by David Smith
1/700 RFA Fort Austin (Scratchbulit)
Fort Class 1 Fleet Stores ship (one stop replenishment ships)
Built by Scott Lithgow and commissioned in 1979. It carried a wide range of stores, fuel, ammunition and explosives and food, hence the name. The ship was fitted with two flight decks, one on top of the hangar, and able to carry up to 4 Sea King helicopters in the hangar. There were 6 RAS (replenishment at sea points)
I am unable to find any plans on the internet so far. So once again it looks as though so basic plans will have to be drawn and construction will commence from there. So in 1/700 scale, the ship will be 26.14cm long and a beam of 3.43cm.
The first job is to expand the silhouetteI have to correct size, unfortunately there will be some lack of detail, but this will provide a basis from which to work. Needed to add a hole on the bow for the anchors. I then added the anchor windlasses and the anchor holes. Anchors were made from plastic rod and anchor chains from very fine wire. This was wound around a small wire rod and then cut up into individual links, these then formed the chain. Photo here shows bow details taking shape.
The basic plan was drawn out and the hull constructed from balsa as a core and then faced with plastic card on all sides, a lead weight was added at the bottom and then a lot of filler applied to get the shape, which again I am not sure is just right. Ok, a little more filling and sanding may get me there. It’s a fair old beast size wise!
I’ve counted portholes and will drill holes along the sides for these.
Construction then moved to the forward superstructure, this is basically a plastic box fitted with plastic card overlays to get the required shape and details.
I have made this so that it is a separate structure and can be added later. The hangar and the central superstructure for the funnel will be built in a similar way.
The three RAS points were made and left off until after painting, they should slot into small holes in the deck – I hope!
Cranes were constructed from plastic card and bits from the spares box, small gun turrets are useful sometimes. Thin wire was used for cables etc. Little sheds (?) were added at the bow RAS point. Various hatches and bollards again from bits and pieces of plastic card were added.
The hangar was detailed and various catwalks and levels added as well as the double doors and the little hut on top.
Railings will be added at the end.
Six cranes were constructed and left to add later.
2 more gantries and associated bits and pieces were made.
The central superstructure was built and detail added
Almost complete, the various parts of the ship, front superstructure needs more detail, lifeboats needed by funnel and the odd door and other minor bits.
Undercoated in grey primer, one or two bits need a rub down on the hull, another waft of the primer and then onto painting.
Once construction was complete the ship was undercoated and rubbed down and undercoated again.
Well I have added the letters to the flight deck, recognition numbers and her name were painted over to make identification harder.
Helicopter painted and a load added beneath.
I had to move the cranes so that hoses can be added to represent refuelling at sea.
Final coat of matt varnish has been done.
