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[JohnG]

Here’s a record of building a model of MV Astra in 1:40 scale  – derived from builders plans and 3d printed.


Intro:   Having made some noodle tugs for the grandkids  (https://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,69586.msg755380.html#msg755380  )  , I made the ‘mistake’ of starting a discussion with grandson about fireboats. A few youtube videos later came the inevitable question ‘can you build me a fireboat grandpa?’.     
 
After some looking around I settled on a model of Swedish rescue vessel ASTRA.
 
Reference Materials: As well as being an attractive vessel, there’s a good article (and 1:30 plan) in model boat magazine from August 2018 – I found a copy on ebay.
There’s also a useful mine of information from the later owner who bought her and converted her to a round the world expedition vessel. www.mv-astra.com   Incredibly helpfully this includes builders line drawings.  https://www.mv-astra.com/ship-plans 


(photo credit: ‘Ships for sale sweden – posted on www.mby.com’)

[JohnG]

As with previous models (HMS Broke and SMS G42)   I used the BLENDER programme for the 3 d modelling, and followed the hull modelling technique shown here:
https://modelshipworld.com/topic/20027-hull-modeling-with-blender/
Once I had the hull shape, the other sections of the ship were relatively straightforward to model – mostly straight sides and angles. these are screen captures of the 'blender' 3d model.

[JohnG]

The hull (including deck)  was printed in 3 sections with PETG filament on my Creality ender 3.
(I’ve settled on PETG – higher temperature resistance than PLA – and easier to work with (for me) than ABS.)

[JohnG]

I joined the hull with epoxy. (the overlaps for the joints I’d included in the 3d prints which made putting it together much easier).
The 3d print is slightly rough from the extrusion lines, so I filled with normal p38 auto filler and then primed and painted

[JohnG]

A first bath test followed by adding nearly 1kg of ballast.
 
 The running gear of a brushless motor and 3 x 18650 lipo batteries were relatively light.

[JohnG]

I used a resin printer to get finer detail for the mast and the RIB to go on the stern. The Palfinger type crane came from model tractor – robust enough for it’s younger skipper. (for the same reason i kept the amount of detail down - left out railings/deck fittings etc that might get caught by enthusiastic small fingers). 
Graupner Fire monitors and pump came from Mayhem's 'for sale' board (thanks Barry M!).  These don't 100% follow the original configuration. 

[JohnG]

A test to check smoke, lights, monitors and motor/rudder function. see linked video
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dzN7eapt7GlKxn07tWYgDspXQGAyEvDo/view?usp=sharing

[JohnG]

At last got her on the water. Ready for delivery to her new young owner!

[JohnG]

here are links to a couple of video clips  of the boat on the water. There's one of the noodle tugs visible in the second clip.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dzN7eapt7GlKxn07tWYgDspXQGAyEvDo/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nEQSj8NEXthfj6OGdfvqd9_E1wT0AQuL/view?usp=sharing
 
And finally, the model being checked over inspected by her happy new owner.