Veron Police Launch

[Tony HadleyParticipant @tonyhadley]

Hi all,

I am unsure as to whether I should have placed this question in the ‘Building Kits’ section of this forum. This model once available as a kit, can now be built from a plan.

Has anyone any photographs of the finished boat? These would be useful for colour scheme, fittings. detailing etc.

I recall seeing a photograph of one, at an exhibition, in ‘Model Boats’ magazine some months ago, however I haven’t kept this issue, which I now regret. I only have the old advertisment photographs (B&W only) from the 1970’s magazines.

Thanks Tony.

[Paul TParticipant @pault84577]

Hi Tony

Sorry to take so long to reply but I thought that another member might have some more useful information.

The only time that I have seen this model is on e bay as a plan, however if you look on google (images) for Thames river police launches you might find what you are looking for.

Or you could try this web site http://www.thamespolicemuseum.org.uk/

Hope this helps

Paul

[Tony HadleyParticipant @tonyhadley]

Thanks Paul,

I had a look at this site which is very interesting. Two police supervision launches are shown which are on the lines of ‘MM417 Telecta’ (plans still available from myhobbystore). They are John Harriot (1947-1963) and Patrick Colquhoun (1963-2003). A single engine trainer is shown, which is on the same lines as the Veron craft, with more updated livery and fluorescent lettering.

I have managed to locate the colour scheme, and found the horns still to be available! It would still be nice to see a photo of an original model, so my search will continue.

I went to the local model shop (now becoming harder to find), bought the first pieces of balsa, located graphite paper to transfer the shapes from the plan and made a start.  I am not the fastest of builders, other chores seem to take priority. The size and construction methods, of this launch, fit the bill. i.e. kitchen table build, no fibreglass and 1970’s retro.

Thanks again Tony

[Paul TParticipant @pault84577]

Nice one Tony

That kind of building is right up my street, keep us posted on progress and, if you have the time, put a few progress photos on the gallery section.

Meanwhile I will keep looking through my hoard of books and mags for an more information.

Have a happy new year.

Paul

[Tony HadleyParticipant @tonyhadley]

Paul,

Happy New Year to yourself and all at this forum. Thanks for the comments, and help received.

Thanks again Tony

[Ron FielderParticipant @ronfielder27750]

Hi,

I have seen your query re the Veron River Police Patrol Launch.

I have one of these kits still unmade. All seems complete in the box, goodness knows how old it is.

The picture on the box shows it going down the Thames. It has a Dark Blue Hull, Red Plimsoll Line and Light Blue under the water Line.

If you need any more info let me know.

Ron 

[Tony HadleyParticipant @tonyhadley]

Hi Ron,

Thanks for the information. You are a lucky modeller to still have a kit intact. I sent to Phil Smith, Verons designer and purchased a plan, and cutting templates sheet, to allow the model to be scratchbuilt. Unfortunately the plan doesn’t show the colour scheme. Some fittings will also need making.  Reade Models still manufacture the horns, however they are closed until mid January.

In June 1977 Model Boats magazine the kit was advertised at £8.81. What is interesting in that same magazine is Sanwa were advertising a two channel radio control combo unit for £54.95. A basic two channel in Model Boats mag of today is approx £40.

What plans have you for your kit? will we see photographs of it on the water soon?

Thanks again Tony

[Tony HadleyParticipant @tonyhadley]

Hi Again Ron,

Forgot to ask, are there any decals included in the kit? I am unable to locate where the ‘POLICE’ text, (if any) would have been located.

Thanks again Tony

[Paul TParticipant @pault84577]

Hi Tony

This might be a bit late but I have noticed that a veron police launch has been listed on e bays model boat section (boats and hovercraft)

Paul

[Kevin BeallParticipant @kevinbeall91525]

Hi, my dad built me one of these years ago. i got the urge and built one from plans off Ebay. Built using mainly lite ply rather than balsa and the whole lot covered in resin once done, so all the advantages of fibreglass but on a wood build. Really nice subject, with radio added and a Graupner ECO 600 motor goes very nice! Horn and lights are same as those supplied in original kit.

[Tony HadleyParticipant @tonyhadley]

Hi Kevin,

Nice model, well done. Hope mine turns out as good.

What prop have you used? I put another posting for the searchlight, however I have since located one. Reade models  still sell the horns.

Tony

[Tony HadleyParticipant @tonyhadley]

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