The BMT Defence Services Venator® – 110 is a configurable concept platform that can easily be customised to a range of roles. The flexibility of the design was demonstrated by fabricating the port and starboard of the model in two different contexts in this small-scale naval concept model – one side modelled to be a patrol ship and the other a patrol frigate. A central polished steel plate was incorporated to reflect the model back onto itself; this effectively created two models out of one.
At 1:144, these models are a smaller scale than most of the naval concept model types we are known for but are made to the same exacting specifications and tolerances – plus the Amalgam eye for detail. The BMT Venator® model includes brass etched elements which are able to capture detail at finer tolerances than would be achievable in other materials. Considered use of simple detailing, such as cargo and navigational components, can add interest to models which would otherwise be simple silhouette forms.
While there is a crosspollination of technical processes between making architectural models and these naval models, there is a set of skills unique to marine modelmaking. An eye for symmetry and quality of line is necessary to preserve the clean, crisp edges of the hull, and since in most cases the hulls are to be high gloss, we take great care in ensuring the hull is smooth with a consistent continuous surface.
