by Dariusz Mazurowski
1/700 Sperrbrecher 10 Gertrud and Tanker Loki (Scratchbuilt)
German WWI auxiliary ship series continues ! After Santa Elena and Bosnia I decided to build more items from the scratch (as I doubt if any producer will ever release these obscure kits) for example one ship of each kind. All in all, an early tanker could be a pretty interesting addition to my collection of Kaiserliche Marine ships. So I've started with Loki, followed by SP 10. Both models are made basically of paper, balsa wood, brass and steel rods plus some PE parts (inc. ladders, railings, anchors with chain and cable reels).
SP 10 was built by R.C. Rickmers, Geestemünde in 1915 as a cargo ship Willy Rickmers (5 091 BRT). In 1917 she was renamed to Gertrud and used as a path maker (in German Sperrbrecher), a very special class of auxiliary ships. It was a very dangerous role, as a path makers sailed in front of the fleet and detonated the mines to save other ships. Gertrud had a sophisticated bow paravane, which Ive decided to model in up position (down would be invisible in waterline model…). BTW - this strange looking bow crane had been the main reason why I've put my attention on this particular ship. There is a very limited number of sources on that subject, but I suppose that SP 10 war service wasn't spectacular. After the War she was taken over by Allies, converted into previous role and (in 1921) renamed to Merriva. In 1928 she was purchased back by Germany and renamed to Ditmar Koel. In 1938 she changed her name again to Käte Grammerstorf. In May 1941 the ship struck a mine and sank.
Vital statistic
Dimensions : 122,20 x 16,20 x 8,80 m
Speed : 11 knots
Armament 3 x 88 mm (L/35)
Tanker Loki (5 496 BRT) was built by Germaniawerft, Kiel in 1913. A very modern and advanced ship for these days, she was a motor ship just note rather small funnel for her size. Loki was owned by Deutsch Amerikanische Petroleum-Ges. From Hamburg. Mobilized in august 1914, she's served as supply ship and fleet tanker. She was taken over by USA in 1923, then (in 1926) sold to Italy and renamed to Annarelle. Scrapped in 1959.
Vital statistic
Displacement : cca. 12 400 tons
Dimensions : 121,91 x 16,20 x 7,85 m
Speed : 9,5 knots
