Nature Coast Hobby Shop

Zulu by Deans Marine

The frigates of the Tribal class were constructed to perform three functions, Air Direction, Anti-Aircraft and Anti-Submarine duties. For this reason they were classed as general purpose frigates. When launched they were quite an advanced vessel as they included many “firsts” in their design.

The TRIBALS were the first ships to be fitted to carry a helicopter, having a hangar between the aft 4.5″ gun and the mortar mk10. They were the first ships to be fitted with the seacat missile system and, most novel at the time, the engines comprised a steam turbine propulsion system (COSAG) and a gas turbine which could be used for additional boost and to get away from a cold start.

The single shaft is powered from the combined steam and gas turbines, the former developing 12,500 shp, and the latter developing 7,500 shp. This indicated a top speed of 28 knots. All engine control rooms were air conditioned as was the rest of the ship.. The weapon fit of the class was 2 x 4.5″ guns 2 x 4 seacat launch pads (or 2 x 4mm bofors) 1 x 3 barrel mortar mk 10. Some ships were later fitted with 2 x 20mm oerlikons as “junk bashers”. 2 x 8 barrelled 3″ decoy rocket launchers are also fitted port and starboard.

Details of the kit

Scale 1/96
Length 43.3″
Beam 5.6″
Sailing weight 4.5kgs