Among the most interesting  4-stacker conversions were the high speed transports. Equipped with four landing craft and accomodations for 200 marines, these shallow draft vessels were put to good use in the Pacific Island campaign. The most famous 4-stacker of all, the HMS Campbeltown, was altered to resemble a German torpedo boat in order to facilitate its entry into the German held port of St. Nazaire. It should also be noted that few of the 4-stackers actually had 4 stacks by the end of WW2. Many of them had one or two of their 4 boilers removed to increase range or provide additional accomodation, as in the case of the APDs. Bridge arrangements also changed from that of the original design, especially on the Royal Navy 4-stackers. As with corvettes, there was a great deal of variety, and a ship could change substantially during the course of the war.  Consult your references if you are modeling a specific ship!

In gathering 4 stacker photos it became apparent that 4-stackers represent a mother-lode of modeling possibilities. Obsolete prior to WW2, there was no reluctance to modify these ships as the mission required. There is no particular rhyme or reason to the photos I selected. I simply wanted to show these hearty ships in their many guises and provide some inspiration for modelers. Kits of these destroyers are plentiful. Iron Shipwright, Classic Warships, Tom's Modelworks, WSW, Revell and Airfix have issued models of 4 stackers and derivatives. As for references, The Destroyer Campbeltown by Al Ross, part of the Anatomy of the Ship series, is ideal for the modeler. It has drawings of just about every exterior fitting as well as many clear photos. A good general reference is Flush Decks and Four Pipes by John D. Alden. With numerous US Navy photos of 4 pipers, it documents the many variations among the 273 ships, especially during the WW2 years. Regrettably, both of these references are out of print. They are available on the secondary market, but at a premium.