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10 Compass360
This mo nth’sh ob by -related news ro un d- up
12 Fife
Br ia nK ni gh tr ev ie ws Am at i’s 1:32 sc al ek it fo rt hi sS co tt is h fis hi ng ve ss el
18 World’ssmalles t aircraft carrier
Wa nnab eS eeb ea Mi ke Pu rs er shares th es to ry of an ex pe ri me ntal an di nn ovativelit tl e bu il d
24 Gett ingitright
NevWad ei nd ulge si nsom esqu are rigg er re trofi ttin g
30 “But they alllookt he same…”
Jo hn Mile so ne mbarks on th e
18
sc ra tc hb uild of on eo fthe RNLI’s mo re un us ua lhis to riclifeb oa ts
38 ExclusivePrize Dr aw
JDon’t mi ss yo ur chan ce to WIN this Billin gB oa ts’1:4 0sca le Wave ny Class Li fe boat ki t
40 TheFlyingBus
Ashley Needhamhas awhale of atime creating hisveryown workingversion of aquirky1930s’magazinecover star
48 Save moneywit ha subscription
Ch ec ko ut th elates td ea ls an dg et yo ur favo uritemag azin efor le ss, de li ve re dd irec tl ytoyou rown fron t door
50 Digitallydesigned dinghy
Ro be rt Bu lb rookep ut shis newl y acqu ired te ch sk ills to good us e
56 Self- cent red
Gl yn nG ue st prov id es so me he lp fu l ad vice on afre qu en tl yd iscu ss ed po nd side to pic
58 SS Vagabundo
Pa rt 2o fthe gu id etob uild in gthi ss ma ll coas ta ltra der wo rk in gfro mlas tm on th’s free plan
64 Boiler Room
RichardSim pson te ll sac au tionar ytal e
70 Flot sam&Jet sam: Smokingpot
Jo hn Pa rker shares hi stried an dtes te d me th od fo r‘ro llin gyou rown’
76 Your Models
Mo re of yo ur brillian tworks howc as ed
80 Your Letter s
Op en fo ru mfor al lm at te rs mo de lb oa t re la te d
82 Next month…
Ju st th re eo fthe reason syou wo n’twan t to mi ss th eS ep te mb er 2025 is su eo f Mod el Boat s
Asyou mayhaven oticed,the di me nsio ns of th emag have re ce ntly be en slig htly re du ce d, bu tres t as su re dtha td oe sn’t chan ge th ea mo un t, an d va riet y, of co nten twe’re ab le to pa ck in to ever yi ss ue
This mo nth, fo rexa mp le,you’llfi nd ever ythi ng from arev iewo fA ma ti ’s 1:32 ki tfor atra di tional Scot ti sh fis hi ng ve ss el to afea tu re fo cu si ng on th escratch bu il d of aWorld Wa rIIUSS ea be e’s- en gi ne ered po ntoo n(so rr y, Mi ke,a ircraf tc arrier!), an dfro ma nu nu su al stea m- powe re dR NLI li fe boat projec ttosom esqu arerig ger re trofi ttin g, ar tworkfor aver ya rt de co look in gtra ns atla ntic craf td esig ncon ce pt featured on a193 0s’e di tion of Po pula r Mechanic s ma gazi ne finally brou gh tto li fe,a nd acom pl etel yd ig itally de sign ed, 3D -p ri nted di ng hy.T ha t’sb eforeweeve n ge ttothe ar ticl es en ti tl ed ‘S el f- Ce ntre d’ an d‘ Sm ok in gp ot ’– whic hk in do fsou nd s li ke we’ved iver si fie di ntolifes ty le ch oice s co un se llin g, bu ta syou will se efro mthe Co nten ts li stin g, bo th in fa ct prov id esom e he lp fu l‘howto’ mo de lb oa t- re la te dg uide s. Then,thankstothe ongoingsupport of the generous crew at BillingBoats,we’re able to youoffer youthe chance to wina1:40scale Waveny Classlifeboatkit (see thecentrespread of themag fordetails), which, although marketed as astaticdisplay buildsuitablefor thenovicemodeller, can, if youhavethe knowhow, also be fit tedout forR /C operation.
It ’s al ways ajoy to be ab le to su rp ri se th e en tran ts draw ni no ur excl usivep rize draw s, an di nd ee dthree mo re lu ck yw in ne rs (o ne from TheWorld at Wa r prized rawcou rtes y of Ol dGol dM ed ia /Ric ha rd Le on PR ,a s featured in ou rMay 2025 is su e, an dt wo in th eJapan es eDozuk iRazor Sawp rize draw co ur te sy of ww w.tool nu t.co.u ktha twas ru n in ou rJ un e2025e di tion)a re an nou nced on th epag es of ou rCom pa ss 36 0n ew ss ec tion in this is su e.
It ’s al so area lp leas uretob ea bl eto ce le bratethe brillian tworko fthi srea de rs hi p in th eYou rM od el ss ec tion an d, on ce ag ai n, th ere’sa su pe rb se le ctio no fb uild stoa dm ire star ti ng on pa ge 76
Be fo re wrap pi ng up (n ot li te ra ll y, as I’m writin gthi sm id heat wave!),Is ho ul dp oi nt ou tthe re’s lo ts mo re fa ntas ticcon te nt li ne d up th eS ep te mb er is su e(whic hw illg oo n sa le from Au gu st 15,b ut will be de li ve re dto su bscrib er su ptoawee ka head of that da te), in cl ud in ga free plan an db uild gu id efor Ray Wood ’s love ly Lysa nd er (s ee pa ge 82 fo ra sn ea kp ee k),sod on’t mi ss it
In th em ea ntim e, en joyyou rrea d!
Li nd sey
Compass360
If you have anews story for these pages,please contact the Editor,Lindsey Amrani, via e-mail ateditor@modelboats.co.uk
OUTAND ABOUT T
DoverTransport Museum ModelWeekend
The Dover Transport Museum in WillingdonRoad, Whitfield, Dover CT162JX will be holding aModel Weekend over the weekend of August 2/3 (10am to 4pm each day). This will featureall manner of working transport models, including model ships and boats
(which will be demonstrated in apool especially erected specially for the event outside of the museum).
Admission to the museum costs £12 for adults, with concessions, but tickets permit re-entry at no additional cost for 12 monthsafter purchase. The wheelchair friendly venue offers free onsite parking and acafé servinghot andcold drinks and lightsnacks.
For further information, visit the website at www.dovertransportmuseum.org.uk,
email info@dovertransportmuseum.org. uk or call 01304 822409.
Cw
CwmbranMBC Open Day
On Sunday,August 10 the Cwmbran Model Boating Society will be holding an Open Day at Cwmbran Boating Lake, Cwmbran, Wales. The picturesque but practical venue boasts both asmall pond (which will be busy with scale models and submarines) and alarge lake (on which you’ll be able to watch sailing boats,semi-scale fast and fast electric boats in action).Stands, including those manned by other local clubs, will be set up alongside of the small pond. Therewill also be model tanks,lorries and trucks on display
Shipsin Miniature: ACentury of DennyVessels and ipsinMiniature:A Centur yofDenny Vesselsand
TheirStories eirSto
Opening on August 23 this year at the Scottish Maritime Museum’sDenny Ship Model Experiment Tank in Castle Street, Dumbarton G82 1QS will be an exhibition showcasing some of the extraordinary vessels from WilliamDenny and BrothersShipyardofDumbarton (1844-1963) in handcrafted scale model form.
These highly detailed representations, so vital to the shipbuilding process (both for securing commissions and testing innovative designsbefore full-scale construction began), tell the story of the revolutionaryengineering that transformedthe industry; and while marvelling at their incredible
Black and white photograph of the Denny Shipyard thought to have been taken c.1880.
Model of HMS Jaguar,aLeopard-class Type 41 anti-aircraft frigate and the last frigate built by William Denny and Brothers for the Royal Navy.The model is from acollection of naval shipping models built by Prof. Ian Cressy Bridge.
precision and artistry you will be able to learn all about the specialised techniques and tools used to create them.
The exhibition highlights theDenny yard’sglobal impact, featuring models of vessels that establishednotable records and servedonfamousroutes worldwide, including paddle steamers for the River Clyde and commissioned vessels for the British Admiralty,overthe course of its remarkable 119-year history.
The museum opens its doors between 10am and4pm from Monday
SouthernModel Show
The weekend of August 30/31 will see the Southern Model Show back at the Headcorn Aerodrome at Shenley Road, Headcorn, TN279HX.The nowwellestablished event will featuredisplays of all types of R/C model vehicles, including model boats, along with numerous trade stands to browse and family-friendly attractions to enjoy
Both single dayand weekend tickets (with the option tocamp onsite) can be purchased in advanceonline. Visit https:// headcornsouthernmodelshow.uk toview all the options
TheWorld at War PrizeDraw
We aredelighted to announce the winning entry drawn in The World at WarPrize Draw,which featured in our May 2025 issue courtesy of Old Gold Media and RichardLeon PR, as Mr James Palmer of Troon, Ayrshire. Congratulations, James!
Japanese RazorSaw PrizeDraw
through to Saturdayand day tickets arecharged at £5 for adults, with concessions (for moredetails,visit https://www.scottishmaritimemuseum. org/dumbarton-museum/). Visitors can enjoyfreeonsite parking. Alternatively, the museum is a10-minute walk from Dumbarton Central or Dumbarton East stations. Please note,the entrance to the museum is accessed by 11 concrete steps and, although thereisahandrail, thereare no access ramps of lifts either inside or outside thebuilding.
TheBrunelMuseum
Located in Railway Avenue, Rotherhithe, London SE16 4LF, the Brunel Museumwill this year be celebrating 200 years since construction started on the Thames Tunnel with awhole programme of events and activities.
The museum is dedicated to telling the story of one of the greatest ever engineering dynasties the world has seen. As many of you will be aware, IsambardKingdom Brunel’s work included the design and build of three famous steamships, the Great Western (scrappedin1856 following troopship service in the Crimean War), the GreatBritain (now in preservation and dominating Bristol’shistoric waterfront) andthe GreatEastern (the launch point of which wasjust across theriver from wherethe museum stands today,but this ship was also sadly brokenupin1889/1890),each representing major advancesinnaval architecture.
Open from Monday through till Friday from 10.30am to 3.30pm, admission to the museum is charged at £15for adults, with concessions. For moreinformation,visit https://thebrunelmuseum.com
BUYTHE BOOK YTHE
TheBritish Aircraft Carrierin TwoWorld Wars
In the June issue of Model Boats we wereable to offer youthe chance, courtesy of www.toolnut. co.uk, to win one of two superb Japanese Dozuki razor saws. It is, therefore, our pleasureto announce the two lucky entrants drawn on the June 27 closing date as:
● Clive Farrar of Penrith, Cumbria
● Adrian Scrivens of Hereford Congratulations to you both!
In this, the first ofa two-part study, naval analystNormanFriedman focuses mainly onBritish dominance in the early years of carrier development (during World Wars I& II). AllBritishbuilt carriers of the day,including those in Commonwealth and foreign service arecovered, with historical context, both operational and technical, explained in detail. The book is heavily illustrated with period photographs, but also reproduces official plans from the National Maritime Museum, many of which have never previously been published Carrying an RRP (Recommended Retail Price)of£50, the title can be purchased directly from www.pen-and-sword.co.uk or ordered via all good bookstores whenquoting ISBN97813 9903 3138.
OAmati’sFife
Brian Knight tackles building this 1:32 scaleScottishmotor fishing vessel as aworking, rather than static display,model…
fthe many materials available for model boats, nothing comes close to my favourite, wood. I can remember building yachts ‘bread &butter’ fashion, as Iam suremany others can, and therewas always something about really satisfying about this way of working,asindeed Ifound theretobewith the plankon-frame method Ilater adopted. Planking acurved and shaped hull is definitely achallenge, requiring agood eye and lots of patience, especially if double planking, but is ultimately so rewarding.
I’ve since built many boatswith fibreglass, plastic sheet and the later technology of vacuum formed plastic hulls, of course,but Irecently decided I’dlike to revert to modelling with
wood again. So,having in the past built the Amati GrandBanks cruiser (this kit including afibreglass hull butthe rest being all wood) and later the Amati AquaramaItalian runabout (of double plank-on-frame construction), and appreciated the detail and quality of these kits, Amati’sFifie Scottish fishing boat immediately appealed to me.
The Fifie wasatraditional type of fishingboat designedonthe east coast of Scotland, in use from the 1850s untilwell into the 20th century These boats weremainly used to catch herring using drift nets.
What ’s in thebox?
On receipt the well-packaged kit proved as just as expected, coming with an extensive instruction manual,
seven well-drawn plans and, along with the wooden parts for the build itself, awealth of incredible detail fittings supplied in two separate containers (see Photo 1). While this kit is not exactly cheap, carrying an RRP of £224 (although shop around, as thereare discounts/bargains to be found), you certainly what you pay for in terms of the quality of design and the materials used.
“If the intention is to create a working model, thesurfaces of all exposed MDF in the interior must be sealedagainst any water ingress”
“Tis is agood point at whichto make arrangements for an on/ of switch externally,sothat you can powerupwithouthaving to remove the superstructureand its associated rigging”
Building forR /C operation
Ahead of embarking on the build, I suggest you first create ajig to align the frame. Iput mine together simply by using some right-angle brackets made for 3D printers and afirm baseboard (see Photo 2), and this made things so much easier when Istarted work the assembly (see Photo 3) Ishould also probably point out beforegoing any further that the majority of theinterior is constructed from MDF (this kit is, after all, marketed primarily for the build of adisplay model, hence the large amount of detail). As many of you will be aware, MDFdoesn’tlikewater and swells enormously once wet. So, if the intention is to create aworking model, the surfaces of all exposed MDF inthe interior must be sealed against any water ingress (which,let’sface it, can happen in even the best of models). I find Rustins’ Quick Dry MDF Sealer one of the best productsfor this purpose, but of course you may have your own tried and test preferences.
The next important step is to complete all the internal electrics and mechanical bits andpieces –basically, everything, including the shaft and coupling, that needs installing before planking begins. Ialso strongly advise testing all the working parts, the full operation, at this stage as, trust me, you won’thave much room to attend to any modifications once you’reall planked and the deck is on (see Photo 4).Likewise, this is agood point at which to make arrangements for an on/
offswitch externally,sothat you can power up without having to remove the superstructureand its associated rigging (I ended up fittinga rocker switch belowahatch Imade, positioned below the wheelhouse, at alaterstage).
Youcan then attach the first layer of planking. Ifitted thedeckfirstto give me moresupport(see Photo 5) My first layer was alittle rough (but acceptable); the second (shown in
We now cometoanother essential assembly,the stand. The kit contains components for avery substantial one (see Photo7),whichI have also photographedonceassembled (see Photo 8) –although please note the rubber protection strips added came from my own personal stock and is not supplied with the kit.
The timberusedinthe kit is made up of avariety of different types of wood, in varioustints and shades of colour (particularly when it comes to the strips). Thebase colour on the thinner laser cut sheets, however,need to be stained, eitherwithmahogany or walnut. Ipreferred mahogany and found it easier to applythe stainafter the individual parts had been removed from their sheets and assembled.
Moving on to deck planking, hereI firstly removed the bulkhead tops above the deck as per the instructions. These break offeasily and then need tobe sanded flat with the fixed deck. Imade a template for my fitted deck using paper
sheet (see Photo 9), which Itransferred on to 1mm ply sheet (see Photo 10)
As with any deck that requires planking, Iprefer to use afalse deck and fix the planking with black cordinserted between each plank, seated on thin double-sided tape. I’ve been using this method for many years and have never had aplank come loose. The method can be visually followed in Photos 11 to 14.
Youwill need to give the deck two coats of sandingsealer, followed by two coats of semi-gloss or matt varnish (dependingonyour own personal preference) beforefitting (see Photo 15).
Yo uw ill fin di t’sm uch eas ier to trim the end of th ep la n ks tha nt ry cutting them to an angle to ma tch th es hape of th eb ulwarks.
This done, you areready tofitthe timberheads above the deck. The instructions direct you to fit these oversize and then cut and sand flat. However, as Ifelt this would leave marks on my bulwarks, Ielected to cut and fit each one individually (see Photo 16).The results –after investing aconsiderable amount of time and patience, necessitating numerous cups of tea to be consumed –can be seen in Photo 17
Your next task is to fit the inner rail, which is secured with black nails. Here, Ipre-drilled using adrill bit slightly smaller than thediameter of the nail beforepressing them (see Photo 18). Idecided to fit the rudder and chains linked to my servo at this stage. This proved fairly straightforwardasthe hinges areperfectly formed and fit in
“I’ve been using this method for many years and havenever had a plank come loose”
the location indicated in theinstructions with no hassle (see Photos 19 and 20)
Thesuperstructure
After you’ve varnished and painted the hull, it’stime for thesuperstructureto take centrestage. This first needs tobe stained,but as youcan seein Photo 21 there’snot much of it.
Fairly straightforwardis theassembly of the wheelhouse’sinner and larger outerwindow frames into which the glazing is fitted, but let’s take a look at some of the moreintricate detailing… Photo 22 shows one of the hatch covers, with its pull ring and shaft ready to be joined andfitted, while Photo 23 features all 26 of these carefully installed, along with thenet rollers. Indeed, there’sanabundance of very smalland beautifully etched brass partsonthe sheets included with this kit, such as the lasercut brass components that make up thewheel (see Photo 24 and Photo 25). This is also showncompleted and installed in the partially finished wheelhouse (Photo 26); althoughnot afunctioning item and hidden from view once the superstructureiscomplete, it’sgood to know it’sthere!
My image of the componentsthat make up the steamwinch (see Photo 27) was copied from the instruction manual, while Photo 28 shows the resulting build installed on the deck. The exhaustpipefromthe starboard side is lagged with1mm cord.
Another detail build shot shows the bilge pump ready for painting and installing (see Photo 29).For thistype
“Asitstands, the rigging,along withthe sail, is perfectfor a display model, but needssome consideration if you’re buildinga working boat”
of assembly of brass and/or wooden partsIeither solder or use superglue.
Rigging
As it stands, the rigging, alongwith the sail, is perfect for adisplay model, but needssome consideration if you’re building aworkingboat. In the latter scenario, it’smost likely both masts will need to be foldedfor storage. I certainly don’thaveroom on myshelves to storethis model with its masts erected. So, I’ve found it morepractical to storethe sail furled on theboom Wherepossible,Ihavefitted someof the rigging asper the full-size vessel, including the blocks. After operatingon the lake, Iexpect to add moredetailed riggingatsomepointinthe future
Asmallproblem Ihad during the buildwas that therewas anumber of warped deck planks and the sail cloth
was missing, but an email to Amati was immediately repliedtobyavery helpful Emilio Marletti; the result being that replacements were promptly despatchedvia courier
On receipt of thesail cloth, Imade up thesail (my wife kindly sewingit up around the edgesfor me), butas stated, Ielected so show it furled to the boom alongwith thegaffenclosed. While the main reason was to simplify the mast lowering, this was also very important to me as our lake can get a bit windy at times, and Idon’tthink the Fifie will make averygood yacht!
Life aboard Fife
Some of the detail as Ineared completion can be seen in Photo30
Therewas still, however,one issue to be addressed… My belief is that all model boatsonthe water should have acrew, or ahelmsman at very least, so I contacted Martin at Model Dockyardfor suggestions. After some investigation he advised that avessel of this type would have acrewofeight or nine, plus adeckhand. This gave me lots of scope and allowed me to inject some humour into one particular cameo; as you will see in Photo 31, which depicts crew
members with their catch, one of them is being clawed by acrab he’spicked up, and, despite his obvious howl of pain, one of his buddies clearly finds this hilarious. The finished boat, with all the crew onboard, can be seen in Photo 32 Photos 33 and, of course, the intro image, show my Fifie finally out on the water.
It ’s asolid endorsementfrom me!
This proved to be achallenging and very enjoyable project, and Ifound it very satisfying to be working with wood again. Indeed, Ireckon any modeller with amodicum of experience (but, in fairness, also lots of patience) will equally enjoy the experience.
More aboutAmati…
For those unfamiliar with Amati kits, I can highly recommend them. If you’d like to find outa moreabout the history of the company (which was formed in 1879 in Turin) behind them and its progress to date, thisYouTube video (key the following link into your browser: https://www.youtube.com/@ amatimodel3031)makes for interesting viewing. ●
TWorld’ssmallest aircraft carrier
Wannabe Seabee Mike Purser sharesthe story of an experimentaland innovative little build
his is the world’s smallest aircraft carrier.It’samodel of avessel with aflat top carrying an aircraft, so it’sanaircraft carrier,Idon’tcare what anyone says!The plane canland on its deck, and make arolling take-off from it (OK, admittedlywithacrane, then three planks and atractor). When first tested on the pond, themodel drove forwardand backwards, left and right, on demand, so it passed its ‘seatrials’; and then it immediately broke down –so, it is exactly likeareal aircraft carrier!
This was aproject that combined two experiments:the first being to seeifIcould cannibalize cheap toysto power my own small models withradio control, and the second tosee if could recreate ahistorically interesting photo of apowered lighter (raft) carrying a P-51D Mustang that I’d spotted online.
Mike’smodel pontoon lighter for landing aircraft from aferrying aircraft carrier to aPacificisland, built to 1:72 scale, so about 7in long.
Mike’sinitial model, with 6in gaps between pontoons, just fitted on the build plate of his 3D printer in one piece. Online he managed to find free print filedownloads for many useful World WarIIarmy trucks, etc, so many,infact, he’d need aRhino ferry to carry them all!
“It’samodel of avessel with afat topcarryinganaircraft, so it’s an aircraft carrier,Idon’t carewhat anyone says!”
Seabeessolutions
I’ve always been fascinated by the clever engineering solutions that emerged during World WarII, particularly those that addressed the problems of amphibious warfare–the above-mentioned lighter being an excellent example.
The US Seabees (construction battalions) developed asimple and versatile system using small pontoons, each boasting about four and ahalf tons capacity,and afew standard accessories (e.g., angle irons, fasteners, power units and special end sections) to rapidly construct rafts,causeways andall sorts of floats for awide variety of tasks, evenfloating docks. They could even be filled with fuel or water, as conveniently sized tanks when, for example, being shipped abroad.
These pontoons wererectangular 5ft x5ft x7ft steel boxes, with3/16in sheet sides and 3/8in sheetstop and bottom, with two 7ft stiffening frames inside. The sideswereimpressed with stiffener grooves, and thetops sometimes featured non-slip diamond
tread. Each corner was chamfered by about9 inches, with holes drilled for special fasteners (nicknamed ‘jewellery’),which allowedeach corner to be connected, via abig angle iron to the next pontoon,using alarge
hand wheeltotightenthe connections. Long lines of pontoons werebuilt up on the wharf-side or beach, 5ft deep and 7ft wide, with 9ingaps between pontoons, all betweenfour 46ft lengths of steelangles (extended with
The donor frigate model, stripped of radio-control and motors, and suffering slight action damage!
Motors with propellers, control PCB and battery,all taken from the toy frigate. If embarking in asimilar project yourself, be careful when sawing the hull in half during the extraction process as the motor wires are VERYdelicate!
Plan viewofradio-control PCB, 25mm x40mm, with motors and battery
Twoassembled pairs of motor blocks (without motor or props).
Current arrangement of the running gear.Motors are in blocks either side, while the charging pins will poke through the deck. The switch now uses the pins through the raft bottom and LED connections are snipped off. Note the lead ballast forrard to adjust trim.
Just visible on the underside are the water-switch pins, both motor blocks in place and plastic card reinforcing strips.
An assembled view of powered pontoonraft, ready for sea trials.
motor unit parts.
Charging from the control box, ready for ‘Sea Trials’.
special in-line joints), beforebeing tipped or bulldozed into the water. Two(or more, dependingonintended purpose) long strings could then be joined side by side, e.g., tomake a14ft wide causeway
Pipe connectors on thesides of pontoonscould be used to flood or blow tanks, to make floatingdocks or to sink causeways as jetties, or just for use as fuel or water tanks.
Several different ends weremade,
“TeUSSeabees
(construction battalions) developed asimple and versatile system using small pontoons to rapidly construct rafts, causeways and all sortsoffoats for awide variety of tasks”
mostly 7ftsquare: around-down with track cleats for vehicles; two types of ramp withcleats; an angled-up bow or stern; and asimilar smooth roundup (swim end),which was also used inverted as alanding surface for an LST ramp at the back of aRhino Ferry (moreonwhich shortly).
Another striking featureofthese pontoons was adeck-mounted motor unit. This came complete with Z-drive to power a3ft Øpropeller. The propeller,onthe end of along stem, was protected by three strong horns ahead of it. The propeller and its vertical stem could be steered and also hinged out of the water to store upright for beaching, etc.Infront of the motor was abuilt-in fuel tank and beside it acontrol panel with steering wheel, the whole unitbeing portable and mountedonI-beam skids which bolted to thestandardholes in the raft angle irons.
Other minor equipment included bollards and sometimes 9in x5ft 8in deck plate strips to cover the gaps between pontoons (reducing the risk of leg injuries).
The aforementioned Rhino ferries werehuge rafts made up of about 6x 30 pontoons, measuring about 160ft long x43ft beam, which couldunload all the vehicles from an offshorefull LST onto thebeach in two trips –an invaluable assetwherea beach was too flat for an LST to get close enough to the shorebut the water was still too deep for vehicles to wade through. They had tripods with hand winches for hinged ramps at the bow,and afixed
