Full Size Printed Plan Scale 1:16 THORNYCROFT PILOT LAUNCH Suitable for radio control

Full Size Printed Plan & Building Notes

No material plans only

THORNYCROFT PILOT LAUNCH

A splendid round-bilge launch model of attractive appearance

Full size printed plan on a 44” x 30” sheet

Twelve-page article with building notes and photos

Note:These plans do not show power plant or R/C Insulation

Plans give lines and visible detail

Scale 1:16 3/4 in = 1 ft

Length 40 1/2 in

Beam 10 1/2 in

Engine Electric

Suitable for radio control

By IAN SINCLAIR

The prototype

    MY attention was first drawn to this vessel in a leaflet from Thornycroft's local office in Glasgow before the amalgamation with Vosper. At least two or them were built, one for the Bristol Pilotage Authority and the other for Belfast.

The launches had a length of 54ft, beam 14ft and a draught of 4-5ft. The engine gave 230 bhp. This put them in the medium speed class at 12 knots. The Belfast launch had a single screw installation.

The Model

   When the time came to build the model, Thornycroft's Glasgow office had closed and an approach to their London office drew a blank. However, I was lucky enough to come across a small sheer plan in the Ship and Boat Builder, To obtain details of the deck arrangement I wrote to the local Bristol paper in the hope of obtaining photographs. This too was unsuccessful, as was a letter to the Bristol Pilotage Authority.

This did not deter me. although, lacking information, I could no longer call the model the Nancy Raymond or the Eleanor Laura: It now became a representation of a pilot Iauncb. I bad already decided on a scale of 3/4" to 1 ft This gave a model not too large for transport, but still gave a &000. displacement for weight .carrying. Another point I like about this scale is that 1/16 in equal to one inch full size. This is handy when making fittings and obviates a scale man having to grapple with a boat-hook of three inches diameter, etc.

The Hull

   The keel was cut from a length of ½ in obeche. The stem was cut from the same piece and the two glued and dowelled together. The cut-away portion in the keel for the shaft and bracket should be cut, leaving a little sur­plus, so that the shaft bracket, rudder tube and planking can be faired in when the time comes. The hole for the shaft tube should also be drilled at this time.

Thank You for Looking