Charguizard and Kiwi Imperialist - thank you so much for the kind words. I certainly didn't expect a third-place finish, I'm pleased that my drawing has been so well received by the community. This is the first time that the length of the challenge has coincided with a low enough workload on my end to be able to submit a drawing, and I hope to be able to participate again in the future.
It seems to me that this was a very successful challenge based on the number of entrants - it's great to see some new 'bucketeers taking part as well. We saw a huge range of different designs all the way from frigates up to aircraft carriers and it's very interesting to see everyone's different interpretation of what an anti-submarine task force flagship can be. I think TheGrumpyKestrel's HMWS Westralia was my personal favourite from an art perspective (his SPG-55 top view blows my attempt out of the water
), while Soode's Chollo - class was the most interesting and unique design. Rodondo's modified Daring - class rounds out my personal top three - a very well thought out design that has an interesting blend of capabilities for its era without seeming over the top. I'll be the first to admit it wasn't the most original design but I tried to put my own "Canadian" spin on it nonetheless. The forward SPG-55 feels pretty "shoehorned" in as I realized at the last minute that I hadn't provided reload hatches for the Mk 10 GMLS - I'm not sure if my solution would be workable in reality - it would certainly be a tight squeeze to conduct missile reloading. I have to say that the top view was one of the hardest feats I've ever attempted, it really goes to show how much more difficult a design becomes once you start trying to visualize it from multiple dimensions. The top view shadows in particular are a bit crude but by that point, I felt I'd put more than enough effort in and couldn't be bothered to spend additional time on them.
With all that said, congratulations to all of the participants for a fantastic effort - I'm looking forward to seeing additional feedback and thoughts from Shipbucket's more knowledgeable members!