HMS NESS - Model

Pleased to show the model of HMS NESS which has just been completed by Andy Forrest, and sent into the website where we shall feature many more photographs of the model.

Built and launched at the Leith Shipyards of Henry Robb Ltd, the "River Class" Frigate was launched in July 1942 (Ship No 326) as the first of Six such ships built at the yard during times when the Nation needed as many ships as possible to help in the battle against the U-Boats, a battle at one time which could have meant the end for the British Isles but for such ships and the men of the Merchant Marine who sacrificed so much to keep the country supplied so they could continue the fight against the enemy.

The model is shown in her wartime camouflage colours.  Camouflage is the 3 colour Western approaches scheme and reflects the Ness shortly after commissioning.

Keep checking the website for the many up-dates on this project.

Another picture of the Ship Model below showing some of her Aft end details,

HMS NESS Aft end details

Three Queens River Dance

Interesting video to mark Cunards 175th anniversary, just a pity that none of the ships where built in the U.K.?

Click on the highlighted link to watch the video

Model of the SCOT II

Pleased to announce that the start of a model build is now under way and at approx 1/25th scale being made by "ace" model maker Steve we shall have some photographs to record this feat in its entirety as the model progresses. (Keep checking the Leith Shipyards website)

The model is being built to original drawings and will be based on her original steam engine condition (pre-1960's) as she was intended before her conversion to diesel power in the 1960's by the Leith Shipyard of Henry Robb Ltd.
The SCOT II was launched at Leith as Ship No 184 in 1931
The only Leith built ship on the British Historic Register, and it is hoped that the actual vessel will also be restored to her former glory in the fullness of time.

SCOT II ice breaking historical ship

Good news for Glasgow’s two Shipyards

It has just been announced that instead of closing one of the two remaining main shipyards in Scotland, that BEA will now make a large investment that shall ensure the future of the two yards for a good few years to come.

The Govan shipyard will be expanded under the £100m investment plan

For more on this story see the BBC website

Historic Ship SCOT II

SCOT II Steelwork

Just as an example of what was and what is now with regard to the condition that the old historic ship is now in and just looking at some of the photographs taken at her last survey before the waterways sold her on, would make any old shipbuilder just shake his head while containing the many expletives that would want to burst forth.
Just what the F**k were they thinking!

SCOT II Ship No 184 almost un-recognisable 

Difficult to put into words, what can be said about this conversion attempt circa 2005

It has to be said that her steelwork was still in pretty good condition after some 75 years the majority of the time spent in fresh water. As the photograph below shows taken as part of her last survey in 2005/6

SCOT II Steelwork circa 2005/6

All that changed when she was sold and she ended up sunk in the salt water of Ardyne Point where she sank and was under water  for 10 months just a few years later.

SCOT II Steelwork circa 2010

Her steelwork is still in pretty good condition but for how much longer without the proper care that she needs sooner rather than later.

With any luck she will not have too much longer to wait before some serious work can be carried out on her to begin her proper restoration.

Keep checking the Blog and website for regular updates, and once the work begins for real we shall be following the progress on the website and on the Blog.

Ship Photographs

To help anyone who has ship photographs that they wish to see on the Blog and website, please send email in first instance to the website email.  info@leithshipyards.com

 

From here you will receive instructions of how your photographs and stories will be shown on the website at www.leithshipyards.com

 

The interest shown in the Blog and the website is much appreciated and much more than could ever have been imagined.

ST HELEN awaits new owners

The last of the Leith built Ships ST HELEN Ship No 535 launched in 1983 is at present laid up and waiting on her new owners sprucing her up and she will then go to the warmer waters of the Mediterranean to join her sister ST CATHERINE  while she sits on the mud at Hythe twice a day she will be fine once her new owners Delcomar go to work with the paint and soon she will be ready for her welcome new role in the sunshine.

ST HELEN laid up at Hythe at low tide while she awaits her new owners to take her to Italy
(photo by Doug Coulson)

Model of the BRITISH COAST finished

After some 2 years of painstaking work and no little amounts of skill and patience we are pleased to tell you that the scale model of a ship designed and built at the Leith Shipyards of Henry Robb Ltd as Ship No 198 and originally launched in 1933 has now been completed.
The model has been built by Steve a Brit who is now ensconced in the middle of Canada many miles away from any sea.
Such is the detail in this model right down to her ropes and wires that we feel the model could well be shown in a museum and not look out of place.

You can see much more of this fine model and her build process on the main website at

www.leithshipyards.com