by Dennis Vella
1/192 HMS Fife (Scratchbuilt)
My scratch built model of HMS Fife which I modelled as she was in 1966, at the time fitted with an experimental RAS equipment to the starboard side of the rear structure, even if this was seen in place for only a few months.
The model is built entirely of soft wood mainly balsa and obechi. Brass was used for gun, barrels aerials, capstans etc. The type 965 double bedstead radar and seaslug launcher are photoetched from my own drawings which were photocopied on to brass sheen strips. These were then processed, washed in soapy water and soldered to form 3 D items. Railings were made from size 12 steel rods with the cross bars knotted and horizontally fixed in place.
The scale of this model is 1/192 and is based on Jecobin drawings backed up by numerous photos and books.
The model took over 485 hours to build, courtesy of my long suffering wife who threatened but never actually did go vicious. She patiently waited for the model to be ready before being taken out for the evening without constantly having to be reminded that we have to return home "soon" as I needed to continue my ship building.
