Mini- HORNET arrives!

The giant model we've been working on, Mini-HORNET, is finally presentable. Note I said presentable - she's only about 90% done. Last night we spent about six hours setting her up at US Fleet Forces Command in Norfolk. Here's the run-down, from the sign I posted on the model itself:

Working from copies of original drawings and with materials purchased from local home improvement vendors, this 1:12 scale mock-up of USS HORNET was constructed by Naval Heritage Society volunteers, including several active-duty Sailors from US Fleet Forces Command, over a five month period starting in January 2011. It is built to be disassembled for transport, and weighs only 79 lbs (all-inclusive) – the hull is made of high-density foam and lightweight plaster. Every piece was made by hand, an investment of more than 1,700 man-hours for construction, assembly and finishing. It is still only about 90% complete, but work will continue to add the ship’s boats, anchors and nine additional sails in the coming weeks.

In the process of building “Mini-Hornet”, the volunteers got to know more about the construction of the ship and how it would have been operated. All of the rigging is fully functional and can be used to manipulate the sails just as on the real ship.

And here's another, right next to the model:

The original HORNET and her crew caused
more than 300 enemy casualties
and the complete destruction of two enemy warships.

We have no idea what Mini-HORNET can do.

Please do not touch. Thanks.

You can find plenty of pictures of Mini-HORNET and her construction posted on Facebook. No, you don't need to be a member to view them.

Busy day today - back to work!

NNNN