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Author Topic: Old RAF launch hull (kit built?) for ID  (Read 4298 times)

Edward Pinniger

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Old RAF launch hull (kit built?) for ID
« on: October 21, 2011, 02:24:41 pm »
This 31in plywood hull of a RAF service launch is in a seriously bad state - all of the glue joins have deteriorated and it's only held together by rusty steel pins; the transom has already fallen off! - but I think it will be rescuable with the help of aliphatic wood glue and GRP resin. It's very neatly made (not sure if it was a kit or scratchbuild) but has obviously been rotting away in someone's garden shed for decades.

But what is it? I originally thought it might be a 63ft Whaleback, but the cabin layout is wrong (it has a well/cockpit aft) as well as the hull not having the "whaleback" sheer line. The cabin layout doesn't match any of the WW2 RAF craft in my reference books, but it could be a post-war type. Definitely not a RTTL or crash tender, though.
Any ideas?
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DickyD

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Re: Old RAF launch hull (kit built?) for ID
« Reply #1 on: October 21, 2011, 02:47:46 pm »
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barriew

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Re: Old RAF launch hull (kit built?) for ID
« Reply #2 on: October 21, 2011, 02:48:25 pm »
Probably an Adamcraft Seaplane Tender - like Richard's picture. First boat I ever built with my Dad in the '50s.

Barrie
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Edward Pinniger

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Re: Old RAF launch hull (kit built?) for ID
« Reply #3 on: October 21, 2011, 03:27:03 pm »
Thanks for the help - that's definitely what it is! I ought to have recognised it myself as I saw a full-size one at RAF Hendon only a few months ago (in the Battle of Britain Hall next to the Sunderland flying boat).
Though I don't intend on actually building a model out of the hull in the imminent future, I'm currently working on repairing + restoring it before it disintegrates into its component parts!
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thelegos

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Re: Old RAF launch hull (kit built?) for ID
« Reply #4 on: October 21, 2011, 03:42:08 pm »
It is an Adamcraft Seaplane tender as designed by Harvey Adam in the 1950's.
Lovely things  O0 Here is my original build, I can't decide whether to leave it or strip it and restore so it's on the back burner at the moment. {:-{







Cheers,
Roger

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nhp651

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Re: Old RAF launch hull (kit built?) for ID
« Reply #5 on: October 21, 2011, 04:20:36 pm »
I'm just building the 35.5 foot version at the moment, and about to mould a grp mould for it too.

a lovely little boat to build.
neil.
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thelegos

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Re: Old RAF launch hull (kit built?) for ID
« Reply #6 on: October 21, 2011, 05:10:34 pm »
That looks good Neil, probably a better proposition than restoring some of these poor old things we've got sitting around !!

Won't leak either  :-))

Roger
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nhp651

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Re: Old RAF launch hull (kit built?) for ID
« Reply #7 on: October 21, 2011, 07:45:16 pm »
I'm a great believer in GRP Roger. far easier to maintain.lol

neil.
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nhp651

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Re: Old RAF launch hull (kit built?) for ID
« Reply #8 on: October 21, 2011, 08:58:58 pm »
Quote from: DickyD on October 21, 2011, 02:47:46 pm
41½ FT SEAPLANE TENDER MkIA

http://www.bmpt.org.uk/pnbpt_historic_boats/ST-1502/index.htm

I think that's the 35.5' version Dicky.the 41.5 footer had 4 oval ports in the rear cabin.
neil.
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DickyD

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Re: Old RAF launch hull (kit built?) for ID
« Reply #9 on: October 21, 2011, 09:54:51 pm »
One under the sheet Neil.  :-))
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nhp651

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Re: Old RAF launch hull (kit built?) for ID
« Reply #10 on: October 22, 2011, 02:41:27 pm »
ah yes....sorry , hadn't noticed that one lurking {-) {-)
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