Sam’s model is of MONITOR 18, a diesel-powered ship. It is based on plans of MONITOR 15, which was a steam-powered vessel, but Sam’s model incorporates a number of modifications designed to more accurately represent MONITOR 18. Monitors were built in Britain, and both M15 and M18 were British-built ships.

Guns on M15 - M23 varied, as they did for other Monitors, and both M15 and M18 were designed to carry a single 234mm gun and a 75mm AA gun. However, guns varied during the lifetime of these ships, according to availability.

The model’s hull is constructed using plywood frames skinned with balsa strips. After sanding to final shape, the hull was covered with lightweight glass cloth and sealed with resin to provide additional strength and help waterproof the hull.

The red patches in the photo are evidence of the familiar pattern of sanding, spraying, sanding again (repeat until satisfied with the shape and the finish). It’s a time-consuming, but somewhat therapeutic process. Just remember to wear a mask.

The hull is finished in grey, at this stage, although there are many shades of grey, so some care and a bit of research is required to allow the selection of a fully representative shade appropriate to the vessel.

Adding the mast and the brass handrails and other details brings the upper superstructure to life.

This view shows more of the additional details on the superstructure to the rear of the turret. Note the two small guns fitted to the deck and the cabin roof. While Monitors 15-23 were fitted with at least one smaller gun, it may be that the other was either won in battle, or perhaps simply a gun which became available. Armaments, including the main gun, varied widely as ships were built, depending on availability. On this model, both guns were scratch-built.

The superstructure is made of plastic card (styrene sheet), as that is easy to manipulate, and has a decent bare finish which provides the basis for painting.

There is plenty of scope for detailing, and Sam has scratch-built most of the fittings. The detail inside the gun turret, and the open door leading into the upper superstructure draw the eye into the ship.

This kind of model can provide hours of enjoyment on the bench, as detail is added.

The little ladders are of brass, constructed using a simple jig.

Pictured here on a busy bench, the detail at the fore-end relieves what would otherwise be a flat grey colour, and the detail on the surface of the turret shows that this is more than a simple curved shape. Sam intends to make the turret rotate, and make the gun elevate, before the build is finished.

Resources

Plans:

Tony Green plan for Monitor 15 -  http://www.tonygreensteammodels.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=600

Paul Freshney plan for Monitor 15, sold by Sarik Hobby - https://www.sarikhobbies.com/product/m-15-plan-mm1503/

Information:

about the USS MONITOR and the origins of the class: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Monitor

about British Royal Nay Monitors: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_monitors_of_the_Royal_Navy