Whilst sorting through my box of Belle Époque-related bits and pieces I found two torpedo launches that I built many years ago for a long-forgotten project. They look like this ...
... and were built from some 1:87th-scale ship's lifeboats, some Plasticard sheet and girders, some spare funnels from the old Airfix model of HMS Iron Duke, and some bits and pieces from my large spares box. All they need is a coat of paint and then they can become part of one (or more) of my Belle Époque navies.
The torpedoes for these launches – which I have mislaid/lost – were made from aircraft drop tanks which looked similar to early Whitehead torpedoes.
A Whitehead torpedo on display at the Naval Museum in La Spezia, Italy.
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This was a very creative use of spares and kitbashing/ kit mingling Bob. Your torpedo launchers looks terrific.
ReplyDeleteRoger,
DeleteMany thanks for your kind comment. Coming from such a prolific modeller of your quality, that is really appreciated.
All the best,
Bob
Handy little craft! Could be used for towing transport barges, as well.
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Ion
Archduke Piccolo (Ion),
DeleteCheers! Now that you mention it, they do resemble to steam launches/pinnaces used to tow barges and rowing boats at the Gallipoli landings.
All the best,
Bob
Hi Bob,
ReplyDeleteThey are very cleverly done - those launchers could also be used for spar torpedoes, which has given me an idea….
All the best,
DC
David Crook,
DeleteAt one point I hope to fit the launches with soar torpedoes as well … and might well still do so.
All the best,
Bob
Look good. I have to admit I just use dowel as torpedo tubes.
ReplyDeleteRob Young,
DeleteCheers! I wanted them to represent the early way they launched torpedoes using troughs and drop collars.
All the best,
Bob
Wonderful repurposing of those lifeboats. Good luck with finding or making suitable torpedos.
ReplyDeletePeter,
DeleteI think that I might have some other suitable hulls somewhere in storage … and with luck, I’ll find the drop tanks/torpedoes as well.
All the best,
Bob