We deliver our models in specially designed wooden crates. We have been delivering models in these for many years with great success.
Insurance
All our models in transit are fully insured. In the unlikely event that the model is damaged in transit, The Model Shipyard must be notified immediately. Arrangements will then be made for the model to be returned to the studio in South Africa where it will be inspected and repaired. If the model cannot be repaired to its original splendour a replacement model will be built and sent to you.
Delivery
We deliver DAP (Delivered At Place duties unpaid). This means that we deliver door-to-door. We pay for the air freight, insurance, customs clearance and final delivery to your door.
Import Duties and Taxes
We export our models under a tariff heading that is usually duty free. However this is not a guarantee because it can vary from region to region. You might have to pay VAT (Value Added Tax) or GST(General Sales Tax) depending on which tax regime prevails in your region.
SHIP DESCRIPTION
HMS Birkenhead Model Ship
HMS Birkenhead, also referred to as HM Troopship Birkenhead or Steam Frigate Birkenhead, was one of the first iron-hulled ships built for the Royal Navy. Launched in 1848.
About the construction of the HMS Birkenhead Wooden Scale Model Ship
The hull is built using the Double Plank-on-Bulkhead construction method
The bulkheads and keel are cut from marine grade pine plywood
The first layer of planking is done plank by plank using Mahogany planks
The second layer of planking is done using Mahogany Veneer strips
The deck is made of Anagre, a light brown timber from the Amazon
The gunwale and stringers are made of American Walnut
The fife rails and pin racks are made of American Walnut
The Birkenhead was a British iron paddle steamer built by John Laird Sons & Company and launched in 1845. It was initially intended for civilian use, but in 1846, it was purchased by the British Admiralty and converted into a troopship for the Royal Navy.
On February 26, 1852, while en route from England to Algoa Bay (now Port Elizabeth), the Birkenhead struck an uncharted rock near Danger Point, close to Cape Town, South Africa. The impact caused a large hole in the ship’s hull, leading to a rapid flooding of the compartments.
Amid the chaos, the commanding officer, Captain Robert Salmond, ordered the troops and crew to assemble on deck, forming orderly lines. The women and children were given priority to evacuate in the ship’s few lifeboats. This act of discipline and courage became famous for the “women and children first” principle.
Unfortunately, the Birkenhead’s fate was sealed, and it sank within twenty minutes of striking the rock. The majority of the soldiers and crew aboard perished due to the lack of lifeboats and the treacherous conditions.
The sinking of the Birkenhead gained widespread attention and became a legendary example of sacrifice and heroism in the face of disaster. It served as an inspiration for future maritime safety procedures and influenced the development of international maritime law.
