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HMS Conn, Captains Class Frigate, 1945


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HMS Conn, Senior Officer's ship of the 21st Escort Group, in March/April 1945. Conn is flying a Jolly Roger, signifying the Group's success in sinking three U-Boats in a single cruise in March 1945. Conn is depicted in a modified Admiralty Scheme 'C', white and B55, with Carley Floats painted up in the red and yellow pattern used by some late war RN and RCN units.

 

Conn shows most of the alterations made by the RN to the original US Buckley class Destroyer escort design. These changes included enlarged bilge keels and additional top weight in the form of 120 additional depth charges to help overcome excessive rolling in a seaway, shields to the 3 inch main armament, additional Oerlikons, a Director Tower to the bridge, and a weather shield right forward to protect a 2pdr 'pom pom' bowchaser when carried. A HF/DF aerial sits atop the mast. Other RN additions included extra Carley Floats, a 27 foot whaler carried under Quadrantal davits in the port waist, and a canvas shelter for depth charge crews just behind the after 3 inch bandstand. Snowflake Rockets are carried in the bridge wings, and 2 inch rocket flare rails are attached to 'B' gun shield. Foxer acoustic torpedo decoys sit each side of the after depth charge rails.

 

For those who haven't followed the build, yes, it is an operating model, running two 380 Kv brushless outrunners with separate speed controllers. The basis is a fibreglass hull from Southern Cross Models based here in Australia. The entire superstructure lifts off to access the working bits and fit batteries etc.

 

For a more detailed explanation of why I painted things the way I did and how the build came together please see the work in progress log. Thanks to everyone who followed along and answered questions or offered suggestions along the way and also for the inspiration I received from watching the completion of many other fine RN builds on the board in the last few months.

 

cheers

 

Steve

 

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Steve - a fantastic end result and an exemplary build log (that i will be 'borrowing' heavily from for my slightly smaller, 1/700, rendition of HMS Louis). As Dmitriy has also requested, I would love to see her on the water, although I still maintain she deserves to be safe and sound in a museum. Preferably one near me.

 

David

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To paraphrase a famous quote:

 

’A model ship in a display case is safe, but that is not what radio controlled ships are for’.

 

I did ballasting and operating/maneuvering tests before final fitting out, but I need to do a final ballast check, adjust, a range check with the receiver (sailing beyond control distance is a bad thing, the failsafe is ‘full stop’ but then you have to do a recovery) then off we go. I will admit that any first voyage involves some crossed fingers and overcoming my own reluctance - my record is four years between completion and first voyage for my Thornycroft MTB. I have worked hard to make this an easy boat to set up prior to the pond, with the only pondside preparation needed being switching on. This avoids the need for fumbling around rigging/ boats, inserting batteries and lifting the superstructure on and off at the pond, which is bound to end in tears

 

There should be some more good photos and a video to share soon. One of the club members has a much better camera than mine, and a lot more skill,  so I am hopeful of some good shots on the pond.

 

cheers

 

Steve

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Truly modelmaking at its finest. Steve, I'm in the hyperbolic habit of commenting that lots of models are "outstanding" or "fabulous". It's kind of a grade inflation. Consequently I have completely run out of suitable words to apply to this one. It is very good work. I know little about ships but I do know a fine model when I see one.

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  • 4 months later...

Corresponding with NeilH on his build of HMS Rupert reminded me that I had yet to post any photos of Conn in its natural environment. The first voyage was delayed for a bit as I waited on the right combination of weather and water that wasn't too toxic - we have had a great deal of rain and consequent blue green algae and other nasties this year. Happily I can report that Conn does very well in the water and looks the part, even the water cooperated on the day by looking like a mucky estuary. I think the black and white photo at the end just looks so much more atmospheric.

 

V&W next, HMS Vidette as a Long Range Escort.🙂

 

cheers

 

Steve

 

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