HMS Sheffield was the first of the Type 42 destroyers, that later became a class of 14 ships. The last 4 of the Batch 3 were stretched with an extra 47 feet added which actually what the original design had specified. They had been shortened to save money. This design will make any of the earlier 10 in their original configuration. An alternative funnel is included so that others in the class can be built Later different weapon systems were added

The Type 42's were a guided missile detroyer using the Sea Dart system. There was also a 4.5" gun on the fore deck and Oerlikons on the bridge wings and a Lynx helicopter carried on the small flight deck at the stern.

The lead ship Sheffield was sunk as a result of being struck by an Exocet missile on the 4thMay 1982 during the Falklands War. Just over two weeks later her sister ship HMS Coventry also suffered the same fate.

The model represents HMS Sheffield as she was originally built and as she was as she went to the Falklands. The only significant difference between her and her sisters at this stage was the exhausts on the funnel, which on Sheffield turned outwards so that flue gases wouldnt damage the aeriels overhead - the so called Mickey Mouse funnel. Later ships had a vertical funnel exhaust. THis alternative funnel has been included amongst the stl's so that others in the class can be built.

The model has over 300 pieces and is designed to be built on a filament printer with a build plate of 220mm cubed. Only one piece needed a resin printer which is the delicate and complex bedstead radar. These are also available at this scale as a photoetch kit.

The model is designed to be built at an impressive 1/72nd scale which means a model that is 1720mm long, 200mm wide and 500mm tall. It is possible to build smaller at 1/96th scale, but more of the fittings would need to be printed using resin at this size. The prototype was printed at the larger scale and I have not myself tried the smaller version.

Here is a link to the free instruction booklet to give you an idea of what is involved in building this model https://www.cgtrader.com/free-3d-print-models/hobby-diy/robotics/hms-sheffield-radio-controlled-model-instruction-booklet