Needed a new model to keep me occupied over the Christmas holidays. After discarding several ideas, one based on this austere class of WW2 warships looked ideal. The slim hull did however mean that top weight had to be minimised.
Using a scale of 1/144 gave me a model length of 25" (635mm) with a weight of just under 2lb (0.9kg). The hull was built from balsa sheet, balsa and card used for the superstructure and the small details came from the usual "junk" found lying around in my workshop.
Power was a single RE385 motor and a battery made up from four high capacity "AA" cells. Current measurements suggest that it could run at top speed for over three hours!
Ballasting trials showed that the model was tender but placing thin lead sheet as low as possible inside the hull ensured that the model always knew which way was "up". Sailing trials confirmed it was stable, sudden application of large rudder angles would cause it to heel but it was never in any danger. Top speed is about 3 ft/sec (0.9 m/s) which is a good dynamic match with the fullsize vessels.
Plans now with the Model Boats editor and I can think about the next model. But, my wife says not until a few jobs have been done around the house!!!!
Glynn Guest