What to do with the Airfix RNLI Severn Class Lifeboat 07280?

[McColm]

My first thought was to use the seats and consoles in a detailed build of a BAe Nimrod, with an open cargo door revealing the inside.
The next thought is to see if the hull is suitable for an amphibious LC-130.
The inflatable Y boat will be used on a Search & Rescue C-69 Connie, glued to the underside of the fuselage,  using RNLI paint scheme and decals. Wing tip fuel tanks and rotating searchlight.
The Lifeboat to me screams out for the need of a heavy gun fitted. I've got a field gun from a Revell HH-54 Sky Crane kit or maybe the Airfix Air-Sea Rescue Launch 20mm Oerlikon would fit (not too sure if Airfix still produce this kit). Which could be converted into a Royal Navy Coastal Patrol Boat.

[Hobbes]

You could convert it into a hovercraft or a surface effect ship (rigid sides, flexible front and aft skirt)...

[cataphractarius]

Sounds good! 

I'd suggest something modern like the Typhoon weapons station:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Typhoon_Weapon_System

In this configuration

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Typhoon25mm001.jpg

it has a 25mm gun, which is significantly more bang than ye olde Junk-basher (20mm Oerlikon).

[Steel Penguin]

flip the life boat upper and have it as the gondala of an airship

[Weaver]

One of these centuries, mine is going to be converted into a KGB Border Patrol vessel with light guns etc...

[PR19_Kit]

The prime problem with any lifeboat model is that the hull shape screams 'LIFEBOAT!' at you. I know those ultra-low bulwarks on the beams are there for a purely practical reasons but they still look darned ugly to me, and especially on the Severn Class with its massive superstructure.

The first thing I'd do with a Whiff'd Severn is flatten out those side decks, then all sorts of things become more possible.

[Thorvic]

Do it as RAF Air Sea Rescue Launch in their traditional colours maybe add some guns for self defence or military duties

These maybe of use :-

http://store.fleetscale.com/index.php?_a=category&cat_id=22

[Mossie]

This is something I've mused over with mine, although it'll be real world when I finally get around to building it.  Modify the flying bridge, streamline the front and extend the walls rearward since your losing the Y boat.   Cut back the forward survival compartment and equipment lockers to the rear to give more deck room.  You could flatten the deck as Kit mentioned, or leave it for the Rescue role Geoff mentioned or diver insertion.

Davecov on the ATF did a RN version, just painted it grey without any mods.
http://airfixtributeforum.myfastforum.org/ftopic17987-0.php

[McColm]

Thanks for those ideas and the links I might buy another kit, I like the sound of that airship idea.

[Mossie]

Found this artwork while looking for Brimstone info.  MBDA are exploring a naval variant that could be launched by aircraft or surface vessels, including fast attack craft.  With Freightdog now offering Brimstone missiles, it seems natural to convert the Airfix Severn class kit to something resembling this artwork.
http://www.shephardmedia.com/news/digital-battlespace/farnborough-2012-mbda-completes-sea-spear-live-fir/

[rickshaw]

Looks exactly what the Iranian Revolutionary Navy has been looking for, for years! 

[Rheged]

Looks exactly what the Iranian Revolutionary Navy has been looking for, for years! 

Is it the sort of thing that could be carried by a mothership (Albion??  Bulwark??)   and released in quantity to irritate an opposition shallow water navy?   Or do we arrange for RNVR  to keep hordes of the things in service in every Firth, Loch, Creek  and Voe? 

[PR19_Kit]

You'd have to do a lot of work on the Severn's bulwarks to make them straight. Many of the present day lifeboat classes have a huge dip in the bulwarks around mid-hull length so they can take survivors aboard with a low freeboard. The Severn has exactly this configuration so much plastic carving and shutting could be in order.

Neverther less it's a brill idea and the model is a nice size to work with.

[Sticky Fingers]

Maybe this is an inspiration?



source: Model Graphix march '09 edition.

Go Gundam!!

[Mossie]

You'd have to do a lot of work on the Severn's bulwarks to make them straight. Many of the present day lifeboat classes have a huge dip in the bulwarks around mid-hull length so they can take survivors aboard with a low freeboard. The Severn has exactly this configuration so much plastic carving and shutting could be in order.

Neverther less it's a brill idea and the model is a nice size to work with.

Maybe it would be easier to mount it on another hull such as the Airfix or Revell MTB's?  It might be simpler if your going to be hacking the lifeboats superstructure anyway.  Most of those kits would give you a bit more length to play with too.  Another bonus is that you've got a model that doen't look anything much like the kits you've taken it from.