A set of model equations for the calculation of turbulent shear flows is presented. It is shown how the equations can be modified to allow for the inclusion of viscosity, compressibility and density variations. Some results of numerical computations are given. The constant in the law of the wall is predicted to within 10% for flow over a perfectly smooth wall, and a dependence on wall roughness is obtained. The empirical law of the wall for compressible flow is also shown to be a consequence of the equations.