HMS Class Mermaid LCACJ with photos

McColm · December 25, 2023, 03:12:11 AM

This is based on an old Airfix 1/144 SR.N4 hovercraft kit. Over the years it has been transformed into a hovercraft aircraft carrier and support landing craft. Through the many moves of accommodation the parts from the original model have been lost hence the spare parts and the explanations which would work in the whiffing world operated by the British Royal Navy.
The pair of jet engines are from a 1/72 Italeri MH-47E SOA Chinook and the landing pad is a cut down piece of the deck. The control cabin is from a B-2 stealth bomber toy.
I had intended for Harriers to be carried but the lower deck space is only big enough for one hence the upper deck platform so assault vehicles and stores can be stowed below. The upper platform's roof would be ideal for maintenance or repairs for V/STOL aircraft or helicopters.
The jet engines can be swiveled for the steering of hovercraft via a fly-by-wire control system, the maximum speed limit is 70 knots over water depending on the weather conditions and 50kts on land . The Mermaid doesn't have any weapons of its own but would have the means to be equipped for self defence or support fire power.
The Mermaid has been used for relief missions in flooding and humanitarian aid. Reports indicate that three are on standby duty at any one time and two are in short-term storage, the whereabouts is unknown.

McColm · January 04, 2024, 10:44:39 AM

I found some parts.

NARSES2 · January 05, 2024, 06:26:51 AM

In some respects that's got an almost sci-fi vibe going for it and in another I can see it swimming in an aquarium will all the other Rays and Turtles

Dizzyfugu · January 05, 2024, 06:43:08 AM

"Thunderbird 6 to the rescue!"

McColm · January 05, 2024, 11:29:53 AM

Quote from: NARSES2 on January 05, 2024, 06:26:51 AMIn some respects that's got an almost sci-fi vibe going for it and in another I can see it swimming in an aquarium will all the other Rays and Turtles

That's going to be a large fish tank!

Captain Canada · January 05, 2024, 11:58:45 AM

Looks good. Does look sci-fi/ stealthy. I doubt the enemy would hear it coming lol. Be nice to see it with a Harrier on deck.

McColm · January 05, 2024, 11:49:15 PM

Quote from: Captain Canada on January 05, 2024, 11:58:45 AMLooks good. Does look sci-fi/ stealthy. I doubt the enemy would hear it coming lol. Be nice to see it with a Harrier on deck.

I'm going to invest in a pair of magnification glasses as the parts are tiny in 1/144 scale.

RAFF-35 · January 06, 2024, 03:53:55 AM

Wow! I can't wait to see this one completed!

McColm · January 06, 2024, 06:37:08 AM

Quote from: RAFF-35 on January 06, 2024, 03:53:55 AMWow! I can't wait to see this one completed!

Nor can I

McColm · August 06, 2024, 08:22:02 AM

'The green goddess ' finally taking shape. A bit more PSR on the lumps and bumps, the green might need toning down a bit.

McColm · August 16, 2024, 12:24:21 AM

I've been working on the paint scheme, the green looks new so I have added a bit colour to tone it down a bit. The photos also include the Thunderstruck, Excalibur and Widow Cranky.

The landing deck needs tidying up and a few 1/144 helicopters or Harriers to follow.

McColm · August 18, 2024, 03:47:35 AM

It's slowly getting there with a few touch-ups and some decals.
Glazing to be done and a few 1/144 aircraft to set the scene.