PERFECT MODEL SHIPS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 77, Issue 151, 28 June 1934, Page 4

PERFECT MODEL SHIPS

FOR MUSEUM EXHIBITION DESTROYER AND YACHTS MK. H. JOHNS’ CRAFTSMANSHIP. Correct in every minute detail, and the product of infinite patience, the four model ships owned by Air. J. Johns, of Gonville, to be placed in the exhibition being arranged by the trustees of the Wanganui Aluseum, should be a source of great interest to the public of Wanganui* Two of the models, an American pleasure yacht and a torpedo boat destroyer, Hl2, are capable of “steaming under their own power” at some four knots an hour. The model of a sailing yacht is also in. working order. Only the exhibition model of “Aliss England II” will not actually work. All the models have won first prizes at Wellington exhibitions. They have been made by Air. Johns, who spent three years in a submarine during the war, and another year on a torpedo boat destroyer. His knowledge of ships gained during that time, together with the gift of patience and for exact reproduction, has enabled him to produce such exceptionally good work. Small details such as chairs in the pleasure yacht’s saloon have not been overlooked, nor yet the miniature stairway leading down to the lower quarters from the saloon. This pleasure yacht, named “Betty,” is 3 feet 6 inches long, and has a beam of 25 inches. It has a 6-volt motor, so that it may be driven electrically, and, at the same time, the entire model may be lit up and a searchlight allowed to play. From Ihe steering whel to the tiny oars in the dinghy, nothing has been left out that might make the model incomplete. The rudder responds to the slightest touch on the wheel, and the anchor hangs ready to be released. Except for the propeller, the anchor, its chain, and the lighting apparatus, the model is the sole work of Air. Johns. Not only did it secure first place at Wellington, but it was also awarded a prize for the second best workmanship in the show. “Aliss England IL,” a replica of Sir Henry Segrave’s famous racing boat, which sunk on one occasion when a log was responsible for tearing a gaping hole in it, is 3 feet long, with a beam of 10 inches. The powerful engines which allowed the actual boat to attain a speed of 99 miles an hour, have been carefully reproduced, and the Union Jack is Hoisted over the stern. Both propeller and rudder may be worked, although the model is for exhibition purposes only. “H 12 the torpedo boat destroyer, is 4 feet 84 inches long and has a beam of 2 feet. It won the prize for the best model in the 1931 Wellington Exhibition, and even the most inquisitive sailor would have to admit that no detail is missing. Carved from a totara log, and painted the official steel grey, it is a striking model, its guns and torpedo tubes lending a business-like air when compared with the pleasure yacht. A 4-volt electric motor may be used in the destroyer to enable it to work •up a speed of three knots, and the searchlight may also be used by means of the batteries. The prize for the second best workmanship was also awarded this model. The model of the sailing yacht, which is 3 feet long, and has a beam of 8 inches, is built of kauri, and is beautifully finished and polished. The mast is 44 inches in height, and every block is in its correct place. Although not so formidable in appearance as the destroyer, nor so luxurious when compared with the pleasure model, its lines would appeal to any who have thrilled to the strain of the wind on the mast of a racing yacht. Not the least of the models is a 14-inch pleasure boat with a beam of three inches. There can bo no doubt that, with Air. Johns’ models and those to be entered by others, including Air. E. NFowler, of Wanganui East, and Dr- E. J. E. Topham, the exhibition to be staged by the museum shortly will present a high standard of workmanship, and constitute one of the best collections of model ships yet made in the city.