Revell 1/72 "S" Boot (D-Day Group Build)
As previously stated, two different sources report: On the morning of 6 June 1944, D-Day, 31 battle ready S-boats were sent to attack the Allied fleet. Although several vessels were sunk, against such a mass of ships (4126 landing craft and 1213 warships) the Kriegsmarine could do little to hinder the embarkment. . The 9th Flottilla achieved some success in sinking landing craft.
And: The only naval contact during D-Day occurred when four German torpedo boats reached the Eastern Task Force late in the afternoon and launched eighteen torpedoes, sinking the Norwegian destroyer HNoMS Svenner off Sword beach but missing the battleships HMS Warspite and Ramillies. After firing, the German vessels turned away and fled east into a smoke screen.
I've been meaning to complete this model for quite some time. The group build gave me the incentive I needed. Everyone I talked to that had built it, told me what a nice kit it was. It seemed that no matter how many parts I added, there were always more in the box, and everytime I thought I was near finished, I found something I had missed. I was beginning to doubt if I could make the deadline. Build photos have previously been posted.
Scouring my reference material, I was able to pick and choose what I thought was typical "weathering", and the real fun, for me, was trying to make it happen, without over doing it. It was built OOB, with none of the $100+ aftermarket parts. I'm still considering the addition of figures in the future. I'm please with the results. It sure looks big next to my PT boats, MTB's and Rescue craft.
Nice Joe, a well built kit with a touch of finesse of weathering.
Well done Joe.
Like it Joe, well done getting her finished - looks great :). I have this kit in the stash. Revell do a set of crew figures if you are looking to add some.
Joe, this is great, typically you, lots of feeling for the subject, results in a lovely model. Thank you, Joe.
Looks great, Joe. Even better since I've seen it in person!
It is easy to get carried away with weathering, but you got it just right.
very cool looking build...I've really been longing to build one of these lately and have been studying both kits available...been in love with these things since that marvelous scene in the "Guns of Navarrone" where the S boat pulled up alongside the fishing boat
Bob, You aroused my curiosity about the boat in the movie clip. In checking with T.G. Connelly, I found the boat in the movie was:" a 72-foot (71.6) HDML (Harbor Defense Motor Launch) from the RN given to the Greeks." Thought you might find that interesting too.
that's very interesting...the movie boat is nothing like an s boat but it more or less introduced it to the world...or the book did
I guess it's the idea that counts. I would have thought the same thing, had I not checked. With what little I know, I find the different countries have different "styles" in their designs, and that "charthouse" had a "British" look to it. The boat in "The Eagle Has Landed", (MTB 102) is another good example. I guess they have to work with what they have.
I'll do a boat now and then myself...and these kind of builds get me thinkin' 'bout another one. Nice model.
Excellent Joe. Like your subtle weathering & attention to detail, especially the wind motion on the flag.
Joe,
Fantastic job on a most interesting craft. And a good story to go with it. Many thanks!
Joe,
Forgot to ask about the screws/propellors. They look sort of "distorted" in the photos where they are seen, almost like a wide angle lens was used. But then I was thinking, the hull doesn't look distorted, so could the screws be built for high speed, and have a more elongated chord? Just curious.
Robert, As usual I can't put my finger on the right info, at the right time, but you are correct (sharp eye). This was some sort of innovation for speed (42 knots.) and handling, along with a "revoluntionary" hull design for more stability in high seas.
Lovely work and a very interesting choice of subject ,thanks for taking part Joe.
N.
Joe,
You have done an excellent job on this beautiful monster boat. It looks mean sitting on the stand. I like the way you have weathered it. Outstanding I really like this.
That's very impressive Joe. Fantastic attention to detail! Great build.