Undetermined scale. This is a model at its most utilitarian and represents a freelance design concept for a Royal Naval minehunter (circa 1978), commissioned by the Ministry of Defence. Even in these days of sophisticated computer-aided design modelling, real models can convey design information more easily than two-dimensional drawings on paper or a screen. The making of design models like this one is a tradition in shipbuilding that, in Britain, can be traced back over 300 years.

This model is an early design concept produced to put forward ideas and promote discussion about features such as superstructure layout and hull shape. From this concept stage to launching the actual vessel it can take a decade, or longer.