Model Boat Mayhem

The Shipyard ( Dry Dock ): Builds & Questions => Working Vessels => Topic started by: ChrisH1981 on January 16, 2023, 09:59:33 am

Title: Model Slipway RAF Range Safety Launch
Post by: ChrisH1981 on January 16, 2023, 09:59:33 am

I have just recently acquired a model of this particular vessel and i am interested in finding a bit more out about it. I know it went long out of production by model slipway, but when was it first introduced? I would also like to know more about the actual vessel the model is based on. There is virtually no information on the internet.

Title: Re: Model Slipway RAF Range Safety Launch
Post by: Capt Podge on January 16, 2023, 10:26:18 am

Hello Chris, have a good read of this posting, reply number 8
https://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,57041.msg593149.html#msg593149


Aye,
Ray.

Title: Re: Model Slipway RAF Range Safety Launch
Post by: Shipmate60 on January 16, 2023, 06:59:54 pm

These vessels were based on a Halmatic (Southampton) hull. Fitted originally with 2 x Benz marine engines, these were replaced with turbocharged Rolls Royce Engines then Volvo Penta engines.
Originally operated by the Royal Maritime Auxiliary Service (RMAS) then privatised. And run by a company of ex RAF Craft based in Portchester. Airwork.
They had a top speed of almost 20 knots (19.7 if my memory serves me well with the Penta engines and 4 blade props) and a crew of 4 Skipper, Engineer, and 2 Deckhands which were reduced by 1.


I used to oversee that contract from RMAS HQ in Bath so if you want any more specific information just ask.
It was myself that got permission from MOD to release the drawings and use them commercially.


Bob

Title: Re: Model Slipway RAF Range Safety Launch
Post by: Shipmate60 on January 16, 2023, 07:02:01 pm

Ray,
Those were the RAF Craft not the Model Slipway Range Safety Craft.


Bob

Title: Re: Model Slipway RAF Range Safety Launch
Post by: Capt Podge on January 16, 2023, 07:17:39 pm

Ah, I should have read it properly!
Thanks for the update Bob  :-))


Ray.

Title: Re: Model Slipway RAF Range Safety Launch
Post by: ChrisH1981 on January 16, 2023, 08:10:59 pm

Thanks to both of you for your replys. Here are a couple of photos to show the model I have

Title: Re: Model Slipway RAF Range Safety Launch
Post by: ChrisH1981 on January 16, 2023, 08:17:53 pm

As you can see she is in fairly good condition, she is in need of a nice clean. Is the blue colour the correct shade on the hull? Too light perhaps?


The railing's have been removed, the base of the stanchions are still there but I need a set of drawings or photos to help me replace them.


Drive motors are 2 x mtroniks M600's and i think a lead acid 12v battery was installed for power.


The model was owned by a club member who was a good friend and recently died, I have sailed the model in the past and ran very well on this set up

Title: Re: Model Slipway RAF Range Safety Launch
Post by: Shipmate60 on January 17, 2023, 08:16:30 am

Chris these never had the raf roundels, These craft were operated on behalf of the Army, mostly for tank/artillery ranges.


Bob

Title: Re: Model Slipway RAF Range Safety Launch
Post by: ChrisH1981 on January 17, 2023, 08:19:23 am

 :-))  Ok Bob, they will be coming off then!  ok2

Title: Re: Model Slipway RAF Range Safety Launch
Post by: Shipmate60 on January 17, 2023, 08:24:20 am

Further info:
https://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=22025.0 (https://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=22025.0)


Bob

Title: Re: Model Slipway RAF Range Safety Launch
Post by: Shipmate60 on January 17, 2023, 08:25:06 am

A pic on the Front Page.


https://www.facebook.com/ramsgatehistorical/


Bob

Title: Re: Model Slipway RAF Range Safety Launch
Post by: ChrisH1981 on January 17, 2023, 09:31:18 am

Thanks Bob! Love the facebook picture stern view :)

Title: Re: Model Slipway RAF Range Safety Launch
Post by: Shipmate60 on January 17, 2023, 05:22:11 pm

A few more pics after transfer to Gibraltar MoD Police but pretty much the same configuration.


https://www.marinetraffic.com/sr/photos/picture/ships_id/2832557/235026716

Bob