Research info required: RAF Whaleback

[Guest]

Hi,

I am currently researching the British Power Boat Company's Type 2, 63ft High Speed Launch (HSL) as used by the RAF during the WWII as an Air Sea Rescue Launch (ASRL). I would be very grateful for any information regarding this launch that will help me recreate a detailed 1/12th scale model.

I will soon be purchasing the Airfix 1/72nd scale kit as a starting point to gain an appreciation of the physical layout of this launch.

I am trying to find out which particular .303 machine guns were used in the original turrets and in the later pedestals. I haven't decided yet if I am going to make the 20mm Oerlikon equipped variant or the pre 1942 original. If I can find at least one colour photograph showing the deck this will probably determine the exact craft to base the model on. There seems to be a wide variety of paint schemes used by modelmakers and I don't know if this is down to historical evidence or simply artistic licence.

[Guest]

Hi Type2,

Have a look at this link - I believe these may be the plans you are looking for - if they are too small you could always enlarge them to the size you want.

The guns will also be described nicely on there too.

RAF Rescue Launch MM1320 - Only £9.95 - My Hobby Store

Regards........Mark

[Guest]

Hi Type2,Have a look at this link - I believe these may be the plans you are looking for - if they are too small you could always enlarge them to the size you want.

The guns will also be described nicely on there too.

RAF Rescue Launch MM1320 - Only £9.95 - My Hobby Store

Regards........Mark

Thanks,

I found the same plan today after reading posts on the British Military Powerboat Trust's forum. I also found a couple of other people that have already used it as the basis for their 1/12th scale models. I'm looking forward to receiving my copy.

[Guest]

Glad to be of help, I am pleased that has worked out well for you,

Don't forget to post pics of your model on here when you start !!

Regards......Mark.

[Guest]

Hi Type 2

deans marine do a 1/24 scale kit for the whale back and

are the ususl suspect for FPB fittings.

If you have a look at the Deans site you may find some deck pix to answer your question for the variant to build...

..............cheers :scotland:

[Guest]

hsl 156

Hi, just joined this site as I saw your post. HSL 156 was skippered by my father Geoffrey Lockwood DSC. I have various scrapbooks with photos etc and a scale model made by one of his crew. This model was borrowed by airfix to use for the modelling of the kit. Let me know if I can help .

Mike

[Guest]

Hi Mike and welcome to the site,

I can only say what an excellent post too, I am sure your Father would be flattered to see a model of his very boat being done in model form as well as yourself. I am sure Type 2 would love your pics too - can't think of a better way to build a model.......your pics and Type 2's model will certainly be a nice tribute to your Father.

Regards.....Mark

[Guest]

Hi Mark, thanks for those words. My father died back in 1996 but I had the pleasure of taking him down to Calshot to be presented to the Queen Mother when she re-launched HSL 106 ( a launch he had also been skipper of ) . Whilst there a gentlemen presented him with a fine model made from the airfix kit but it always gives me pleasure to know people are still making them. The film `for those in peril ` was losely based on my fathers exploits and he had a walk on part in it, uttering the immortal words ` I`m off for a pint `

Regards Mike

[Guest]

Mike,

I would love to see your Father's scrapbooks and photos. Have you considered getting them published in a book? I'm sure I am not the only one that would be interested in buying a copy. Take a look at the link below.

Free Publishing Guide

I came home to England over Christmas and spent some time at the Imperial War Museums in London and Duxford. I took lots of photographs of aircraft gun turrets but still lacking the details to make a sufficiently detailed model.

I have recently received the detail plans (MM1320) and I will soon be working on producing my own set of construction plans later this month.

[Guest]

Hi Type2

If you can get hold of a copy of `Boat in the Blue` by W.D.Pereira published by line one publishing ltd, it contains highly detailed plans.

I will try and find some detailed pics of the armaments for you, but I recollect that it was twin brownings in the turrets and twin vickers on the sides.

I can also take photos of the crew made model to show you in colour how the actual boat looked.

Mike

[Guest]

Hi Type2If you can get hold of a copy of `Boat in the Blue` by W.D.Pereira published by line one publishing ltd, it contains highly detailed plans.

Thanks, I didn't know about that book. I have found a few used copies for sale on Amazon this morning.

I will try and find some detailed pics of the armaments for you, but I recollect that it was twin brownings in the turrets and twin vickers on the sides.I can also take photos of the crew made model to show you in colour how the actual boat looked.

Mike

I would be really grateful to see colour pictures of the crew's own model. Can you upload them to your gallery here?

-Vince-

[Guest]

Hi Vince

sorry for not getting back, books for accountant !!! I`ll sort out photos and post them on site. It`s a small model behind glass but I`ll try.

Mike

[Guest]

There was an article in the October 1981 Model Boats magazine (that may have been the one that had that plan in it)