Fleetline 1/1200 FL10 kit HMS Ajax metal kit
HMS Ajax is a 1/1200 white metal Fleetline kit from the 1980s. Although this is a second-hand model, the box has never been opened. A sample of a model completed as HMNZS Leander by the previous owner is displayed on top of the box in the photograph to show the quality of the kit. The kits were some of the best available in the 1980s and still compare well today, see photograph.
One of the models is branded "Scaledown" and is a plastic bag rather than a cardboard box. The Fleetline name had become exclusively used for N-guage model railway kits at this time.
HMS Ajax was typical of of the Leander-class cruisers light cruisers at the start of WW2. As designed, they had single 4" AA guns but most of the class had been refitted with twin 4" AA turrets by the outbreak of war. HMS Achilles was on loan to New Zealand and retained the single AA guns for many years. Ajax was Commodore Harwood's flagship in the Battle of the River Plate andd Ajax was accompanied by Achilles and Exeter when they intercepted Graf Spee