1:48 Scale Model Frigate (Type 23)

Welcome to theshipyard.co.uk.

Well everyone needs a hobby. Fed up with boring 1/140 or 1/96 scale model boats which look frankly useless in the water I have decided to start building a model frigate based on a type 23 frigate. I am going to use 1:48 scale for a few reasons-

1) It fits in the car

2) It's big enough to look good in real rough water

3) I can get an R/C scale helicopter to land on the helideck.

Starting here is the story and the pictures of the model build. The construction of the ship started in July 2007 and is already fairly advanced so I need to do some catching up posting some pictures of the ship etc. Hopefully over the next week.

Why a Type 23?

Well firstly I think it looks cool!

It is about the size I want - 3.1m long in 1/48 scale.

It should complement other local 1:48 scale radio controlled models such as HMS Fearless and Ian Stewart's Type 22 Frigate. (Link to follow)

It is British. Built in Yarrows shipyard on the Clyde. I have already tested the feasibility of a radio controlled model helicopter using a Bell 47 Twister re-bodied in a 1:32 EC135 body shell and it worked well.

BUT

I'm going to extend the bow slightly for better sea keeping and less resistance.

The bow will be slightly raised between the prow and the deck in front of the Vickers 4.5 inch gun - for better sea keeping.

The hull is already built and the engine is in as of November so watch this page!

Also I want to have it finished in under 6 months and I want to finish it for under 300 pounds!

SPECS-

Length - 3.1m

Scale 1:48

Power plant - 1 Garden leaf blower driving 2 geared turbines to two 5 bladed propellers

2 Rudders

2 Gyro stabilisers