Famous manned models move to new lake at Timsbury
Warsash Maritime Academy’s internationally acclaimed manned model fleet left its Marchwood base of twenty years and journeyed inland to its new location at one of the UK’s oldest existing reservoirs on Wednesday 24th November.
The five tonnes, nine metre long electric powered scale models of real ships – including a tanker, a bulk carrier and a passenger ferry – were carried by road to the new Manned Model Shiphandling Centre site at Timsbury, nr Romsey.
The entire Marchwood-based manned model operation will be moving to the new lake in 2011, as part of a major investment to ensure the continued development of Southampton Solent University’s highly specialised maritime training facilities.
Mariners from across the globe have been getting vital training at the former 10-acre Marchwood facility – one of only five in the world - for more than 20 years, learning shiphandling skills on scale model vessels in conditions that emulate real-life maritime experiences.
Manned Models Move
|
|
|
|
The new Manned Model Shiphandling Centre at Timsbury will build on the expertise gained from the Marchwood operations, as it continues to provide first class training to the international shipping industry.
Using various ship models, berths, basins and channels on the new lake, a variety of port scenarios, canal transits and berthing operations will be simulated for the ships’ officers and pilots under training to practice their shiphandling skills. Complex and, in real life, potentially hazardous manoeuvres can be practised in complete safety in the manned models making them a key training tool for the shipping industry.
Bringing 21st century maritime training to Timsbury Lake marks the beginning of a new chapter in Timsbury’s history. The 9th century lake has over the years been a source of fish for the monks of Winchester, of water to drive a medieval water mill and the haunt of carp anglers.
Safeguarding the ecology of the lake and its woodland surroundings will be a major element of the University’s project so that, as well as providing world leading maritime training, it will also continue to be a haven for wildlife and a local natural asset.
Manned Model Move
|
|
|
|