2016

The SEVERN class of lifeboats are the largest in the RNLI fleet. Produced between 1991 and 2005, these are popular boats amongst RNLI crew.

The model is numbered 17-27, corresponding to one of the Relief Fleet boats and was named Volunteer Spirit, although that name was not displayed on the boat itself.

Several of the SEVERN class are stationed in Scotland, including  boats at Stornoway, Lerwick, Islay, CampbeltownAberdeen, Mallaig, Buckie, Tobermory, Lochinver, Thurso, and Stromness.

These are handsome boats, capable of operation in rough coastal waters.

The Model

This Severn Lifeboat is a ready-to-sail model sold by the RNLI.

This model has been converted to twin-screw drive, with two motors, propellors and shafts. It is also fitted with twin rudders, as these provide more positive steering because they sit immediately behind each propellor. There was a lot of work in this conversion, because it entailed cutting two new holes for the shafts, lining up shafts and motors, and installing not only the motor mounts and couplings, but also fairing the shafts neatly into the outer surface of the hull. The former central shaft hole was blocked up and the hull repaired to remove all traces of its former configuration.

The same was true for the rudders, with a the single rudder hole blocked and two new holes created, and the new shafts installed, aligned and fixed in place.

The detail on the model as supplied was reasonably good, but the railings were painted to make them more visible, and some figures were fitted to bring life to the deck.

The model is controlled via a 2.4GHz radio set, and it sails nicely. The depth of the hull makes it a nice static model too.