9 Posts
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H.M.S.SCIMITAR FTB
After the end of the war the Royal Navy decided to move from gasoline powered fast launches to diesel, to reduce fire risks.
The first major diesel powered boat class was the Dark, introduced in the mid1950s. These were powered by two Napier Deltic horizontally opposed, triangular layout two stroke diesels.
Shortly after this class was introduced it was determined the role of the Fast Patrol boat had been superseded by helicopters and aircraft. The Fast Patrol vessels were then gradually withdrawn.
To retain competence in the use of fast vessels, the RN commissioned three fast training boats (FTBs), the Scimitar class. This was the last high speed RN class of the era.
They were similar to the Brave in many ways. Both were built by Vosper and the lineage is evident. Rather than three Proteus gas turbines, they only had two, although with CODOG diesel units for slow speed operation. They were unarmed and designed to give R.N. crews experience in fast, coastal patrol boats.
The vessels could be armed and converted to three Proteus turbines if circumstances changed.
Our COVID lock-down hastened progress on my Dark class project, so have been trying to find another build for the coming winter. Have decided to model fast patrol type vessels for the time being. They are great fun on the water.
Would have liked to build a Scimitar Class FTB in around 1:32 scale, again using a GF hull from MTB Hulls, but that scale was not in their range. A GF hull is light and robust, well suited to these vessels. MTBHulls did offer a 1:72 scale hull, but that worked out around 16.5β long. Thought it would be too small for a working scale model.
Was in touch with a modeller in Australia who has made similar models. He also pointed out the number of successful βplastic magicβ conversions of kits that are around this size. Obviously, it is achievable. Would give an unexpected change as the larger scale would have been similar to my recent Brave Borderer and R.A.F. RTTL projects.
The biggest challenge will be to keep the weight down to around 450g.
Looked an interesting and challenging project and at such a small scale one with plenty of potential for failure.
Rowen
1 year ago
11 Posts
12 Followers
82 Likes
HMAFV SEAL
My last project, H.M.S. Brave Borderer, was an interesting and enjoyable build. It was based on a glass fibre (gf) hull from MTBHULLS. Have decided that purchasing a gf hull gives an excellent base for a scale, robust model. Have previously experienced minor issues of micro-cracking on wooden models, gf avoids that. From a cost perspective, the hulls are probably little more expensive than building from scratch.
MTBHulls was planning to produce a hull for the R.A.F. Seal Class which would be available in time for my winter 2019 project. The Seal was the last class operated by the R.A.F. Marine Branch, but as a LRRS (Long Range Recovery & Support) launch. They were significantly larger than the traditional ASRL, offering much greater range and capability, albeit it at a lower speed.
At 1:35 scale the overall length would be 41.25β, just about my upper limit for transport.
Ordered the hull and it duly arrived well packaged and safely, rather earlier than expected! At least it gave the opportunity for installing and testing the running gear before winter.
Rowen
3 years ago
20 Posts
2 Followers
74 Likes
DAMEN STAN 4207
Blog 20 (Conclusion) Posted 18 Aug 2017
Have experimented with converting the jet ski into an RIB with some success. The project is not complete, but have made provision for it in the sternway. The RIB weights something around 8oz, so decided to move the LO-PO cell forward to compensate for this addition and also improve accessibility.
Much to my surprise the cell fitted neatly in front of the rear bullhead, about 2β forward of the previous position. The nett result was that although the model is slightly heavier, this is not readily apparent. The waterline remains just above the water level.
Have now conducted several trials in a sheltered local pool, so ventured forth onto a much larger open lake. One reason was to try to get a video of her on the water as requested by one of my peers. This has been submiited to the Video Gallery.
This lake is large and deep. As there was a 10 β 20 knot gusty breeze and was apprehensive about going far from the dock. Would estimate the video speed at about 85% of her maximum, quite fast enough to exceed scale.
The model performed well; even when heeled by the wind in a turn there was no water over the lee deck edge. The effect of the stabilizers is apparent, she answers the helm quickly and remains stable.
In summary, a very satisfying project, one that will give years of pleasure.
This is the concluding blog entry as am now moving onto a new project, a scale model of M.V. Teakwood.
Rowen
6 years ago