foundation for your creativity. You can customize the tower to match the USS Ward’s specific service period, whether in pre-war "Brightwork" or her 1941 wartime Measure 1 camouflage. The smooth resin surface is ideal for applying metallic silver to the searchlight reflector and subtle weathering to the tower legs to achieve a high level of authenticity and realism.

Key Features & Specifications

• Accurate 1/96 Scale: Faithfully reproduced for seamless integration with large-scale 1/96 USS Ward or Wickes-class kits.
• Intricate Mechanical Detail: Captures the fine details of the platform, safety railings, and the primary searchlight unit.
• High-Quality Resin: Provides the crisp edges and professional surfaces required for museum-grade modeling.
• Easy Integration: Designed to fit perfectly onto the deckhouse or midships superstructure of the destroyer.

The Ideal Addition to Your Collection

Whether you are a seasoned modeler or a passionate collector of US Navy history, this 1/96 USS Ward Searchlight Tower in High Detail Resin Grey is a must-have. It offers the precision and historical fidelity required to transform a standard build into a world-class masterpiece of naval engineering.