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Our Fleet |
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In recent years the TASK FORCE 72 “Fleet” has grown in number, quality and diversity. |
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We can boast that our members have built over 300 model ships which range from the small Sydney Harbour Ferries to the enormous
Aircraft Carriers of the United States Navy. In fact, members of TF72 have
eight Aircraft Carriers from
six countries. The largest,
USS ENTERPRISE, is the largest model in the fleet measuring almost five metres in length.
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HMAS MELBOURNE CVS-21 (Operational) |
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HMAS SYDNEY (Korean War Carrier)
(Operational) |
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HMS INVINCIBLE CVSG-05 (Operational) |
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USS CONSTELLATION CV-64 (Under
Construction) |
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USS ENTERPRISE CVN-65
(Operational/fitting out) |
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KIEV (Russian Carrier) (Under
Construction) |
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KM GRAF ZEPPLIN (German WW2 Carrier – Under
Construction) |
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GIUSEPPE GARIBALDI C-551 (Operational) |
Many of the ships are Cruiser, Destroyer and Frigate size vessels, which range in size from 2.5 metres down to under 1 metre in
length.
Models are built in many different ways and from a variety of materials.
The main types of modelling are from a kit, scratch building or from a combination of both.
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Scratch building is where a modeller starts with drawings and photos, basic
materials and tools, then builds his or
her model.
This is the most difficult form of modelling. In most instances it is the only way to build a particular type of model as kits
of models are few and far between.
One of the most popular models for a beginner to the hobby is the REVELL “Flower” Class Corvette of WWII. It is a full kit and
can be easily adapted for Radio-control operation. Club members have almost 25 of these sturdy little vessels built in various
forms.
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A lot of models are built using a combination of both kit and scratch building. Usually the modeller starts with a cast
fibre-glass hull, some fittings and plans and/or photos. From this he/she uses his/her skills to “build up” from the basic hull, fitting
decks and then scratch building the superstructure and masts from basic materials, such as plywood or plastic sheet. Fittings are
glued in place along with other parts and then painted and finished. I make it sound too easy, but it takes practice, patience and
plenty of time. Some of these projects taking in excess of 3000 hours to complete.
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In the Member's Gallery is photos of just some of the models of
TF72 members. All the models are built in one of the methods
described previously and are great examples of the patience, skill and expertise of their builders and show the love that they have
of their hobby. |
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