1/350 US Rhino Ferry (Back-Aft Models)

Navy Lighterage (NL) pontoon barges, causeways, tugs and wharfs played vital roles in several theaters of operations during World War II and afterwards.  They were constructed and operated mostly by USN Construction Battalions (SeaBees). The self-propelled pontoon barges were known as Rhino Ferries and they transported personnel, vehicles, fuel, munitions and supplies of all kinds from ships anchored off shore to the beaches.  They had a two foot draft and had a top speed of three knots.

My 1/350 scale model represents the Rhino Ferry RHF-21 which was operational during the Normandy landings in June 1944 and the huge resupply efforts that followed the landings during the following months.

The barge, ramps and outboard motors, are scratch built and cast in resin.  The vehicles, fuel drums and figures are from L'Arsenal.  The cargo boxes are from a 1/700 set from Battlefleet Models.  The barge's decals came from the 1/700 US Coast Guard Decals set from Battlefleet Models and the vehicles' star insignias are from Gold Medal Models' 1/350 Aircraft Decals set.

The barge was painted first with a base layer of Poly Scale Oily Black and then weathered using pastel chalks and pencil lead.  The vehicles were painted using Model Master Marine Corps Green with canvases drybrushed with Model Master Olive Drab.  A black wash, from The Detailer, highlights the details of the vehicles.

I am making this Rhino Ferry available as a resin model kit via my latest business venture as Back-Aft Models .  Besides this large self-propelled barge, also available are a smaller self-propelled version, a pontoon tug, causeway sections, and a pontoon wharf.
 

Gallery updated 2012

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