Billing Boats 1/40 Scale Colin Archer Rescue Vessel Model Kit
Built for some of the harshest waters in Europe, RS 1 Colin Archer combined exceptional seaworthiness with the elegant lines of a traditional Norwegian sailing vessel. Billing Boats' 1/40 scale wooden kit recreates this historic rescue ship with its distinctive double-ended hull and full sailing rig, producing a detailed finished model measuring 475mm long.
ABOUT THE KIT:
The Billing Boats Colin Archer is based on RS 1, the famous Norwegian rescue vessel built in 1893 for the Norwegian Society for Shipwreck Salvage. At 1/40 scale, the completed model measures 475mm long, 125mm wide and 500mm high.
The kit features a wooden hull and recreates the vessel's characteristic double-ended form, detailed deck arrangement and traditional sailing rig. Its compact dimensions make it an attractive display model while still providing plenty of opportunity to develop wooden ship-building and rigging skills.
Billing Boats provides a main construction drawing, fittings guide, dedicated sail plan and assembly manual to guide the modeller through the project.
Billing Boats rates this version of Colin Archer as Beginner level, making it an accessible choice for modellers looking to develop their wooden boat-building skills.
FEATURES:
- Detailed 1/40 scale model of RS 1 Colin Archer
- Based on the historic Norwegian rescue vessel built in 1893
- Wooden hull construction
- Distinctive double-ended rescue vessel design
- Detailed deck arrangement
- Traditional sailing rig
- Main construction drawing provided
- Fittings guide provided
- Dedicated sail plan provided
- Assembly manual provided
- Suitable for beginner wooden ship modellers
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Scale: 1/40
- Length: 475mm
- Width: 125mm
- Height: 500mm
- Hull: Wooden
- Difficulty Level: Beginner
HISTORY:
RS 1 was built in 1893 for the Norwegian Society for Shipwreck Salvage at Colin Archer's shipyard in Rekkevig, near Larvik, Norway. The vessel was later named Colin Archer in honour of her celebrated designer and builder.
Colin Archer's distinctive double-ended rescue vessel design became renowned for its strength and seaworthiness. Around 30 vessels of this general type were built, with most constructed at Archer's yard at Tollerodden in Larvik. RS 1 spent approximately 40 years working as a rescue vessel before being sold into private ownership in 1933, when a small auxiliary engine was added.
The vessel crossed the Atlantic in 1938 and remained in the United States for more than two decades. She suffered severe storm damage in North Carolina in October 1954 and was eventually found in a badly deteriorated condition on the Potomac River in 1960.
In December 1961, Colin Archer was transported back to Norway as deck cargo aboard the freighter MS Tasco. After passing through several owners, the historic vessel was handed over to the Norwegian Maritime Museum in Oslo on 21st April 1972.
Responsibility for the vessel was subsequently given to the Colin Archer Cutter Club, which restored her and returned her to sailing condition. RS 1 Colin Archer survives as an important reminder of Norway's maritime and lifesaving heritage.
PLEASE NOTE:
Paint, glue and modelling tools are required to complete this kit and are not included.
Paint, glue and modelling tools are required to complete this kit and are not included.
OPTIONAL EXTRAS. NOT INCLUDED. AVAILABLE SEPARATELY.
Model Makers Glue Pack (MMGP) Contains:
- Deluxe Materials Speed Bond 112g
- Deluxe Materials Roket Max Thick Cyano (Super glue)
Hobbies Planking Tool Set (HOB24) Contains:
- Plank Bending Tool with Blade.
- 2 x 50mm Nylon Grip Clamps.
- 2 x 75mm Nylon Grip Clamps.
- Pen Grip Pin Pusher.
- Brass Pins for Pin Pusher (Pack of 100).
