Battleship Warspite: Detailed in the Original Builders' Plans

The "as fitted general arrangements" are a set of plans produced by the builders on completion of every ship, documenting the exact appearance and fitting of the ship. They are large, detailed, annotated, and labelled, and drawn with exquisite skill in multi-coloured inks and washes. These plans are now part of the National Maritime Museum's collection and are being digitized using the latest scanning technology. This book is the first of a series based on these draughts, depicting famous warships in unprecedented detail.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 144 pages
\n Publication date: 15 January 2018
\n Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd
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British warships' intricate technical specifications were meticulously documented in a series of plans meticulously crafted by the builders upon the completion of each vessel. These plans, referred to as the "as fitted general arrangements," captured the precise appearance and fitting of the ship as it entered service. Measuring over 12 feet in length for capital ships, these drawings were incredibly detailed, extensively annotated, and meticulously labeled. The artists employed a mastery of multi-colored inks and washes to bring these plans to life, showcasing their exceptional skill and artistic prowess. Intended as a lasting reference for the Admiralty and dockyards, these drawings represent the pinnacle of draughtsmanship.

Today, these invaluable plans are housed in the prestigious National Maritime Museum at Greenwich, where they are undergoing the latest scanning technology to create digital copies of the highest quality. This remarkable book marks the beginning of a series dedicated entirely to these draughts, offering a breathtaking portrayal of renowned warships in unparalleled detail. Each volume will feature complete sets of these plans, presented in full color, with numerous close-ups and enlargements that elucidate every intricate aspect. Extensive captions provide insightful explanations of key features, while an introductory chapter provides a background on the design process.

The celebrated battleship HMS Warspite serves as an ideal introduction to this new series, presenting a subject that may seem familiar but is given a fresh and captivating perspective through this treatment. The result is an anatomy that will captivate every warship enthusiast and ship modeler, offering a deep understanding of the ship's intricate design and construction.

As we delve into the pages of this book, we embark on a journey through the history and engineering of British warships, shedding light on the remarkable craftsmanship and innovation that defined their era. The as fitted general arrangements serve as a testament to the skill and dedication of the builders and artists who brought these magnificent vessels to life, and their preservation in the National Maritime Museum ensures that future generations can appreciate the rich heritage of naval warfare.

\n Weight: 1004g\n
Dimension: 295 x 254 x 17 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781526719379\n \n