Scale: 1:96. During the Second World War the Ministry of Shipping (later the Ministry of War Transport) adopted a nomenclature for vessels built under the emergency war building programme, enemy vessels seized in Allied ports on the declaration of war and, later, enemy ships seized as prizes. The prefix given to the names of these vessels was ‘Empire’. At the start of the War the UK’s shipbuilding yards were working to capacity to produce standard cargo vessels of around 10,000 tons deadweight carrying capacity with a speed of ten to eleven knots. However, with the growing need to transport the hardware of war, such as tanks, locomotives, planes, and armament, to theatres of operations, it became apparent that a fast cargo liner with the facilities to handle these cargoes was required. By mid-1942, in response to requests from the Ministry, the Furness Shipbuilding Company produced plans for a 12,000 ton fifteen knot vessel. Lifting gear was provided by no less than eight derricks that could handle cargo weighing from ten to eighty tons. The maximum amount of free deck space was provided for carrying deck loads. Accommodation was provided for approximately thirty-seven passengers.

We can see from the model that these vessels were well armed and they were also fitted with radar which enabled the observer to see targets within range on a screen with his ship occupying the centre. It was the first time that merchant shipping had been equipped with plan position indicator (PPI) equipment. Beautifully made and presented in its original mahogany case and display table, turned silver plated supports and information plaques, the model looks very elegant in its two-tone grey livery. It is a forest of intricately made derricks, rigging and fine detail. The materials used have been well chosen, the polished unpainted wood features are sparse and confined to the central, passenger, areas such as handrails, doors and decking. We can see from the placing of the portholes the position at the stern for the crew accommodation, while on the starboard side of the model a companion ladder has been rigged. The four paravanes on the foredeck were deployed using the boom attached to the starboard bow. The model shows this in its stowed position.