null_null981707818191 Posted March 8 Share Posted March 8 If you’ve read any of my previous posts, you’ll know that I usually focus my attention on WW2 1/72 scale aircraft, especially the ones that flew from RAF Warmwell, just down the road from where I live in Dorset. I’ve already built a Walrus of 276 Squadron which was based at Warmwell, but I thought that I’d expand my envelope and have a go at building a boat for a change, so I decided to build the Airfix 1/72 Air Sea Rescue ‘whaleback’ launch. There is a local connection, because such craft were operated from nearby Weymouth, where there was a flotilla of ASR launches operated by 40ASRMCU (Air Sea Recue Marine Craft Unit). Research indicated that launch number 185 was one of the craft involved, so that was the marking I chose. I found the build reasonably straightforward for the most part, although getting the two halves of the hull to line up involved liquid cement and working a couple of inches at a time. What I found a challenge was all the detail that boats have – far more than aircraft – that needed sticking in the right place, and painting. The crew members were a delight – and I followed Ratch’s advice and gave them a wash with Vallejo sepia wash – much improved on basic painting. The yellow decals for the hull numbers were sourced from Hannants, and the rigging – AK Thin - was attached using Hot Roket CA with Roket blaster. All the paints used were Vallejo, and everything was brush painted. It’s a fairly elderly kit – which gave rise to few challenges of cleaning-up, flash removal and fit – but for my first foray into boat-building (well, the first one since the Santa Maria when I was about 10) I’m quite pleased with the outcome, especially as it adds to my collection relating to WW2 Dorset. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sailorman Posted March 8 Share Posted March 8 Very nice. Great to have another boat model maker here! We tend to be outnumbered by the wingy ones! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
null_null981707818191 Posted March 9 Author Share Posted March 9 Hi Sailorman - thanks for the kind words - praise indeed! I've got HMS Belfast sitting on the shelf - but it might take a bit of time to summon up the courage to tackle that! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john redman Posted March 11 Share Posted March 11 Nice one, you don't see these built up often. I read somewhere that the RAF launches were actually MGBs taken over for rescue purposes. So quite a logical pair with the Vosper MTB. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter Terry1707820234 Posted April 23 Share Posted April 23 Very nice build captured the authentic look of the original you should have no problem with the Belfast kit "take the Plunge" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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