The first skiff built took about a week. More time spent scrounging than assembling. I just wanted a basic little ship to mingle with the larger boats, but the inclusion of the tower changed that. Here are a couple of shots of the "naked" and the primed model:
With all the other boats circling the tower, I thought making this a taxi would be logical. What better way for the crews to be shuttled back and forth? Currently it is moored above the "Zevon" tank waiting for a fare.
The second skiff, the final model to be built, was a last minute addition inspired by a documentary series. The wife and I had started watching this BBC show about the brave volunteers of the RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution), so I decided to model a little nod to these many men and woman doing an extraordinary job! Check it out if you get the chance!
The hull of the "Class B Lifeboat" is just a landing craft from a 1/700 Airfix kit. Again not many greeblies left to finish it. Unfortunately no primer shots were taken.
Gary Putz has been a very naughty boy! He was up on one of the mooring masts doing some repairs, but he was in such a hurry, he didn't secure his fall arrest PPE! All his tools plummeted 300 feet to the ground, and luckily he managed to grab onto the chain swaying in the wind below. Even luckier for him the tower has an RNLI station...
Not only is Gary's pride ruined, (and his coveralls slightly soiled...) he is going to have to buy several rounds at Taffey's tonight to thank the lads for saving his ass.
Again the figures are N scale Graham Farish. The crew were actually fireman, but I repainted them in RNLI kit. Remember, safety first!
Now look up, wayayayay up!
That wraps it up for the "Tofu Tower". The Mark II version is already planned, but it is going to be 00 gauge (1/76) this time! Another project is already on the bench, but likely months away. A hint as to the subject matter, "We got a Season 2!" (And it's got nothing to do with Ian McQue!).
