Graf Spee Model Ship

 

The model on this page is a 66cm long (1/275 scale) electric-powered version of the German Cruiser "Admiral Graf Spee".

 

The model uses as its basis a card model kit, however, the hull is constructed from an MDF base with dope-and-tissue covered balsa wood sides and deck. This provides a very robust hull structure.

 

The superstructure is derived directly from the card model kit. This means that it is relatively quick to build and comes pre-coloured, which also saves time. A few of the components required additional balsa wood reinforcement, but apart from that the model only needed varnishing to complete.

 

 

 

Once the footprint of the superstructure on the deck had been ascertained, openings could be cut into the deck within these boundaries to allow access to the battery and the Mabuchi electric motor. Physically the motor is the same size as that used in Scalextric cars, although it has a lower power output.

 

 

A switch was incorporated into the deck, just aft of the front turret, to allow the motor to be switched on and off easily.