HMAS Wagga

This page looks at the building of a 1:50 scale model of HMAS Wagga. HMAS Wagga was one of 56 Bathurst Class Corvettes built for the Royal Australian Navy during WWII. HMAS Wagga was Built in 1942 and served until 1962.

The members of the HMAS Wagga association meet in Wagga Wagga on ANZAC Day (25 April) every second year for a reunion. At the 2003 reunion several members had asked if anyone knew of a model of HMAS Wagga that could be displayed at future reunions. This question inspired a group of Task Force 72 - Fleet Base Wagga Wagga members to build a model of HMAS Wagga for presentation to the members of the HMAS Wagga Association.

A model was constructed as joint effort between four members of Task Force 72 - Fleet Base Wagga Wagga. It was completely scratch built in just under two years and was presented to the HMAS Wagga association on ANZAC Day 2005. The Model is now on permanent display in the Wagga Wagga City Council Chambers.

HMAS Wagga Association members admiring the model.

HMAS Wagga association members gathered around the model after it was presented to the group at a Mayoral Reception.

The 1:50 scale model of HMAS Wagga on display in the foyer of the Wagga Wagga City Council Chambers.

Making a Hull

The photos below show the steps involved in making a 1:50 scale fiberglass hull and then completing the model.

1. The hull lines were enlarged to the correct size on a photocopier and enough copies made for each frame.	2. A paper template was cut out for each frame.	3. Each templates was glued to a sheet of plywood.
4. Each frame was cut out using a jigsaw and then a bandsaw.	5. A keel was also cut out and each frame was glued into place.	6. The whole assembly was glued to a building board and planking commenced.
7. Planking continued until the entire hull was covered.	8. Solid wooden blocks were glued to the bow and stern. These were then sanded to shape.	9. The hull was filled, sanded and then undercoated. Several coats ensured a smooth surface to the hull.
10. The plating lines were drawn on to the hull and then the hull plating was simulated with overlapping PVC tape.	11. The hull was undercoated and then several coats of wax were applied. A temporary wooden fence was glued along the center line of the hull.	12. One half of the hull was layed up with fiberglass.
13. After the first half of the mould had set, the fence was removed and the second side of the hull was waxed.	14. The second half of the hull mould was completed and then the mould was separated from the wooden plug.	15. The mould was bolted together and a fiberglass hull was layed up inside the mould.
16. Once the fiberglass had set the hull was removed from the mould.	17. The model was completed using a variety of materials including wood, plastic, brass and wire.	18. The hull nearing completion.