The Ship Model Forum

Hi there, I'm using the Dragon 2 in 1 1/700 Type 42 kit to firstly build HMS Exeter in 1982 - resplendent with bright turquoise lower hull.

Can anyone tell me if Exeter was fitted with the fin-type stabilisers at this date, or the rounded ballast type ones? The Dragon kit provides both, with the advice that Batch 2 could use either. There are photos online of Exeter prior to launch, however the stabilisers are not clearly visible.

As built the batch three’s were good looking destroyers, simulating the classic long sleek lines of those warships. But later on it was found the hull with its long slim bows and with the weight of armaments up forwards tended to plunge in an ocean. So the extra bulwarks were added on and around the bows. That to my mind rather spoilt the look of those vessels. It was also found with the long slim lines that the hull was not strong enough. So those horrible looking stiffening strakes were added to the sides. A good looking warship at their outset rather spoilt in their later stages.

As far as I know, the only Type 42 to have bulwarks around the for'd part of the foc's'le and a raised breakwater was HMS Edinburgh; they were fitted when her Vulcan Phalanx was on the foc's'le between the 4.5" gun and the Seadart launcher, as the Phalanx needed protection against any water sweeping the decks; the bulwarks and breakwater remained when she was given the same Phalanx fit as her sister ships.