Dinghy Cole

Hello Angus, Your more than welcome, Airborne lifeboats have been a passion of mine for quite a few years, so I've amassed quite a bit of information. I would be interested in the progress of the build. So if you feel able please up-load as the model progresses . Turning now to the A1, If I can be of help please contact me when ready & we'll see what we can find out. . Regards, Nev Dinghy Cole.

Hello Angus, I'm not sure if you've been "pinged". I hope all is well, please find attached the images & information on the AR8 ABL.. Cheers, Nev Dinghy Cole.

Hello Angus, I've got my computer back to some sort of normality. I should have typed this before up-loading the above images. These are the ones I mentioned previously. Not sure how he came across the colour of the boat ? Although on saying that I do have clips of an A1 painted in the same dark orange colour. I'm going to try and attach the other things I've found over my research on the RAF/RN Airborne lifeboat's. Hopefully it will be of some use. It would appear from the text of one of the articles that the plane was capable of carrying two boats at the same time. I also noticed that the model boat appears to have the rear stabilising fins set at an angle where on the photo images they appear to be horizontal to the boat. Also note in the 1st image of this page the skeg & propeller visible poking through the hull on the port side. Anyway Good luck with deciding what to do. I don't suppose you know that the MAEE at Felixstowe mounted a modified MK1a (Warwick) 23ft lifeboat on an RAF Catalina (just to throw the cat amongst the pigeons for you.) Kind regards, Nev Dinghy Cole.

Hello Angus, You have just added two of the images I would have up-loaded. I do have a couple more that may be of interest (I will need to scan them). Not sure if you would have seen this I downloaded this/these a few years ago off another model site. Interestingly it does make an impressive model. My cloud file isn't working at the moment. I will have a play around tomorrow & see if I can update. Regards, Nev Dinghy Cole.

Hello, Just thought I would contact you to see how you got on with your request for information ? I only recently came across your post, so apologies for the late response. Please let me know how you got on. I don't have a lot of information of the American Lifeboats, but what I do have are images of both the boats you mentioned. Hopefully they may be of some use Regards, Nev Dinghy Cole.

Wow. Your obviously a prolific and able model maker per say. I bet apart from the weight you couldn't tell the difference of the T1333 transmitter against a real one (it is an heavy lump). When you made the Bigsworths chart board did you include the little canvas pouch and wooden block & loop string ? For holding the pencils and the loop retains the swivel arm looping over to the front. I will send you an image if not. (via other means).. Keep a look out for flare cartridge tins, they are little RED coloured tins which accept three flares, the boat would have carried 18 tins = 54 flares. I will contact you soon via your other address. Regards, Nev.

Hello Ted, This is the image I mentioned in the last email. I haven't worked out how to add test to it yet. I did mean to ask. Where you involved in the rebuild of the lifeboat or are you now the custodian? If possible I would like to see your modelling efforts on items she would have carried. We may need to contact each other by other means (not wanting to bore the other users). Regards, Nev Dinghy Cole. If I can help with anything else please let me know.

Hello Ted, To clarify with reference to the ratchet arrangement . Yes they are held down only by pressure from above & return to operating height when the boats released. I have given this a little more thought since sending you the last email. I can't confirm this BUT, if your are able to view on-line the ratchet arrangement used on the Flixton Museum boat which as two ratchet/brackets secured bolted back to back (this arrangement is correct for MK1a models). Well I believe this to be a modification of the MK1 brackets that would have had one unit placed in opposite corners of the recess with the rockets appearing like crossed swords from a side view. Regarding the missing aft fin slots, these where more then likely removed at the time she was converted from " airborne lifeboat" to "dinghy sail training" this involved the removal of the engines & buoyancy chambers and rescue equipment deemed not required as for a purely sailing craft. She would have retained her drop keel / rudder & mast & sails obviously. On checking records I see her RAF keel/craft number is AR9, she was later to numbered 4036 which puts her in the 1st batch converted from 4030-4067 (circa 09/46). The use as training aids only lasted to 1950 when they where sold to the RAF Sailing Association. I Also need to work out how to include/post images on the site. If your not desperate & I can eventually work it out I have an image from a AP showing the MK1a bracket as an illustration & you maybe able to use it. Yes me & my wife stayed in Suffolk in 2019 & visited your museum & had a lovely trip on your little electric chugger. Regards, Nev.

Afternoon Ted, I will do my best to answer your question. Firstly if my memory serves me well, the lifeboat you have is actually a MK1a . (sorry) I do know that the deck arrangement for the rockets as been built as though a MK1 boat. The raised area that surrounds the rockets create a recess which as you know give a perfect area for the launching apparatus. Sadly I don't have an image showing the dischargers, so I will try an do this with a description of the operational function. The transverse rocket and elevating mechanism consists of a spring loaded ratchet(s) (I believe there to be one at the base of each.) which as the effect of raising & locking the tubes @ 40 degree's above the horizontal (pointing over the gunwales either side) on release. When the ratchet is disengaged this will allow the tubes & rockets to be pressed down into the recess. Both rockets are to be held down by hand during the loading. Once under the aircraft and after raising the boat to meet the fuselage they will raise automatically to the restricted height (space available) . All three rockets & heads as you have said are the same, the bow one (attached to drogue) is operated by a mercury level switch (4-way front-back /L&R). when the boat is released from the aircraft it takes a bow down attitude which was caused by the way the boat/parachutes strops where arranged, this causes the mercury to rise and complete the circuit so firing the bow rocket taking with it the drogue & rope . At the same time the two transverse rockets would now rise on the ratchet (40deg) too their required height, but would not fire until the boat was water borne, when the immersion switch which was fitted under the hull on the starboard side would complete it's circuit in conjunction with the level switch (now L&R) which then as you have rightly said sends an electrical feed so firing the cartridges fitted into the base of the tubes before the rockets are inserted. Sending the rockets & the 175 yards of buoyant rope on each to port & starboard, thus giving a floating life line to any dinghy borne aircrew . Ted I hope this help's Nev Dinghy Cole. I've just attempted to add an image if it hasn't worked here is the webpage. https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fairandspace.si.edu%2Fcollection-objects%2Fequipment-emergency-rescue-safety-survival-life-rafts-lifeboats-sea-rescue-4&psig=AOvVaw04iUL6tRNNV3Ko-QjiIPxh&ust=1613595064612000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAMQjB1qFwoTCLDAx6Kk7-4CFQAAAAAdAAAAABAS

Hello again everyone, Apologise for the slow follow up. This would have been easier with pictures, unfortunately I wanted to attach images from my own collection (not from a website) but don't know how. So I've tried to keep it brief. How the boat is mounted to the aircraft, the following is an abridged version . Along the centre-line of the boat, beneath the deck and joining the latter to the keel is a mahogany keelson. Secured on each side on the keelson near the after end of the centre-board slot is a wooden block, drilled & shaped to receive the bomb-release attachment & tension nut's fitted at 6ft 9in aft the bow (Ed, like the Hudson). When the attachment is inserted it's bolts extend to just shy of the bottom of the boat to receive the tension nuts coming through the hull from below ,these incorporate tubular internal threaded extensions which when coupled with steel plates (shaped to suit) at both ends protect the hull and also provide the means for final adjustments on shipping , that is they are tightened to bring the gunwales of the boat against the fuselage. A small door fitted on the starboard side of the boat (sort of visible in the 1st picture just forward of the swivel ladder bolted on the side) provides access to inside the hull to the release attachment when the boat is shipped or unshipped. The boat is attached directly to the E.M. release unit (over to you chaps for that one). The boat is freed by pressing the bomb release switch. To facilitate shipping etc and moving the boat a trolley is provided , its design obviates the use of the standard type winching equipment as the complete trolley is raised or lowered by jacks . SHIPPING THE LIFEBOAT. Before shipping check are to be made to ensure that the carrier aircraft is adapted to receive it. In instances with Modification 565 is incorporated ensure that the assembly adapter for airborne lifeboats has been fitted to the aircraft torpedo suspension beam. Ensure that the E.M release unit operates correctly by cocking selecting No16 (single & salvo) making the master switch and firing in the usual manner. The test should be repeated two or three times. On completion of the forgoing checks prepare the boat for shipping. As follows: Slacken the tension nuts on the "Bomb release attachment (do not remove them completely) and raise it as high as possible. Ensure that static lines to the operating head C,O2/safety switch & delay switches are free from obstructions etc. (includes prepping all of the release functions) that's another story. Place the prop in a position to enables the boat to pass under the fuselage, position the boat so that the bomb release attachment is directly under the E.M release unit. Raise the boat evenly with the screw jacks fitted at each end of the trolley and after support chock until the bomb release attachment engages with the E.M unit on the aircraft. Engage the bomb release attachment from in side the aircraft or via the access door ( on the side of the hull). Connect the parachute static line, continue jacking up the boat till its gunwales touch the fuselage, make sure it lines up fore & aft and side to side. Then finally tighten the tension nuts through the hull. So as you can see the normal torpedo wire strop is not used & the boat is only slung by one fixing . I have an image to show you if I could attach it. Thanks again. Nev Dinghy Cole.

Good Evening to you all. I've deliberated over contacting you regarding the specifications etc requested on the airborne lifeboat's. So apologies for any toes that feel stepped on. Firstly the request by Steve on the differences between models. The MK1 (Hudson) Total production 71 & MK1a (Warwick) Total production 403 are O.L 23'2" and W.L 22' and both are constructed the same the only difference between them is the gunwales shape (altered to suit the fuselage of each aircraft). Both models are built twin skin mahogany interspaced with treated calico cloth, internally diagonal & external carvel planked and use two Britannia Middy 4hp engines mounted through the their hulls. The MK2 (Warwick) Total production 144 & MK2a (Lancaster) Total production 97 NOTE! all of which where converted from the MK2's are O.L 30'2" and W.L 30' and again constructed the same this time the height of the gunwales and necessary construction increased the weight of the 2a. Both models again this time built treble skin mahogany with the treated cloth, internally double diagonal & external carvel planked, each was fitted with an Austin 8hp marinised engine. The MK3 (Shackleton) Total production 56 are O.L 31' and W.L 30' and was constructed from riveted aluminium with a single Vincent HRD engine. The Barracuda model known officially as RN1 : The RN1 (Barracuda) Total production 24(ish) O.L 17'9" and W.L not known, this boat was a stand alone model constructed for the F.A.A and so not converted from any of the others. It was again CARVEL built of twin skin mahogany planks with the calico cloth between exactly the same as the MK1's, again it like the MK1 & 1a was powered by a single Britannia Middy which was remotely stored and then mounted in position by the crew once waterborne . To clarify all of the production wooden boats where mahogany planked hulls and support frameworks but used water resistant plywood (marine) on the bulkheads, decks & hatch covers. Further to your request Steve, I can confirm that Hendon's boat is a MK1a and if you study the web pictures you can see the copper nails used ON ALL of the wooden boats to construct them which are "clenched" through the stringers in side the hull. And yes you are correct on the multiple boat yard construction to the Uffa Fox design which obviously included his own yard. One of the firms being Taylor Woodrow who constructed some of caissons used during D.Day and later built " Canary Wharf". Sadly I have no knowledge of Fairey Marine being involved in the construction of the production models. Secondly to try & answer the other questions. Using the two photos at the top of this request. The boat nor aircraft is fitted with any trapeze arrangement to help with its drop. Someone as suggested and correctly identified that what is showing is oil staining from the engine. This is due if this modification wasn't carried out. "I quote" Fit rubber hose extensions to all oil exhaust pipes when shipping the boat, ensure that they are positioned so as to prevent the interior of the boat from becoming saturated with oil. And secondly the metal strip which as been mentioned is actually a shroud plate (both sides) they would have shroud lines fixed to them & the parachute suspension cables (they help to stabilise during drop)..Just to confirm that the main parachute strops are mounted to strong points on the centre line of the boat. The small angled bar seen at the boats stern are attached to the stabiliser fins. These are released by the boat crew members after alighting. If you study the 2nd photo the aircraft doesn't have the fins fitted but the wooden channel visible at the stern is the slot for them to slide in. Just for those interested only the MK1a of the wooden boats & the MK3 used the same system. These fins are there to aid with the drop. they are supposed to stop the stern rising and damaging the underside of the aircraft on release. Also the boat was fitted with three Schermuly rockets the bow one carried out the drogue during the drop (oblong slots) and the two rear ones of which protrude through the hull just under the gunwales, you can just make out the exit position on the 2nd image (on the backside of the guy under the wing) these carry out the floating lines after touch down. Finally (I think), yes the boat was mounted from a fixing bracket of the same design as all the rest (like the Hudson Ed). The torpedo crutch is removed and a assembly adapter for the airborne lifeboat as been fitted to the aircraft torpedo suspension beam . I will try to find an image for this. Thanks for taking the time to read this , I hope it helps. Regards, Nev (Dinghy Cole). Finally (I think) The