Model of the 'Investigator'

Scale model ship of HMS Investigator at 1:48 scale (inches), made by Norm Mercer using specifications researched by R. Sexton. The model has an individually nailed copper-sheathed hull, decking, rigging, and fine detail.

HMS Investigator was the ship in which Matthew Flinders sailed in 1802-04 on a voyage of discovery on Australia's coast, in particular the discovery of the then unknown southern coast. From February to early April 1802 he charted for the first time the South Australian coast from near Ceduna to Encounter Bay. The Investigator was built in 1795, and operated as a collier named Xenophon, until purchased by the Royal Navy.

This 1:48 scale model of the Investigator was made by Mr Norm Mercer, from plans researched and drawn by Mr R Sexton, one of South Australia's leading maritime historians. The model is scratch built using mainly huon pine for the frames and planks. The copper sheathing consists of over 1,000 individual plates, nailed in place with more than 13,000 nails. All of the cordage for the rigging was made by Mr Mercer on a miniature rope walk, and the hatch covers are also made with separate laths.