Ship's structural training model of SMS Emden showing bulkhead, decks and fire control

Large model of the internal structure of the hull and superstructure of the light cruiser SMS 'Emden'. The model is based on a solid cast steel keel frame, running the length of the model, with integral stern and bow posts. Built upon the keel are the ship's bulkheads, framing and decks, which appear to be soldered (where appropriate) to the keel and galvanised. There is no external cladding and only the lower base sections of the three funnels have been made. The masts only rise to a short distance above the deck. There may be a section of upper deck or superstructure missing behind the rear funnel. The bridge is represented.

The stern section, central engine room and funnel interiors are painted rust red; all other interior surfaces are white, and the superstructure, dark grey. Some of the white areas appear to have been repainted. There are a number of pivoting metal hooks which engage tabs with eyes placed throughout the model; they are in the central area; at the top deck adjacent to the middle funnel; under the bridge; on the second deck towards the stern; and at the upper deck-to-stern post join. These appear in pairs, one on either side of the model. They appear to allow the model to be disassembled to reveal further internal structures. The three funnel bases are also loose for the same reason.

There is some damage to the model. The decks forward of the bridge to the point where they join the bow post are slightly distorted downwards. The rear mast has snapped at its mounting on the second deck. Sections of paint on the ceilings of the decks under the bridge have detached.

The model is mounted, at a lower point on both the stern and bow keel casting, to a pair of cast brass pedestals which are screwed to the original wooden baseboard. The model's mounting pins pass through a pivoting point in these pedestals. Attached to the outer section of each pin at both ends is a brass pointer, facing downwards towards a brass arced degree indicator. This indicator is impressed in one degree increments, running from 0 to 30 degrees to both port and starboard. The model can thus pivot on its axis, with the pointers indicating the degree of list.

Running down each side of the model, and approximately the same length as the hull, is a rectangle-profile brass bar, mounted via large brass wing nuts at each end to similar brass pedestals. The pedestals differ from the versions at the front in that they are slotted where the bars mount, and thus can be adjusted up and down to a number of differing angles.

The model is approximately 2600mm in length.

This model of the SMS Emden's internal structure was recovered from the wreck of the SMS Emden in 1915 after her battle with HMAS Sydney and formed part of the ship's training equipment. It was probably used by the ship's instructional staff to train new recruits and the general company on the ship's layout and construction and to highlight areas relevant to damage control.

The ability of the model to be pivoted on its central axis and fixed at certain degress of list, and the means of adjusting the parallel brass bars along its port and starboard sides to certain angles suggest that certain sinking scenarios could be enacted at specific angles and action planned. It is even possible this model was submersed in these scenarios to show which sections of the ship were affected.

This is likely to the model referred to in syndicated Australian news reports in February- March 1916 of a display of Emden relics in 'an out-of-the-way corner of the Navy Offfice' in Melbourne. Described as 'an 8-foot model of the Emden, which was found in the cruiser shortly after she went to her doom. The model is a skeleton frame work, showing the engine rooms and the other compartments. It can be best described as a reproduction of the vessel in miniature, stripped of the outer steel plates. What is to eventually become of the model has not yet been determined.'