Half model of the vessels HMAS BANKS and HMAS BASS
Date1950s
Object number00049070
NameModel
MediumWood
DimensionsOverall: Height: 407 mm, width: 910 mm, depth: 95 mm
ClassificationsModels
Credit LineANMM Collection
Collections
DescriptionA half model of the vessels HMAS BANKS and HMAS BASS, mounted on board with ship measurements and divided into a grid pattern. The impression of HMAS BANKS & HMAS BASS is visible at the top above the model.HistoryHerbert Edward (Bert) Young assembled an extensive collection of maritime objects and in the late 1960s established a private museum, Young's Maritime Museum, from his home in Forestville Sydney. Young's varied collection contains a number of important items such as a rare octant, a fog horn and a huge pair of ship's wheels. Several important works of art are also amongst the collection, including a series by the Newcastle maritime historian and artist Terry Callen. Young's Maritime Museum was unfortunately short-lived and in 1972, Mr Young presented his collection to the Department of Shipping and Transport to hold for incorporation into a future national maritime museum. The collection was later transferred to the Australian National Maritime Museum in 1987.
HMAS BANKS and HMAS BASS were sister ships of the Royal Australian Navy. These Explorer class general-purpose vessels had a displacement of 207 tons, light weaponry (fitted when necessary) and a company of 14. Both vessels were built in 1959 by Walkers Ltd, Queensland, and were commissioned into the Royal Australian Navy in 1960. HMAS BANKS began naval service as a Fishery Surveillance Craft, later undertaking hydrographic surveys, and in 1967 became a training ship in Port Adelaide for the Royal Australian Navy Reserve (RANR). HMAS BASS commenced naval duties as a Survey craft, later undertaking hydrographic work and in 1967 becoming involved with RANR training in Hobart. Both vessels continued mainly as reservist training vessels until December 1982 when they were decommissioned but remained as training facilities into the next decade.
SignificanceThis item comes from the eclectic and extensive maritime collection of Herbert Edward (Bert) Young. Before a ship was built a half model such as this was created as a means of planning a vessel's design and to demonstrate the vessel's dimensions to clients and ship builders. These skilfully crafted models are replicas of their full scale counterparts and provide important information relating to the design and build of individual vessels.
