SUPER LARGE 1:72 scale radio controlled (RC) HMS ARK ROYAL Aircraft Carrier (AUDACIOUS CLASS)

SUPER LARGE 1:72 scale radio controlled (RC) HMS ARK ROYAL Aircraft Carrier (AUDACIOUS CLASS)
A fantastic large scale replica of the famous aircraft carrier displayed at the International Model Boat Show 2018 which was hosted by Meridienne Exhibitions at the Warwickshire Event Centre. Built by Royal Navy veteran David Fortey over the course of 25 years, this incredible model was created by working from original builders plans direct from the MOD. It is 12.5 ft (3.8m) long and all measurements were converted to 1:72 scale from the original drawings. In total it weighs over 14 stone/90kg and is fully radio-controlled with working parts.

Ark Royal was the sister ship to HMS Eagle, which was initially named HMS Audacious, hence the name of the class. Four Audacious-class ships were laid down, but two (HMS Africa and the original HMS Eagle) were cancelled when World War II ended, and construction of the other two was suspended for several years. Both surviving ships were extensively upgraded throughout their lifetimes.

The contract was placed with Cammell Laird of Birkenhead / Sheffield in 18 March 1942 to build vessel number 1119.[1] The ship was originally designated Irresistible, but was renamed Ark Royal prior to launch. The immediately previous Ark Royal, also an aircraft carrier, was torpedoed off Gibraltar on 14 November 1941 with the loss of one member of the ship's company.

She was launched in 1950, and her completion took five more years.

Full size details:
Name: Ark Royal
Ordered: 18 March 1942
Builder: Cammell Laird, Birkenhead
Laid down: 3 May 1943
Launched: 3 May 1950
Commissioned: 25 February 1955
Decommissioned: 14 February 1979
Struck: February 1979
Homeport: HMNB Devonport
Identification: pennant number: R09
Motto: Desire Does Not Rest
Nickname(s): The Mighty Ark
Fate: Scrapped 1980

Model details:
Scale: 1:72
Overall length: 13 ft
Dry weight: 80kg with water ballast

This amazing model was commenced in 1992. Plank on frame construction. Oak keel with plywood frames, bamboo stringers and1/8" red cedar planking, pinned and glued with Castamite. Exterior coating of West System two part epoxy. Flight deck MDF, island and fittings made from plastic card.

Model is powered by a 12 volt car battery,driving 4 Ford Fiesta blower motors (50p each from scrap yard). Four electronic speed controllers provide independent control of each motor. Radio function is provided by Fleet 7 channel 40 mhz radio control.

Working functions
1. Bow thruster (not a feature of original ship)
2. 8 ballast pumps
3. Two self-warping winches
4. Port anchor raise and lower winch
5. 5 rotating radar aerials
6. Operational forward aircraft lift (temperamental!)
7. Various rotating propellors and rotors on some aircraft
8. Working deck landing lights
9. Operational waist catapult jet blast deflector

The model remains in one piece and is transported within a specially constructed road trailer and box. The box is broken down and built around the secured model. It takes about an hour to stow or unload the model.

The model handles just like the real vessel. That is, poorly in confined waters. Anticipation and forward planning are required to manoeuvre safely.

Ark Royal carried in the region of 34-40 aircraft. The aircraft on the model are depicted as the squadrons were in 1976.

Phantoms F4K (Airfix) each aircraft has the correct call sign number and airframe serial number.

Buccaneers Mk2 (Airfix) these aircraft have correct call sign numbers and some correct serial numbers.

Gannet Mk3 (Scratch /Revel / Aeromodel) These have correct call sign numbers and some correct serial numbers.

Sea King Mk2 (Airfix Mk3 conversion) These have correct call sign number only.

Wessex Mk1 (Revell) these have correct call sign numbers only.

Filmed by Dom Mitchell for the 'Essential RC' YouTube channel using the Panasonic AG-UX180 Pro 4K camcorder at the International Model Boat Show 2018 hosted by Meridienne Exhibitions at the Warwickshire Event Centre.

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