Range Finder Special
HMS Intrepid
DAVE WOOLEY with some unusual and useful pictures for modellers
Both of H.M. Ships Intrepid and Fearless were part of what was a genuine new approach (at least for the RN) for amphibious operations when they were conceived. HMS Intrepid was laid down at John Brown Shipyard, Clydebank on the 25th June 1964, entering service in April 1967. Nominal displacement was 12120 tons which increased to nearly 17000tons when ballasted down to allow landing craft to enter and leave the flooded stern dock. Both vessels were 520ft long and 80ft in beam.
Geared steam turbines developing 22000shp on two shafts provided propulsion with a range of 5000nm at 20kts. HMS Intrepid was initially armed with 40mm guns and Sea Cat SAM point defence systems. In 1985 the after Sea Cat launchers were replaced with 30mm guns. She and her sister were designed to operate LCMs from the internal dock and LCVPs from davits. In 1976 and due to government cutbacks at the time, HMS Intrepid was paid off into reserve and only one of the class was kept operational. Both vessels were intended for disposal prior to the Falklands conflict with the real prospect of HMS Intrepid serving with the Argentina Navy. In April 1982 circumstances changed as we all know and both vessels proved their worth in that time of need, so indeed a salutary lesson as to their worth.
The end of a great ship
Through the DSA (Defence Disposal Agency) it was agreed that HMS Intrepid was to be dismantled and re-cycled in the UK in accordance with the Basel Convention. The contract was won by Leavesley International with project partners Technical Demolition Services of Birkenhead. HMS Intrepid left Portsmouth under tow and arrived in Liverpool on 17th of September 2008 and was locked into the Canada Graving Dock for dismantling and recycling. The pictures you see are of that work underway. It is estimated that when completed in 2009, over 95% of the vessel will have been recycled.
Plans of this class of vessel are available from Jecobin and PSShips offer a 1:96 scale hull and fittings for HMS Fearless as in 2000, for those interested in these ships as a modelling project. In due course, I expect to include more pictures in Range Finder that should be of assistance to modellers and also feature a very well built model.
My thanks to Technical Demolition Services and to Dave Morris for all his help and assistance in making these photographs possible.
Want the latest issue of Model Boats? Use our magazine locator link to find your nearest stockist!
Make sure you never miss out on the latest news, product reviews and competitions with our free RSS feed
We welcome well written contributions from Website members on almost any aspect of Model Boating with a particular emphasis on practical hints, tips, experience and builds.
In order to maintain a consistent standard and format, all suggestions should first be sent to me by Personal Message for approval in principle. Only a very limited amount of time is available for editing contributions into a suitable format for placing on the website so it is important that the material is well presented, lucid and free from obvious spelling errors. I think it goes without saying that contributions should be illustrated by appropriate photos. I shall be happy to give advice on this.
The Member Contribution area offers space for short informative mini articles which would not normally find a place in Model Boats magazine. It is an opportunity for Website Members to freely share their expertise and experience but I am afraid that virtue is its own reward as there is no budget to offer more material recompense!
I look forward to receiving your suggestions.
Colin Bishop - Website Editor