The Somers (DD-381) class was the second group of destroyer leaders built by the U.S. Navy during the 1930s and followed the general characteristics of the preceding Porter (DD-356) class, which was ordered in 1933. These new destroyers were subject to the terms of the 1930 London Naval Arms Limitation Treaty, which regulated ship size. It limited destroyers to 1,500 tons, introduced the category of destroyer leader at 1,850 tons, and set the maximum caliber of the guns for both types at 5.1 inches. In most respects, the 1,850-ton Porters were enlarged versions of the 1,560-ton Farragut class. The additional weight and length of the leaders allowed a better arrangement of the machinery, an increase in the main battery, and limited protection in some areas of the hull and superstructure.

The Somers' armament consisted of four 5-inch/38 caliber twin MK 22 single purpose, base-ring-type gun mounts They were limited to 35-degrees elevation and were useful only against surface targets. Their Mark 35 director was also single purpose designed for surface fire only. As a result, the ships were given two, 1.1-inch/70 caliber quadruple heavy machine gun mounts for defense against aircraft.

The Yankee Modelworks kit of the USS Somers depicts the ship in her pre-war 1938-1940 fit. Navy Gray and lots of tophamper were the order of the day and this ship is loaded with both. The kit has a two-piece resin hull, resin, white metal, and photo-etch details. A detailed instruction set and decals are included with the kit.