HMS SkirmisherFollowing on from my earlier thread titled R Class Destroyer, I established it was in fact HMS Skirmisher. A nearly complete model acquired on E-Bay. I have been re-learning modelling skills obscured by over three decades of abstinence. Bought as something to sail whilst my K sub is on the stocks, it has required quite a bit of rework and restoration.
No electrics, apart from a couple of old motors that I replaced with new 400’s, and a rudder servo in need of work. My first ever boat electronics, plus in having to rebuild all the internal woodwork etc it was an enjoyable experience doing miniature woodwork again, well a lot smaller than household DIY. Two Viper ESC’s, an accessible switch panel with charging sockets, and a big lead acid battery that takes it exactly onto waterline. Mounted the rudder servo, adjusting linkages so that ‘zero’ is centre with equal travel either side.
(click to enlarge)First sea trials at Black Park Lake:
Learning curve ! Trying to control both motors on separate sticks was challenging, so I fitted a mixer unit so I can operate everything on just one control stick. Long boat with props close together. I will next try using a Y lead instead. It has a large enough rudder.
The exterior was in need of some restoration, plus replacing missing or broken parts. No ships boats, davits, broken off torpedo tubes. I love detailing and painting so it is fun getting it back to original spec.
Sincere thank to Deans Marine for their help, advice, and kind assistance. I now have much better knowledge of the ships history, in addition to my many hours of trawling Google.
The ships boats have been my favourite part so far. With vacuum formings from Deans, collected at the Beale Park Show, I realised that they would require a very much scratch built approach. Again, Googling to glean as much info on ships boats of this era, I built them up using Plasticard and Plastruct sections.
Still a lot to do. Re-rigging. Paintwork restoration. Having a detailed photo of a contemporary warship porthole I intend re-doing those as well. Story so far . . .
After my K Class boat is commissioned I am very tempted to try the Deans Marine HMS Majestic.