Well I have now exhausted my search for what my boat is modelled on, having communicated with Terry Holtham , an acknowledge expert in the field of RAF Marine Craft, he says it bears an uncanny resemblance to an official Vosper drawing of the Mk1 version of the 46ft Firefloat and goes on to say that the only difference really is the wheelhouse detail, and probably the stern (transom) which looks more like a MiamI Boat Co. High Speed Launch.

What I have now done and am still in the process of, is to re-create my boat as a working drawing. This has entailed taking exact dimensions of my model and then recreating as a working drawing using AutoCAD. I have completed all the plans and elevations of the hull and I now have left the 'skeleton' frame and superstructure to do.

Now, here is the question. My model measures just under 34 inches in 'old money' and of course my drawing in AutoCAD is life size for the model. if I was to scale the model up to say 48 inches in length, would I need to increase the size/thickness of the stringers, keel, frames, etc.. Also my model is built from balsa, so if I were to build a new one at this size could I keep to the use of balsa as that would be lighter than ply ?

Another question is what would I do about motor size and prop ? At the moment I have a Speed 600 Eco motor and a 30mm prop.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Alan

Yes I have a plan somewhere of a Mk1, spent ages looking I have about 2 or 3 GB of fireboat info that somehow all got jumbled when I moved PC's I must go through and thin it out, the problem is with all the info it all seems to copied from one source but by different people who have added or left bits out, so what looked like two documents turn out to be the same one when you add all the missing bits together, pictures keep cropping up as well.
I think we should have a gallery for JUST pictures of the original mk1 mk2 boats.

Thanks Guys for the replies.

Dave,
I have had a look before at the HDML 1104 A Fairmile HDML Harbour Defence Motor Launch and it was designed by Thorneycroft but is not like my boat - much longer about 72 feet, different superstructure etc.. I will have a look on the web to see if there is any pictures of the Aquilla by Philip Connolly.

Peter
I have seen some actual drawings of what might have been the MK 1 Firefloat before which are similar to the document you kindly pasted. the aft section is very similar to mine but the wheelhouse is still smaller and almost the same as the eventual MK 2, whereas mine is longer.

Chris
I have looked at the ASRMCS website before and it is very interesting, especially the Model section photos, but alas mine is not there. However, I might send some photos to them to see if they could help identify my boat.

All in all I like my boat, it goes well, looks good and in the end may be unique so I will enjoy !!

Regards

Alan

this is the Mk1 version the info comes from an official document that was part of a the mk2 file I received. some one built one in one of the mags a few years ago and your looks like the one in the article, this attachment may help
Peter

this is the Mk1 version the info comes from an official document that was part of a the mk2 file I received. some one built one in one of the mags a few years ago and your looks like the one in the article, this attachment may help
Peter

HI Alan

I'm afraid I've no idea but you might try contacting the RAF Air Sea Rescue and Marine Craft site to see if they can help with identifying the full size original.
http://www.asrmcs-club.com/boatswebsite/index.html

Best wishes and good luck

Chris

Just had a quick look at the RN Coastal Forces Veterans web site. 1104 is listed as:- HDML 1104 A Fairmile HDML Harbour Defence Motor Launch, constructed by Rangoon Dockyard of Contracts to Calcutta on 30.06.1941. Royal indian Navy 1944; sold 1947. Could this be your model?
Dave

HI Alan
It certainly looks similar to a Fireboat but as you say the cabins and stern are different. in the 1960's the Fireboat was a very popular kit and many were built and sailed. it is possible that someone altered a fast electric hull to give a fair representation of a Fireboat. I have trawled through a large collection of Model magazines from the 1960's todate but have not spotted anything similar. The rear shape was quite common in the 1960's and I one have seen is an Aquilla (42") by Philip Connolly. Keil Kraft also had a range of fast models by LESRO all ply framed. I suspect the only person who can tell you is the original builder, and this may account for the lack of response to your request. At least you have a unique model and if it goes well and gives you enjoyment I would sail as it is. Good luck with your further research. Dave

I am sure someone out there can provide some information on my boat or at least a comment ?

Alan