|||
Not Registered
Go AD FREE & get your membership medal
BRONZE
Less Ads
SILVER
GOLD
Ad Free
Cancel
Anytime
£2.50
£4.50
£6.50
Subscribe
Go AD FREE & get your membership medal
BRONZE
Less Ads
SILVER
GOLD
Ad Free
For A Whole Year!
£25
£45
£65
Donate
You Will Be Helping Towards:

  • Domain Fees
  • Security Certificates
  • iOS & Android App Fees
  • Website Hosting
  • Fast Servers
  • Data Backups
  • Upkeep & Maintenance
  • Administration Costs

    Without your support the website wouldn't be what it is today.

    Please consider donating towards these fees to help keep us afloat.

    Read more

    All donations are securely managed through PayPal.

    Many thanks for your kind support
  • Join Us On Social Media!
    Download The App!

    Login To
    Remove Ads
    Login To
    Remove Ads

    Model Boats Website
    Model Boats Website
    Home
    Forum
    Build Blogs
    Media Gallery
    Boat Clubs & Lakes
    Events
    Boat Harbour
    How-To Articles
    Plans & Docs
    Useful Links
    Search
    Search
    Blog
    36'' Thames River Police Launch by Robbob
    After the successful build of the ‘Vintage Model Works’ RAF Crash Rescue Tender I was asked by Mike Cummings of VMW if I would undertake to build a prototype of their new model with the aim of checking the construction method and the assembly instructions for accuracy before the kit is put into production. The model is a ‘Thames River Police Launch’ and is based on the original design by Phil Smith for the Veron company, this was a very popular model kit in the late 50’s and 60’s and sold for the princely sum of 43 shillings and tuppence, approximately £2.15 in today’s money but an equivalent cost of £48.50 in 1960. This design has been updated to accommodate electric propulsion and radio control by Colin Smith, the son of the original designer and it has been re-scaled to be 36” in length where the original was 24” which gives much more scope for detailing and provides more ‘hiding room’ for the drive, control systems and all the associated wiring. The kit produced by VMW uses the same construction techniques as the original and the materials are a combination of balsa and plywood both of which a laser and CNC cut for precision. The ply and balsa materials supplied are of very high quality as one would expect from VMW and all the stripwood for the chines, rubbing strakes and deck detailing is included, even the dowel required for the mast is in the box, very comprehensive! The kit also includes white metal fittings such as the fairleads and stanchions, and the searchlight and horns. The glazing for the windows comes in the kit too. The instruction sheet supplied is in need of revision as it is largely taken directly from the original as written by Phil Smith and some of the terminology needs updating, for instance the ply bottom and side skins are referred to as ‘strakes’ but I understand that a re-write of the instructions is in hand along with an updated plan showing the best positioning for the motor, prop-shaft, battery, ESC, receiver, rudder and servo. During construction I have added a few additional pieces of ply or balsa as reinforcement or supports and substituted some balsa parts for ply where I thought a stronger material would be better. I also added some hatches to give access to the wiring at the bow and the rudder & servo at the stern but largely I have not gone ‘off plan’ to any extent. The pictures show the model in it’s present state (Nov 2018) and is ready for painting and finishing.
    5 years ago by robbob
    Forum
    ST200 info
    A mold of the St200
    raf rescue
    boat was made by Neil Howard Pritchard from fleetwood who subsequently gave away to Steve Tranter of Model Boat bits....Alas Steve sold it on to a chap who he beleives to be from the Midlands who was going to use the hulls for Kids ready to run boats at his club and lived around an hour from his home in Telford.Now this Mold must be somewhere if anyone knows of it's whereabouts or any info leading to finding it As I would like to produce a kit of this Model could you please contact me ALL INFO will be treated in confidence...Thanks
    5 years ago by Dave J
    Blog
    The motor cover.
    I want to keep the motor cover as compact and in proportion as much as possible so I drew up a design to visualise it and get some practical working dimensions, it also needs to enclose the prop shaft and coupling, and the MT60 connection for the motor so there will not be very much free air space inside. Because of this the motor cover will need some ventilation as the brushless outrunner motor can’t be water cooled and I don’t want to fit a fan, so the side panels of the box will need some gauze covered slots so that any heat generated can escape, assisted (perhaps) by the rotation of the motors outer ‘rotor’ creating some air movement. I don’t intend to run this boat very fast so I’m hoping that the motor will not get too hot anyway🤞. I transferred the dimensions of the side panels from my drawings to some 1.5mm obeche panels and cut the side pieces to size and cut out the ventilation slots, some framing pieces and cross braces were fitted internally and the whole assembly glued and clamped together. Additional framing was added to support the part that covers the shaft and coupling and obeche panels applied to these. Some finishing details were applied around the base and the top to improve the appearance. The internal framing will later incorporate some small cylindrical neodymium magnets that will hold the motor enclosure down on the deck, I’ll fit these later when the deck floor has been fitted. The mesh is some of the stainless steel mesh that I had used in the water pickup tube on my RAF Crash Rescue Tender hoses, and this was cut to size and epoxied in place. The completed enclosure was finished with the same Teak stain as the rest of the boat. Next up will be an enclosure at the rear to conceal the control electronics.
    5 years ago by robbob
    Forum
    46Firefloat Mk2 paint
    Knowing v little about radio waves and antenna construction, I'm happy to accept your line. My assessment was purely on trying to identify the teardrop's purpose and matching its shape to similar units in RAF use. it was usual for ships then - merchant and military - to have a DF system and it just seems logical for a vessel with search and rescue responsibilities to have one! Positioning of nav lights was subject to complex rules in the 1950s and still is! One thing, that I don't think has changed, is that the for'd steaming light must be mounted a significant height above the red/greenside lights. The cabin roof would not be enough! Interesting that we both have similar lengths of experience associated with similar naval vessels. Maybe we crossed paths sometime gone!!
    6 years ago by astromorg
    Forum
    LED Tug Mast Navigation Lights
    Hello, Figtree7nts: What about “happy”? You wrote “we're all one big family”. Over here we’d usually say “we're all one big, happy family”. Are we not happy? Would anyone not grin from ear to ear when they see their boat on the water for the first time? Wouldn’t any of us be over the moon when our new boat kit arrives? if this or any other hobby doesn’t make us happy then why do it at all? The above is all in good fun but far off topic. Over to you, Doug: For my project can I use the spreadsheets & drawing you’ve already sent or do you plan on posting revised versions based on your operating observations & adjustments? I’m going make a PDF of this entire post eventually so I’ll have a good reference to use as my project progresses. There a many very useful tips & parts sources throughout as well. BTW have seen the scale boats made by Aquacraft? They’ve got four very nice boats (actually three boats & one ship) that are large, very well detailed & realistic. There’s a tug, a fire/rescue boat, a trawler & a fantastic 1/72 scale US Navy Fletcher-class destroyer that could easily be used as a movie prop. it’s over 5 feet long & priced at about $700 US. My wife said if I spend that much on a boat she’d better be able to ride in it or she’ll leave. I’ll really miss the old girl.🤪Here’s a link to Aquacraft’s page for the model. There’s a nice photo gallery as well as a video: https://www.aquacraftmodels.com/boats/aqub5705-fletcher-class-destroyer/gallery.php#product-menu I have my eye on the Bristol Trawler. I’ve always like trawlers & the Bristol is a beauty. it comes with a full range of LED navigation lights (including mast lights). There’s no working horn but that’s about the only thing lacking. This reminds of a joke: Why do cows have bells?🐮Because their horns don’t work! Thanks, Pete.
    6 years ago by PittsfieldPete
    Forum
    What do you do when...
    I have had this problem several times myself especially with fast electrics when they "flip" over. At present I take my old Aerokits Sea Commander with me to use as a rescue boat but there is always some element of difficulty when trying to line it up with the upturned craft. How you deal with it depends on the size of your boating lake. On small ones it is possible to have a vertical pole mounted on the bank with a long length of string attached to it. You then roll out the string and walk round until the string makes contact with your boat then slowly walk back bringing the boat to the side. Building a rescue craft like you describe is perfectly normal as I have seen them from time to time and also you see them on You Tube when retrieving usually (you guess it), a fast electric in distress. Good luck with your project and you can also disguise your "rescue boat" to look like a pusher tug etc.😁
    6 years ago by boaty
    Forum
    RE ads90's Vosper Firefloat
    It is a little while ago since this subject was raised but I came across it to day whilst passing my time looking through this continuingly interesting web site, but for what it is worth I will outline a bit I know about the RAF marine branch. I was one of the last National Service RAF enlisted men and started my service 5 th April 1960. I was then trained as an Air Wireless Fitter at Yatesbury and on passing the reqired tests was posted to RAF Mountbatten in May 1961, this was sited on the coastline of Plymouth Sound and the marine craft were moored on the Cattewater. Not long before I got there, the main base for the RAF Marine activities was on the I. of W. at Calshot but the decision had been made, due to the great contraction of the marine arm, as helicopters had taken over the rescue task and the loss in interest in aircraft operating from water, the MU ( Maintenance Unit ) was moved to the operational station at Plymouth. Mountbatten was quite busy with various activities and it was the H.Q. of Coastal Command the other activities was in providing targets for Shackelton training, dingy drill for aircrew and survival training for aircrew on Dartmoor. All the useful marine craft were moved to Plymouth and I would imagine things like Fire Floats would have been disposed of prior to the move. All that was at Mountbatten were RTTL's of various standards, RSL's and Pinnance's. The only strange item was an old Rescue Launch which was powered by 3 Napier Lion engines, all the later RTTLs had Rolls Royce Merlin derivatives. This was the only large boat that I ever had a fast ride on, but unfortunately we were only a few miles out of the Sound when one of the engines failed and we had to limp home. I never had a fast trip on a RTTL. I used to have lots of trips outside the breakwater on RSL's on RAF crew dingy drill, when the pilot under training had to jump off the boat with his uninflated dingy and when the RSL made as many waves as possible he had to inflate it and climb in whilst the launch continued to rough the sea up as much as possible. He then stayed in his dingy for about 45 minutes which was not very pleasant in winter. It was for us lesser mortals an enjoyable spectator sport to see commissioned officers undergoing sme discomfort. I think that all the odd marine equipment was lost when Calshot closed.
    6 years ago by nasraf
    Directory
    (Working Vessel) RAF Air Sea Rescue Launch
    This is another article for MB magazine. The model plan had to fit across 2 pages (A3) Hence its length. This one is built using the old Keil Kraft Eezibilt methods of the late 1950's. Made using mainly Balsa wood and covered in nylon tights and dope. it is fully detailed mainly using odds and ends . The plexiglass gun turrets are made using 21mm Carp fishing 'Ball' floats. Masters in plastic were fitted to the model after mouldings were made for the Oerlikon 20mm and all the Lewis guns as well as shrapnel padding and most fittings. 2 sheets of highly detailed plans will be free in the Winter Special hopefully with a full photo and build write up. It goes like a rocket. Great little model and all for under £25.00!. (Inc ESC, Motor and battery!) (Motor: Turnigy 2211 x 1400kv) (ESC: HK 10 Car For/Rev.) (10/10)
    6 years ago by ronrees
    Blog
    Background Information
    HSL100 Type 2 High Speed Launch 63 feet 21.5 tons 39 Knots 1941 built by The British Power Boat Company and popularly known as the 'Whaleback' (as the cabin looks like a whale diving). The craft operating in the North Sea / English Channel. Their armament consisted of any weapon which the crew could find, they started of with a single 303 in each ball turret and progressed to twin 303's, also some had two paired 303's on twin mounting posts and a 20mm on the rear deck where the life raft was originally. Between the 15th July 1940 and October Britain lost 215, hard to replace, pilots and aircrew to the seas. Thus in February 1941, with the motto "The sea shall not have them".The Air Sea Rescue Services (ASRS) were created, which later became the RAF Search and Rescue Force. :- 122 63ft BRITISH POWER BOAT HSL WHALEBACK 123 63ft BRITISH POWER BOAT HSL WHALEBACK 124 63ft BRITISH POWER BOAT HSL WHALEBACK 125 63ft BRITISH POWER BOAT HSL WHALEBACK 126 63ft BRITISH POWER BOAT HSL WHALEBACK 127 63ft BRITISH POWER BOAT HSL WHALEBACK 128 63ft BRITISH POWER BOAT HSL WHALEBACK 129 63ft BRITISH POWER BOAT HSL WHALEBACK 130 63ft BRITISH POWER BOAT HSL WHALEBACK 131 63ft BRITISH POWER BOAT HSL WHALEBACK 132 63ft BRITISH POWER BOAT HSL WHALEBACK 133 63ft BRITISH POWER BOAT HSL WHALEBACK 134 63ft BRITISH POWER BOAT HSL WHALEBACK 135 63ft BRITISH POWER BOAT HSL WHALEBACK 136 63ft BRITISH POWER BOAT HSL WHALEBACK 137 63ft BRITISH POWER BOAT HSL WHALEBACK 138 63ft BRITISH POWER BOAT HSL WHALEBACK 139 63ft BRITISH POWER BOAT HSL WHALEBACK 140 63ft BRITISH POWER BOAT HSL WHALEBACK 141 63ft BRITISH POWER BOAT HSL WHALEBACK 142 63ft BRITISH POWER BOAT HSL WHALEBACK 143 63ft BRITISH POWER BOAT HSL WHALEBACK 144 63ft BRITISH POWER BOAT HSL WHALEBACK 145 63ft BRITISH POWER BOAT HSL WHALEBACK 146 63ft BRITISH POWER BOAT HSL WHALEBACK 147 63ft BRITISH POWER BOAT HSL WHALEBACK 148 63ft BRITISH POWER BOAT HSL WHALEBACK 149 63ft BRITISH POWER BOAT HSL WHALEBACK - 156 63ft BRITISH POWER BOAT HSL WHALEBACK 157 63ft BRITISH POWER BOAT HSL WHALEBACK 158 63ft BRITISH POWER BOAT HSL WHALEBACK 159 63ft BRITISH POWER BOAT HSL WHALEBACK 161 63ft BRITISH POWER BOAT HSL WHALEBACK 162 63ft BRITISH POWER BOAT HSL WHALEBACK 163 63ft BRITISH POWER BOAT HSL WHALEBACK 164 63ft BRITISH POWER BOAT HSL WHALEBACK 165 63ft BRITISH POWER BOAT HSL WHALEBACK 166 63ft BRITISH POWER BOAT HSL WHALEBACK 168 63ft BRITISH POWER BOAT HSL WHALEBACK 169 63ft BRITISH POWER BOAT HSL WHALEBACK 171 63ft BRITISH POWER BOAT HSL WHALEBACK 172 63ft BRITISH POWER BOAT HSL WHALEBACK 173 63ft BRITISH POWER BOAT HSL WHALEBACK 174 63ft BRITISH POWER BOAT HSL WHALEBACK 175 63ft BRITISH POWER BOAT HSL WHALEBACK 176 63ft BRITISH POWER BOAT HSL WHALEBACK 177 63ft BRITISH POWER BOAT HSL WHALEBACK 178 63ft BRITISH POWER BOAT HSL WHALEBACK 179 63ft BRITISH POWER BOAT HSL WHALEBACK 180 63ft BRITISH POWER BOAT HSL WHALEBACK 181 63ft BRITISH POWER BOAT HSL WHALEBACK 182 63ft BRITISH POWER BOAT HSL WHALEBACK 183 63ft BRITISH POWER BOAT HSL WHALEBACK 185 63ft BRITISH POWER BOAT HSL WHALEBACK 186 63ft BRITISH POWER BOAT HSL WHALEBACK 187 63ft BRITISH POWER BOAT HSL WHALEBACK 188 63ft BRITISH POWER BOAT HSL WHALEBACK 189 63ft BRITISH POWER BOAT HSL WHALEBACK 190 63ft BRITISH POWER BOAT HSL WHALEBACK - 2250 63ft BRITISH POWER BOAT HSL WHALEBACK - 2546 63ft BRITISH POWER BOAT HSL WHALEBACK 2547 63ft BRITISH POWER BOAT HSL WHALEBACK 2548 63ft BRITISH POWER BOAT HSL WHALEBACK 2549 63ft BRITISH POWER BOAT HSL WHALEBACK 2550 63ft BRITISH POWER BOAT HSL WHALEBACK 2551 63ft BRITISH POWER BOAT HSL WHALEBACK By the end of WWII more than 8,000 aircrew and 5,000 civilians had been rescued by the service. The role of aircraft in the ASRS was to locate downed airmen and help them, by dropping them survival equipment and stores, while they waited for an ASRS launch to pick them up.
    6 years ago by CB90
    Directory
    (Fire Boat) Grimmershorn II
    The Motor vessel 'Grimmershorn' was built in 1956/57 by Hansa Stahlund Schiffbau GmbH at Koln-Deutz for the Waterways and Shipping Administration at Cuxhaven.Her Daimler-Benz four stroke diesel engine had an output of 500hp. permitting a speed of 11.5 knots. The model hull and deck are vacuum formed ABS, timber work of precision cut ply, 2 full size plan sheets and a construction manual along with a fittings pack complete this kit. Technical Data Scale: 1:20 Length: 1038mm Beam 305mm The Grimmershorn was the second major kit I purchased from a model shop on the outskirts of Harlow in Essex back in the 1980s. The Krik kit is still produced and sold today. My build was a slow and lost enthusiasm so after completing the hull, deck, motor and bow thruster installation I gave the boat to my father in-law who completed the superstructure and sailed the boat for a while, eventually the boat was given back to me when the father in-law moved house. I then repaired the rudder, added a moving radar, a adjustable water cannon and pump also various extra fittings such as a detailed life raft and crane, buoys and captain figure. thus renamed the boat as Grimmershorn II a Search and rescue fire boat. (Motor: 950) (ESC: 15A 24v) (5/10)
    6 years ago by CB90
    Forum
    RE ads90's Vosper Firefloat
    Thanks for your reply and its very interesting. Was your model based on an advanced Fire Float that little was known about outside of military circles? Bridlington is only a short distance from RAF Elvington which was a bomber base in WW2. in the 1950s it became a V Bomber base and logically it would need to have improved marine rescue facilities to deal with aircraft that had ditched in the North Sea. It could be that your boat was built to fulfil this role and there may be a possibility that other Fire Floats may have been constructed for similar uses but not disclosed. 😁😁😁. Boaty
    6 years ago by boaty
    Media
    ''Westbourne''
    Westbourne is a Port of London Authority steam Tug from the Caldercraft Mini-Fleet Range - it is 1:48 scale. This model was discontinued a few years ago but I did manage to purchase a brand new boxed one via ebay a couple of years ago. During her time Westbourne was hired by the Royal Navy as a rescue tug. She saw service with them between October 1916 and July 1919 in the HM Dockyard. Prior to that she was on general towing service duties on the Thames. She can be found mentioned in “SHIPS OF THE ROYAL NAVY, 1914-1919 - by TYPE & CLASS Section 3. SUPPORT and HARBOUR VESSELS” Following the first world war ‘Westbourne’ was one of three tugs attached to the Port of London Authority (PLA) Dredging Service, they were the "Westbourne", "Thorney" and "Brent", they were all fitted with a drag and under running gear.In 1940 during the Battle of Britain. ‘Westbourne’ and many other tugs were used in assisting the berthing of these large ships that entered the Thames. The photos show from box to construction plus her on the water.
    6 years ago by ads90
    Directory
    (Other) TRIUMPH (CG-52301)
    ON THE WAYS: BARRACUDA RC BOATS 1:12 USCG 52' TYPE F WOODEN MOTOR LIFEBOAT; NAMED "TRIUMPH" (CG-52301), IN HONOR OF THE RESCUE CRAFT LOST IN JAN 1961 DURING RESCUE ATTEMPT WITH LOSS OF ALL HANDS. THIS KIT IS ONE OF THREE IN EXISTENCE, THE OTHER TWO BEING BUILT BY A GENTLEMAN IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST (ONE FOR PERSONAL, THE OTHER FOR A MUSEUM. SHE IS MAINLY LASER CUT BALTIC BIRCH PLYWOOD; THE FALSE KEEL 19MM THICK, RIBS 5.5MM, DECK AND HULL & CABINS 3MM. THE HULL WILL BE COVERED AND REINFORCED WITH POLYESTER FABRIC AND MINWAX POLYURETHANE. THE DECK WILL BE COVERED BY 1/8" BASSWOOD SCRIBED SHEATHING AND THE FANTAIL SEMICIRCLE ABOVE THE STERN POST WILL BE 1/16". FINISH WITH A LIGHT MAHOGANY DECK COAMING. HANDMADE WOODEN RUDDER ON A 3/8" POST STEERED BY A SAIL WINCH SERVO & CABLE SYSTEM, RABOESCH 75MM 5-BLADE BRASS WHEEL TURNED BY A 4MM S/S SHAFT. MOST DECK FITTINGS AND HOUSINGS ARE HANDMADE WHENEVER POSSIBLE AND WOOD REMAINS NATURAL WHEN DETAIL ALLOWS IT, AS I DON'T ENJOY PAINTING OVER NATURAL GRAIN. I LOVE TO REPURPOSE THE LEFTOVER LUMBER FROM KIT TEMPLATES, LORD KNOWS I HAVE PLENTY OF IT. OH WELL, THE TEMP OUTSIDE IS GONNA DELAY ANY PAINTING, ANYWAY.THIS ONE'S TOO BIG FOR THE TUB, SO COME NEXT NAVIGATION SEASON, I'LL BE INVESTING IN A 12X4 FT. INFLATABLE POOL. LET'S GO RC BOATING! YES, MR. ARNOLD PALMER WAS A US COAST GUARDSMAN (YM3) 1950-53 (Motor: 775 JOHNSON-TYPE FAN-COOLED 6-12V) (ESC: DIMART 320A FAN-COOLED) (8/10)
    6 years ago by circle43nautical
    Forum
    raf rescue
    launch shape
    Hi Selwyn, apropos Curtis Tomahawk - check this out new from Airfix 😉 https://www.airfix.com/uk-en/curtis-tomahawk-mk-iib-1-72.html?utm_campaign=1919196_Airfix%20-%20Curtis%20Tomahawk%20Mk.IIB%201%3A72%20-%20Week%2026%202017&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Hornby%20PLC&utm_content=A01003A&_%24ja=tsid%3A71284&dm_i=2DJZ,154V0,22YBT9,3IQUD,1 Cheers Doug 😎
    7 years ago by RNinMunich
    Forum
    raf rescue
    launch shape
    Ezeebild
    raf rescue
    boat. I need to know if a 20" model is increased by 50% what scale would it be 1/16 or 1/18 scale Mick aka Gravedigger47
    7 years ago by Gravedigger47
    Forum
    raf rescue
    launch shape
    Going back to the original question!! Basic formula for scaling, up or down, to make it easier for awkward numbers (i.e. not simple fractions) is- Given S1 is original scale, F is scaling factor, S2 is new scale, Then S2=S1x1/F From example above; S1=37, F=1.5. Gives S2=37/1.5 =24.66r. QED. Cheers Doug 😎
    7 years ago by RNinMunich
    Forum
    raf rescue
    launch shape
    Re other RAF boats - for info and lots of pics on all classes of boats used by the RAF click here- http://www.rafboats.co.uk/ Guess the 'old sea dogs' already know this but many newbies perhaps not 😉 Cheers Doug 😎
    7 years ago by RNinMunich
    Forum
    raf rescue
    launch shape
    Hi Selwyn, Brilliant, link is good. 👍 What a gorgeous sound 😉 Nice landing, that guy can fly!
    7 years ago by RNinMunich
    Forum
    raf rescue
    launch shape
    Hi Doug, thanks for that. That photo of ST 480 shows her off Lyme Regis which is where she was stationed in 1941 and was being used as the Range Safety boat for the ranges off Chesil Beach that day when the P40 crashed and they picked up the pilot.
    7 years ago by SelwynWilliams
    Forum
    raf rescue
    launch shape
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzoR-NArifU I presume this link to You Tube will show the P40 Tomahawk successfully
    7 years ago by SelwynWilliams
    Forum
    raf rescue
    launch shape
    Hi Selwyn, would you believe I committed the researchers 'cardinal sin' yesterday and forgot to bookmark where I found ST480🤔 Well, it was late! Anyway, found it again today, here's the link- http://www.rafboats.co.uk/gallery/480/ Cheers Doug 😎
    7 years ago by RNinMunich
    Forum
    raf rescue
    launch shape
    Hi All, surprisingly (to me anyway) there is a cross-link here to the Elco PT boats! Apparently Scott-Paine took his 70ft PT9 HSL/PTB design to America looking for cooperation with Packard for engines and extra production facilities. This was the birth of the Elco PT Boat series! We all think of them as American, but the design was British 👍😉 From Scott-Paine's biography- "PT boats (First Pic shows Elco 70-foot (21 m) PT boat PT-10 in 1941) In 1939 agreement was reached with the American Electric Launch Company (Elco) to purchase a British Power Boat 70-footer (later named PT9), as a template for American production under licence. PT9 (second pic 1940) was taken by the US President Roosevelt to Elco’s works at New London, Connecticut. On 3 October Scott-Paine met President Roosevelt and senior Elco representatives at the White House to authorize the creation of a new naval arm, the PT Boat Squadrons. (PT boat was short for Patrol Torpedo boat). Production started at a new Elco factory at Bayonne, New Jersey in January 1940. The Canadian Power Boat Company was set up by Scott-Paine in 1940. This produced 39 boats, mainly MTBs. After the passing of Lend-Lease in 1941 comparative trials, nicknamed the Plywood Derbys, were held between rival American boatbuilders, Elco winning both. Elco went on to produce 754 70-, 77-, and 80-foot (24 m) PT boats, including Jack Kennedy’s PT109 as well as the boat that rescued General Douglas MacArthur from Corregidor. Later years In December 1944, Scott-Paine received a cheque for $200,000 with an accompanying letter of appreciation for his contributions made to the development of the PT boat from Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal. The money was from Elco and was brokered by legal teams, releasing Elco from any and all further liabilities concerning the license rights." Well! Did you ever !!😉 Cheers Doug 😎
    7 years ago by RNinMunich
    Forum
    raf rescue
    launch shape
    Hi Mark, if you are right with 63ft and the original model was 20" that's scale of ~1:37. At 30" scale is then ~1:25. Cheers Doug 😎
    7 years ago by RNinMunich
    Forum
    raf rescue
    launch shape
    Hi Selwyn, unfortunately you can only upload picture files (jpeg etc) to this site. For video clips we have to make detour via YouTube 🤔 Cheers Doug 😎
    7 years ago by RNinMunich
    Forum
    raf rescue
    launch shape
    Hi Doug , I think your right i re-read the Keil Kraft link and it was the smaller eezebuilds that were 1:24 the boat i got enlarged for Mick was the RAF fire tender so probably the 63ft version ,probably right about the comedy double act ,the chuckle brothers only more chuckle than brothers . Cheers Marky👍
    7 years ago by marky
    Forum
    raf rescue
    launch shape
    Engine test of a P40
    7 years ago by SelwynWilliams
    Forum
    raf rescue
    launch shape
    That is what I heard re Scott Paine and Lawrence many thanks again for the info RN
    7 years ago by SelwynWilliams
    Forum
    raf rescue
    launch shape
    Hi Selwyn, no idea! Sheer luck or more practise? 😉 Took a little while, but when I get curious ..... Anyway, very glad I did and that it fits the bill. All the best Doug 😎
    7 years ago by RNinMunich
    Forum
    raf rescue
    launch shape
    Hi Mick and Mark, (Sorry but that sounds like a comedy duo😉) Apparently before the intervention of Scott-Paine (of Supermarine / Schneider Trophy fame and founder of British Power Boat company), and T.E. Lawrence (of Lawrence of Arabia fame!) who designed and developed the first HSLs, these little 40 foot STs had a secondary role as emergency boats. Even though they were not very fast, ca 20 knots max. Lawrence witnessed a seaplane crash in the Solent while serving as an Aircraftman at the RAF Seaplane base. He saw how the ST took so long to reach the plane that it sank before they got there and several crew members drowned. He started lobbying his RAF Commanders to obtain faster launches as dedicated rescue boats. When Scott-Paine also proposed fast rescue launches the RAF suggested Lawrence as co developer and tester. Sadly Lawrence did not live to see the final version, having died in a motorbike crash in 1936. You live and learn! Cheers Doug 😎
    7 years ago by RNinMunich
    Forum
    raf rescue
    launch shape
    so how come you found the photo and I couldn't :)
    7 years ago by SelwynWilliams
    Forum
    raf rescue
    launch shape
    Found it by accident and yes it does look a cross between Hurricane and Typhoon.
    7 years ago by SelwynWilliams
    Forum
    raf rescue
    launch shape
    Hi Selwyn, glad to have helped. Can understand your personal interest, tragic story, like so many at that time. Did you set out to find the plane or just 'stumble' over it? If you pass the photo on to the family give them my regards and best wishes as well. Cheers Doug 😎 PS The Tomahawk looks a bit like a cross between a Typhoon and a Hurricane MK1 !!
    7 years ago by RNinMunich
    Forum
    raf rescue
    launch shape
    P40 flying and wreck upside down showing centre line of fuselage and oleo and wheel. it was broken off after the wing.
    7 years ago by SelwynWilliams
    Forum
    raf rescue
    launch shape
    Brilliant many thanks RN. This ST 480 saved the pilot of a Curtiss P40 Tomahawk that crashed in the sea off Chesil Beach on 8th November 1941 and I found the wreck of it in 1980. He died a month later shot down over the coast of France. I got details of him from his family this year and now you give me a photo of the boat when I have searched online without success. You have made my day.
    7 years ago by SelwynWilliams
    Forum
    raf rescue
    launch shape
    Hi Selwyn, since he wrote 'Rescue Boat' I assumed it must be an HSL! This is all I can find on ST480. Apparently a 40 footer MK1. Cheers Doug 😎
    7 years ago by RNinMunich
    Forum
    raf rescue
    launch shape
    Hi Marky, don't know where you saw that (Eagle Eye😉) but IF correct then so is your maths👍 BUT: if correct then 20" x 24 = 480" or 40 feet?? Pretty small rescue launch! 😲 Then again; wadda I know? Taking 68feet as an average of the various HSL versions (excluding the Fairmile) 68x12=816, 816/20=40.8 scale. Therefore at 30" the scale would be ~27:1. Cheers Doug😎
    7 years ago by RNinMunich
    Forum
    raf rescue
    launch shape
    Hi Mick,according to the Keil Kraft link Doug posted earlier the original was approximately 1:24 which would make your version approximately 1:16 if my maths are right . Cheers Marky
    7 years ago by marky
    Forum
    raf rescue
    launch shape
    More nostalgia! Ad from 1957, including the Taycol Target that I recently converted to forward and reverse operation. 24 shillings and 8 pence PLUS 4 shillings and 11 pence Purchase Tax!!! A small fortune!🤔 😎
    7 years ago by RNinMunich
    Forum
    raf rescue
    launch shape
    PS: for all 'Eezebilt' fans! http://www.model-plans.co.uk/ernie%20webster.html happy wallowing in nostalgia, Doug 😎
    7 years ago by RNinMunich
    Forum
    raf rescue
    launch shape
    Which version of the HSL is the plan supposed to represent? 63, 64, 67, 68, 73, or even 115 feet - Fairmile version! Without knowing that we don't know what the original scale is before enlargement. Basically: if you enlarge the model by 50% (i.e x 3/2) the final scale will be 2/3 of the original scale. E.g. if the original scale is 1:30 expanding by 50% would give a scale of 1:20. Happy enlarging, Cheers Doug 😎
    7 years ago by RNinMunich
    Directory
    (Fire Boat) 1956
    Eezibuild 50+RAF fire rescue boat ,laser cut from 3mm MDF oak decks ,don't know if there was a fire boat numbered 1956 but it was a good year so that's the number decided the fire sign and numbers should be air force blue laser cut from photographic paper ,vents were 3D printed still some finishing touches (5/10)
    7 years ago by marky
    Forum
    RAF rttl D2763
    A brief history After the second world war and as part of the occupational forces the Second tactical air force the RAF took over Sylt airport in 1945 and later in 1946 the RAF decided to use the airport and the airspace west of Sylt and Amrum as a firing range, and was known as RAF Sylt Armament Practice Station. From February 1948 to February 1949 the airfield was closed and prepared for the operation of jet aircraft. For target practice a target towing Squadron was stationed continuously on the station. The aircraft used were Miles M. 25 Martinet, hawker Tempest TT, DE Havilland mosquito TT. 35, Gloster Meteor F. 8, Meteor T 7. For instruction and training flights the flight also had some DE Havilland vampire T. 9s, hawker Hunter F. 4s, Hunter T. 7s. The aircraft of the target towing squadron were housed in the hangar of 402 near the South West of the Station. Therefore, the unofficial designation of weapon training squadron 402 was used at the time. For patrolling and securing the range area, as well as for rescue and training operations Marine Craft Section boats were stationed at List and Hörnum, Bristol Sycamore HR 14 rescue helicopters were Also station at RAF Sylt. Air traffic control boats and HSLs were stationed in the port of List at the beginning of the fifties (see pictures) D Boats In 1954, the decision was taken to replace the air traffic control boats and the HSLs with RttLs mk2s Rescue Target Towing Launch. As part of the rebuilding program to help the German economy the boats were designed and built by Krogerwerft Yard at Rendsburg. (Later taken over by Lursson ship builders) and were numbered D2762- D2766 these boats came in service mid 1955 which explains why my Father severed on both HSL and D-boats (preferring the D-boat) D2762 and D2765 Based Hörnum, D2763 and D2764 from List, with D2766 as a reserve boat in the event of maintenance or breakdown, Their design was very different to any other boats in the Marine Craft Section/unit more like the German Schenllboot or S Boot (allied code name 'E' Boat which my father always used), with flared bows and rounded bilges and powered by high speed diesels. The D boats were fitted with winches for Target Towing, these were removed as the boats duties were change to Range Safety and ASR These boats only served with the RAF, until 1961. Two were sold to the south African Air force D2762 and D2764 in1961, and the other three handed over to the Federal German Navy in 1961. All were subsequently used as ASR craft. D- Boats in German service The German Navy, the “Bundesmarine commissioned them on 1.9.1961 as FL 9 to FL11 and were used by Marinefliegergeschwader 5"naval aviation Squadron 5” Until end of September 1975. the three were termed as air traffic control The fate of these three boats is a bit uncertain, one of these boats was in the process of being sold as NVG S1 as a North Sea supply boat, this deal fell through and the boat was sold to private owner in italy (no further record for this boat found) the other two boats are said to been scraped or de-commissioned , however these boats are quit properly the two that ended up in the service of the Spanish customs service as cutters, after they were confiscated when smuggling, I have tried to contact the Spanish about these boats but have not heard from them and presume they were scraped or sold in to private hands ( there is the suggestion that they were driven on rocks and sunk, no evidence found) D-boats of the South African air force/navy The two boats that were obtained by the south African air force in 1961 were originally known as R30 and R31 and they served under SAAF until 1969 when the unit was taken over by the south African navy and R30 became P1552 and R31 became P1551 these were changed again when holiday makers referred to the boats as PISS1 and PISS1 too R30 to P30 and R31 to P31. Both these boats were diffidently sunk R30 Lost off Saldanah Bay on 7 October 1988 after striking a reef off Danger Point. R31, near Cape Point, after she grounded through contaminated fuel issues There are somethings about these boats that strike me as odd, The originations that took over these boats, they don’t like to mention the fact that these were ex-RAF or British boats, There is no record of the Spanish boats, it is said that they were sunk but no details are available except what is said on one form. I think I have done as much looking for information as I can, most of the bare facts are stated so thanks to all those web sites and forms that I have used and the pictures I have used I would like to thank to Dave M for the drawing And thanks to the marine craft branch museum for their help and for putting me in touch with Mr Rick Mortby who built the museums model of the D boat And a big thank you to Rick Mortby for the scale drawing and for his trust. And to Dr Christian Ostersehlte historian for Lurssen shipbuilders for the pictures of my Fathers boat D2763 and now I can start the building of the model D boat
    7 years ago by teejay
    Directory
    (Naval Ship)
    raf rescue
    & Target Towing HSL
    My 1st foray in boat building, a Kitshack RTTL. Since its first build the motors have been upgunned from JP480's to the brushless it currently has along gradually increasing battery performance from NiMH to 11.1 Lipos. Twin props and rudder give this craft superb control on a straight run or cornering, no digging in, no torque roll and boy does it plane (Motor: Turnigy 2212 14T) (9/10)
    8 years ago by sigfortunata
    Response
    raf rescue
    OH dear You should never bin an engine no matter what state it's in Someone will always take it off your hands. For spares repair etc
    8 years ago by onetenor
    Response
    raf rescue
    OK thanks Paul, I' building "Dauntless" 49" Twin .46 ASP marine Nitro. Everyone says it is way over powered but they have no idea that Rothchild liked to drive his flat out at 50mph---scale speed would not look very fast at all but according to Dumas they put K&B .40's in the first one off the production line and it looked wonderful. 😊 Here in Tasmania we are less fortunate with hobby shops so we are always on the look out for a "Fixerupper" Cheers and a Happy Christmas,,, if you are still allowed to say that word 😰 Mike
    8 years ago by maclegends
    Response
    raf rescue
    hI mike sorry the engine went in the bin if I still had it I would have let you have it for nothing it was just rubbish to me sorry paul
    8 years ago by paulsmith
    Response
    raf rescue
    You didn't throw the engine away did you ?? I might buy it if you've still got it and it is not a total wreck 😀 Cheers Mike
    8 years ago by maclegends
    Response
    raf rescue
    You must be proud of the result - a cracking model!
    8 years ago by petercbrown
    Response
    raf rescue
    Two nice examples. Just goes to show that bargains are still to be found, and with time, skill and effort can be restored. 😀
    8 years ago by Dave M
    Response
    raf rescue
    What a result for £15! Well done
    8 years ago by petercbrown


    About This Website
    Terms of Service
    Privacy Policy