BATTLESHIP MODEL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22722, 7 May 1937, Page 12

BATTLESHIP MODEL

REPLICA OF THE HOOD BUILDER'S EXACTING TASK The work of three years of planning and of exacting construction to a minute scale has been realised in a working model of the battleship Hood, which lias been placed on view at the exhibition of the New Zealand Society of Model and Experimental Engineers in the Town Hall, Built to a scale of l-10in. to a foot, the model is a perfect replica of the well-known British warship, the details of her design and equipment being executed with fidelity. From plans which the builder obtained from England, the model was commenced in 1932 by Mr. F. G. Clokc, a locomotive driver, residing in Parnell. For several years the work was interrupted, but was later resumed and eventually completed this year Although only 7ft. Gin. in length, the ship is fitted with its full armament, turreted and mounted to scale. In addition there are radio and directionfinding apparatus, power pinnaces witl) almost infinitesimal propellers, a seaplane raised from the deck by an automatic hoist, and a full quota of lifeboats, several of which contain tinv oars. Adjoining the control tower is the battery of swivelling searchlights, each fitted with a tiny electric bulb.

its trim, raking lines arc magnified when the model is launched 011 tbr> water, her twin screws being turned by two six-volt motors located in the kauri hull. The deck equipment wqrks to the specifications of a full-sized ship, and even the steel doors, although little more than Jin in height, open and close.

The technical excellence of many of the other exhibits, which reveal the full range of the model-maker's art, has received much commendation from skilled mechanical engineers. The exhibition will conclude to-morrow night.