by Derek Derks
1/400 Two Tourvilles (Heller)
Classified as type F67 (DDG) the three ships of this class were all completed between 1974 and 1977. ] According to destroyer standards they were large, almost 6000 tons full load. Dimensions are 157.8x16x18.7 meters. Four boilers and two Rateau turbines generate 58.000 HP, and in turn the turbine drives two shafts. Speed 32 kt. Range 5000 miles at 18 kt. Complement 301 (21 officers). Armament at time of commission: 6 x Exocet Sea skimmers / 3x 100mm guns / A/S Malafon (acoustic homing torpedo / 2 launchers for torpedos and several decoy systems.
Both Heller models were purchased several years ago from Woort Naval Models, at the IPMS Nationals in Utrecht. I spotted them in the “get rid of these old boxes corner”. Heller makes (made) simple kits, but with patience and some craftsmanship, the modeler can turn them into nearly perfect models. It gives the modeler the opportunity to build the old “all gun” version and the update to install the Crotale system.
I decided to make one of each and started in 2006 with the construction. The construction went ahead with no big problems. I decided to install the “weight” bulges along the side of the ship. These bulges were constructed from Evergreen plastics. The bulges were introduced to give the ship better sea-going conditions. Just looking at the main mast of the real warship, you get the idea the ship is top-heavy. It gives the model some more body. I even constructed the window wipers on the bridge of both ships windows. Remarkable what this does to the model.
After completion of the model, I finished it off with the L'arsenal railing.
French Polynesia, the Naval Base at Papeete. Both Frégates anti-sous marins are berthed alongside the jetty. The modernized (with Crotale and different radar scanner settings) “Tourville”(D610) has just arrived from France, to take over patrol duties and showing the flag in the Pacific region. Relieving the “All Gun” “Duguay-Trouin” (D611) to return to the home base in France. The jetty was constructed from Evergreen plastics. I installed street lanterns, rubber rafts in the water to protect the ship sides, garbage containers for waste, food and paper. The original railing was used to fence off the entrance to the jetty. Chains are positioned to secure the ships in extreme weather conditions.
Both ships are getting restored with beer barrels and other items to keep the ships “Operational”. At this moment no Lynx helicopters. They are both stationed on the NAF (Naval Air Facility) The water was constructed from molding powder and water. Another diorama finished from the French Naval Power to add to my collection.
