Gents
Some words to the wise…
Here at Reade Models, we do take great care to make sure that modelers are supplied with the correct flag. The note regarding RNLI flag sizes on our web based flag sizing chart is original BECC supplied information. The length to height ratio of RNLI flags is different to most other flags.
Generally speaking, I believe that an oversize flag looks and flies better on a model than an undersized one if price isn’t a consideration. Having said that, there are one or two instances where I believe that, especially on lifeboats, and particularly with house flags, an oversized flag, or even one of the correct scale size can be over-egging the pudding so to speak?
The following calculation is based on the current thread:
A standard RNLI House Flag is 3 feet 6 inches long.
3 feet 6 inches = 3 x 12 =36 + 6 = 42 inches
42 inches x 25.4 (millimeters per inch) = 1068 mm
For 1:16 scale:
1068 divided by 16 = 66.75mm is the correct length of flag for a 1:16 scale model.
Recommended sizes (by BECC) size ‘D’ – 50mm (undersized) or size ‘E’ - 75mm (oversized).
For 1:12 scale:
1068 divided by 12 = 89mm is the correct length of flag for a 1:12 scale model
Recommended size BECC size ‘E’ – 75mm (undersized) or size ‘F’ 100mm (oversized).
Thus the correct size flag for an accurate scale model always unfortunately falls somewhere midway between BECC standard sizes with respect to lifeboats.
You could use either size of flag, at the scales shown, both would be correct. It’s all down to personal preference, but my own recommendation would be to go for the 38mm (BECC size ‘C’) on the 1:16 model. Even the 50mm looks too big in my own humble opinion.
Regards, Malc