by Jens Hansen
1/700 HMS Clare (Scratchbuilt)
This is actually my first upload in several years, during in which I've moved onto specifically building from scratch using balsa wood our card for the ships hull and majority of the bodywork and structure comprising of PE parts and paper and selected WEM colours. The build time was circa 3-4 weeks on and off.
HMS Clare is quite an obscure subject, originally known as the four funnelled, Flush-decker; USS Abel P.Upshur, until she was transferred to Britain under the 'Destroyers for bases agreement'. As ageing vessels these 50 destroyers were in dire need for modifications and overhauls, HMS Clare lost two of her funnels and gained additional fuel tanks to become a long range escort now capable of supporting the Atlantic convoys more effectively.
The Clare represented the workhorses of the RN, helping to keep the life-lines open during the darkest days of the war in Europe. Herself being an intermittent link for both sides of the Atlantic.
