That is good news Stephen.

A lot of old military equipment has been restored over recent years (aircraft, tanks etc) and from what I can gather this need to preserve and restore some of our recent history continues.

It would be good to see ML492 restored to the way she would have been in 1942.

I suspect that if she were slightly older and had a war record she may have been saved already !

Bob.

I am told that there is work a foot to recover her for preservation as she floats with each tide all I suspect is not lost

A sad ending for the boat, but it must be good for you to know the full history of your project.

Bob.

Pride of Paignton was ML492 completed in 1942 as 41 ton type built in brightlingsea Essex sold 1945 sold to sea cadets and then converted to Pride of Paignton 1964 by 1994 no longer required and following accident was severely damage and on mud flat slowly rotting

Hi StephenT, 1/43 is a good scale as there are lots model cars and of course 'O' gauge model railways, to choose from
Roy

I am really pleased to know that you are going to make a model of this very interesting craft that has obviously had an “interesting” life.

That is a sad end for what would have been a proud member of the Coastal Command forces.

Does anyone know anything about the service history of this boat, or its number (or name even?) when it was in military service?

Bob.

Yes I am going with that as an idea a lot of handrails to fit on the scale I think it comes out as o gauge 7mm to the foot approx 1/43rd so have to find a rowing boat that scale lts a shame that the original boat is now a hulk on a sand bar in Devon

Do you fancy making your own “Pride of Paignton” model using the photographs you have found as a reference Stephen?

Not many models are made of ex-Coastal Command boats in their later life after military service.

It’s a fascinating find that has several options for you to consider.

Bob.

Well I’ll be damned, that is a fascinating find! And may very well be the answer Stephen! Can we classify her as a high speed motor launch for harbor patrol or a Fairmile B hybrid? Interesting find no matter the answer, have to love a good mystery.
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Well amongst all the strange things that happen after a visit to Torquay, and a conversation about an ex local mtb the Pride of Paignton it seems local chap made models of that boat in latter years in the late 1960s

Your mystery boat certainly does have a hull that has a “costal command” look about it Stephen, and it would be easy make a more convincing model with a change of superstructure.

I built up a huge library of coastal command books when I was making and running craft of that type. When I get home again I could look for anything that has a similar hull.

Something in the back of my mind is recalling the early MTB’s that carried a large single torpedo that was slid off the back of the craft to launch it…..causing the boat to turn hard and fast immediately after launch to avoid getting hit by its own torpedo !

The hull looks nice and will be a really good base for your winter project 👍

Bob.

another suggestion is a pauser s30 boat or one thats been converted to a cabin cruiser my father had a converted mob that was converted on the hamble it used to go well was sold to a collector in us

yes the fairmile is quite different on the thames uk there was fast river boats that had a similar mid deck but a lot is missing so a winter work in progress

Have you measured the length and compared it to real boats of the style you want to make it? This way you can figure out some sort of scale for it. If you want to salvage the hull (if it looks good and sturdy) is to build from the deck up a more realistic rendition of something close. Sometimes it is impossible and not worth the time. The prop placement and rudder look funky. I also took the liberty to roughly compare it to the Fairmile D boat via PSP as a quick check. The hull lines look quite different.

Lew

yes going to dish the mid deck and repaint I have another old boat that the paint has cracked in the same way and with repainting stopped that its paint on to thick

Looking at the various parts designs and materials, I would suspect this is not based on any real boat. For example, the thickness of the wall on the pilot house is overdone by quite a bit. The way the superstructure sits down in a step inside the cutout to access the inside would probably be a water leak problem which leads me to believe the builder was not very knowledgeable about model boat building (other issues noted). The deck looks like real flooring.

I agree on what Roy had said about this model had a home made upper part (deck and above). However, the transom has a curve to it so that might knock out the Fairmile style (although I am no expert in that matter). The hull looks to be plank on frame with a gunwale on the sides only. Hull's deep cracks might be from some sort of unsupported (no fiberglass) coating on it.

Lew

this boat is 130mm wide 890mm long 85mm from to keel to deck cabin door 45mm main inner section is 490 high hope this helps slight curve to deck

As mentioned by Roy. Addendum.
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As mention by Roy.
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The hull kind of reminded me of the old Dumas triple cockpit runabout. I think Roy’s mention of a kit bashed top-sides is spot one. So could def be a one off.
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For what it is worth this looks like a Fairmile hull with a 'freelance' top.
Roy