With chronic disorders and age continuing to impose on my health, I'd like to offer prospective HMS
Repulse modelers the latest information on the ship's configuration and other details--some of which, have long remained unclear, unnoticed, or otherwise "un-somethinged"
.
I've long hoped to gather these bits and bobs into some form of publication; unfortunately however, it seems that every time I felt I'd reached the "completion" of my decade-long efforts, some new detail or another would be unearthed or otherwise brought to my attention (a number of these details being made possible from others, and my sincere thanks to all --you
know whom you are!). With each late-hour advancement and discovery, I was compelled to make corrections and additions to my "conclusions", some of which I had already disseminated to others in the form of text, graphics, or photographs.
The flow of information has often been glacier-like during my lengthy research on my favorite RN battlecruiser. Much misinformation has been published in the many years since
Repulse was lost on 10 December 1941; however, in most cases this could not be avoided--for many reasons. It is NOT my intent to disparage the many excellent technical and historical books, papers, drawings, and other media that have together comprised the knowledge base we enjoy, today. Time and technology have made it possible for the dissemination and exchange of information, photographs, and research opportunities such as never before--particularly with the advent of global networks.
Much of what has changed my ability to conduct research and communicate with my benefactors over the years, is due to the hard work done by others and their willingness to share their findings with me, via the internet. This very website is just one example of the means by which others can contribute to that knowledge base, and I cannot avoid praising the admins and moderators for keeping this forum available to us all. I've taken much more than I've given, certainly, and I hope to contribute even one-tenth as much in return. Perhaps then, my obsession with HMS
Repulse will benefit modelers and other researchers who are, or might become, "fans" of this warship. I intend, with the approval of the admins and moderators of MW, to share what I have learned over the years. In doing so, I hope serious modelers will be able to create more accurate replicas and gain a better understanding of the ship.
I'm willing to work with anyone
serious about making a better replica than what "the box" contains, to my best ability--but as well, I intend to keep privileged and confidential photographs, documents and certain other research I have acquired, preserved as requested (again, for you whom know who you are!).
Thanks for reading!
--Dan