M 762 - HMS Superb

This is the Tri-ang Minic Ships model of HMS Superb one of a proposed class of eight Light Cruisers, known as the Minotaur Class, which were ordered under the 1941 and 1942 Warship Construction Programmes. The design was modified after the first two ships were laid down in 1941 resulting in two different groups imaginatively known as "Group 1" and "Group 2" ships

The "Group 1" ships, correctly referred to as the Minotaur Class, included HMS Swiftsure of which Tri-ang Minic Ships also produced a model. The models of HMS Swiftsure and HMS Superb were identical distinguished only by the model number and name marked on the underside.

HMS Superb was the first of the Group 2 ships to commission in the Royal Navy two of the remaining vessels, HMS Tiger and HMS Hawke, being cancelled in March 1946 and the other three vessels, HMS Defense, HMS Bellerophon and HMS Blake, being laid up prior to completion.

HMS Superb was not completed in time to see any action during World War II and spent most of her operational life as a squadron flagship in the West Indies, East Indies and Home Fleet.

In the late 1950's work was resumed on the other three Group 2 ships which were then completed to a further modified design and became known as the Tiger Class with HMS Bellerophon commissioning as HMS Tiger, HMS Defense commissioning as HMS Lion and HMS Blake commissioning under her original name.

As a result of the commissioning of the Tiger Class ships and a lack of funds a planned modernisation of HMS Superb in the late 1950's was cancelled and the ship was scrapped in 1960.

HMS Tiger and HMS Blake were converted into helicopter cruisers in the late 1960's. Details of HMS Tiger and pictures of a model that I created from an original M 761 HMS Swiftsure by following this link. 

Specifications