The Evarts-class destroyer escorts were the United States Navy's pioneering mass-produced escort vessels of World War II, with 97 completed between 1942 and 1944 (from an original plan of 105) in response to urgent Allied needs for anti-submarine convoy protection against German U-boats. Nicknamed the short-hull design due to their compact 289-foot length and 35-foot beam, these 1,140-ton (standard) to 1,360–1,430-ton (full load) ships featured a distinctive high open bridge and single stack, powered by four General Motors diesel engines in a tandem electric drive system that delivered around 6,000 shp for a top speed of 19–21 knots and a range of about 5,000 nautical miles at 15 knots. Armed primarily for anti-submarine warfare rather than surface combat, they carried three single 3"/50 dual-purpose guns, various 20mm and later 40mm anti-aircraft weapons, a forward-mounted Hedgehog projector, eight K-gun depth charge projectors, and two stern depth charge racks—lacking torpedo tubes unlike most later classes—while accommodating a crew of roughly 15 officers and 183 enlisted men. The Evarts class (also known as GMT type) proved the viability of the destroyer escort concept, serving effectively in both Atlantic and Pacific convoy duties and hunter-killer groups, with about one-third transferred to the Royal Navy as Captain-class frigates under Lend-Lease, and none lost in U.S. service during the war.

At 1/48 scale the finished model will measure approximately 2850mm long x 230mm wide x 690mm tall from keel to top of mast. Illustrated assembly guide included, in PDF format. 3D files (STL format) were designed in CAD. All parts scaled to fit 250mm x 250mm bed.

SPECIAL THANKS to Sebastian Mulhern of “International War Museum” (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068984104523) for supplying plans for the Evarts Class, for building the prototype ship and helping to troubleshoot issues.

Any remaining issues in the model are solely my responsibility!