In 2007 when DMG was commissioned to construct five 1:72 scale Air Warfare Destroyer models as part of the AWD Alliance project, I very much wanted to construct another model for us to display and operate at special occasions.
Once the five models were completed we sought permission to construct a model of our own. Because we had an agreement in place with the AWD Alliance, we were not permitted to construct any other models other than those agreed upon by the Alliance members.
Finally we were granted permission to build our own model. The Alliance was very interested in our model as it would be constructed for Radio Control. This meant that they could see what the new ship would look like on the water. Another hull was obtained from APS Models and an additional set of parts produced. Some of the parts were modified from the original as being a RC model the parts were required to be stronger, but a lot lighter.
A beautiful set of propellers, shafts and “A” Frames were built by APS Models and fitted in to the hull. Motors, battery racks and operating rudders were fitted ready for control systems to be fitted later. Extra reinforcing was also fitted into the hull to act as water proof bulkheads and strengthening to the main decks and hull. The main decks were slightly different to the static models as access was required to batteries, motors and electronics so large flush hatches were laser cut into them.
A large hatch under the forward superstructure gives access to the three 7.2 amp/hr batteries and forward electronics bay and another large hatch from the aft uptake over the hanger allows access to the engines, engine controls and aft electronics bay. Another hatch in the flight deck allows access to the rudders and steering servos.
Once all the engine, rudder and battery mountings were in place and parts test fitted, the superstructure was started. The main superstructure incorporates the bridge, the large structure which supports the SPY-1D Radar arrays, main mast and forward funnel. This entire structure is removable. The bulk of this section was built around a large styrene box supporting all the decks. The outside skin of the superstructure was then fitted around the decks. This made for a very strong but light section and gave good support to the mast.
The aft superstructure was built pretty much along the same lines as the static models except the modules were attached to the removable deck hatch which stretches from each side of the hull and most of the length of the aft section.
All the detail was now added to the superstructure. These details were drilled and pinned in place as even though they are relatively small, the models do get tossed around on the water. They can quite often have waves break over the superstructure and if not fitted properly, parts will be wiped off.
Once detail and railings were completed the entire model was primer coated. This was allowed to dry thoroughly and then decks were painted. These were later masked with tape and the model painted with RAN Storm Grey. The lower hull was sprayed with hull red and a black boot topping added. Draft marks were applied with Letraset and the pennant numbers “39” applied. The ship now had her identity.
Now that she was painted, weapons, sensors, fire fighting gear and other deck fittings could be added. The new parts added a little colour and lots of detail to the bare superstructure and decks. Some weathering was also added. A few minor rust marks and discolouration around the intake vents and uptakes added a bit of realism to the model.
With a few more details and her electronic systems added, the new “HMAS HOBART” was ready and she hit the water for the first time at the TASK FORCE 72 Carrier & Escorts Weekend sailing in the outdoor swimming pool at the OASIS Swim Centre in Wagga Wagga in June 2010. She made her public debut at the Australian Defence Force Academy open day in August 2010.
Now completed, she will be seen at other events around the east coast, including being on display at the HMAS HOBART Crew Reunion in Canberra in November 2011. She has many similar systems to our already operating USS WINSTON S. CHURCHILL (DDG-81). HOBART has gas turbine sound effects, rotating guns and radars, lights and a firing missile system. She is a welcome addition to our “Fleet” and for a while at least she will be the only AWD on the water, but she does look good out there and she sails very well.
