HMS Crane – Laser Cut Wood Pack

Full Size:- HMS Crane was a Flatiron Gunboat from 1872. The Flatiron Gunboats were a product of the “Fortress England” movement and were designed to protect the harbours and coastal areas. These vessels derived the epithet from their appearance, short and beamy with a relatively low silhouette. Contemporary gunboats did have steam engines but also included masts, yards and sails to extend their endurance. The ‘flatirons’ were a product of the ‘Fortress England’ movement. Whilst the Army built coastal forts certain factions in the Navy advocated harbour and coastal defence vessels of which these gunboats were the smallest. Ant Class – After two prototypes, Staunch and Plucky, twenty slightly larger Ants were built between 1870 and 1874. – Length: 85 ft (25.9 m) Between perpendicular | Beam: 26 ft, 1ó in (7.9 m) | Draught: 6 – 6.5 ft (1.8 m – 1.98 m) | Machinery: Twin shafts (two-cylinder reciprocating engines) | Armament: Single 10 inch (254 mm) MLR (muzzle-loaded, rifled) | Speed: 8ó knots (15.75 km/hr) | All were built of iron

A further four repeats, the Gadfly class, were built in 1879 and two slightly longer Bouncer classes in 1881. These last pair were constructed in steel whilst contemporary gunboats, sloops and corvettes were still of composite construction, i.e. iron frames with wooden hull planking.

With a relatively low silhouette, they were difficult to locate from long distances by enemy warships.

What’s in a Laser or CNC Cut Wood Pack? – A CNC or laser cut wood pack contains most, if not all, of the intricately shaped parts shown on the plan, which would be difficult or time-consuming to cut out by hand. It does not contain any sheet or strip wood, which you will need to buy separately. Alternatively, you can purchase an Additional Wood Pack, if available. Our Laser or CNC Cut Wood Packs only contain balsa, ply and lite ply and do not include other materials that may be required to complete the model, such as hardwoods, metals and GRP sheets.

What’s in a Short Kit? – A short kit usually contains, where available, the plan, the laser/CNC cut wood pack, additional wood pack, canopy, cowl or any other available Glass Fibre or plastic moulded items.