by Massimo D'Antilio
1/72 R.A.F. Air Sea Rescue Launch (Airfix)
"The sea shall not have them." The maritime rescue service RAF during World War II saved many British airmen were shot down over the icy waters of the Channel and the North Sea, as well as other war zones like Malta, the scene of fierce fighting. One of the most famous boats used was a Type Two 63ft "British Power Boat Company," the "Whaleback."
The model depicts the launch HSL 130, which was in service in the Channel in 1941-42. Model was built from the box, with the exception of the mast, which was built in brass. Also replaced the barrels of machine guns with needles. Shafts were handmade from brass and transparent towers scratchbuilt with homemade machine thermoforming.
The model was converted from static to RC, mounting three 6mm motors and rebuilding from scratch the three rudders and the three propellers using brass sheet.
For those interested, contact me at dantilio66@yahoo.it, I can make the components to convert your RC kit.
