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A freelance model of a Spanish Civil defence Launch designed by Clive Halliwell
Measuring 28" long this model is designed for radio-control and electric power and can be fitted with either a single or twin motors and shafts, with single or twin rudders accordingly. The proptotype model was fitted with a single 540-size model, powered by 6-volts, which gave an entirely respectable performance
Construction is straightforward and mostly of balsa. Although the model as drawn on the plans is finished quite simply, much more detail could be added by the builder if he or she wishes - the full-size craft certainly boasts a wealth of deck equipment and cabin detail which could be reproduced to a greater or lesser extent on the model if desired
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See above for model & proptotype vessel images. |
Originally published in Marine Modelling magazine and now re-created and available either as a printed plan delivered by post or as an immediate digital download in PDF form for home printing.
| Rio Guadalete | |
| MODEL TYPE | Scale Naval |
| DESIGNER | Clive Halliwell |
| POWER TYPE | Single or Twin screw Electric |
| POWER SIZE | 540-size or similar |
| CONTROL | Radio Control |
| MODEL LENGTH | 710mm (28") |
| PLAN SIZE | 810mm x 580mm |
| PUBLISHED | Marine Modelling Magazine, January 2006 Issue |
| SHIPPING WEIGHT | 0.25kg |
The prototype for this model was found berthed near the entrance to the large marina complex at Benalmadena on the Costa del Sol, southern Spain. On the jetty was the Guardia Civil offices and this sleek patrol craft alongside. Based on a Rodman 101 hull it had obvious origins in the sleek fast private yacht world. Rodman specialise in GRP (glass reinforced plastic) and are based at Vigo, northern Spain and they have a website if you want more information. In common with some other countries the shore based police, the Guardia Civil, run the Coastguard service. I suppose it gives them the power of stop, search and arrest. The coast of North Africa is barely 14 km across the straits of Gibraltar and drug running and illegal immigrants are major problems.
The model and plan are of the 'easy to build’ type aimed at the newcomer to the hobby; but with several possibilities from the easy to the more complex. All the alternatives concern the quarterdeck/tran-som area and the drive chain. (Motors, shafts, rudders etc.)
The hull bottom is marked out on a piece of 100 x 12 mm balsa and cut to length and shape. A 'V' is cut across at the position marked on the plan and the rear section levered up to the angle on the plan and glued in this position. Some heavy weight holds the bottom down and flat whilst scrap balsa or something similar props up the stern section. Whilst the glue sets one cut out the stempiece and two bulkheads from 75 x 12 mm balsa. Before I fitted bulkhead two I cut a square hole from the bottom edge to allow the propshaft tube and coupling to pass through. Anyone fitting twin motors needs to make their own provision. The prototype has twin steerable waterjets, I think, another possibility on maybe a double size hull?
