Service vessel; Life-saving capsule

Scale: about 1:8. A full hull model of a proposed life-saving capsule (circa 1914) made entirely in wood with metal fittings and varnished. The depicted vessel is bullet-shaped and fully enclosed. Fittings include a pronounced single ballasted keel; a heavy strake encircling the hull at the waterline with two pairs of lighter strakes higher up that serve as footings; an insulated roof protected the occupants against exposure, as well as providing extra buoyancy; a rudder, the long edge reinforced with metal, and a short tiller; small open cockpit at the stern; and stout bilge keels and a pair of stabilizer fins mounted horizontally at the aft ends of the stout strakes. There is a mount for a single mast which is now missing. The model is displayed on a rudimentary baseboard.

Object Details

ID: SLR2546
Collection: Ship models
Type: Full hull model
Display location: Not on display
Creator: Wells, R.F.
Date made: circa 1914
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London. We regret that Museum enquiries have not been able to identify the copyright holder and would welcome any information that would help us update our records. Please contact the Picture Library.
Measurements: Overall model: 878 x 360 mm; Base: 394 x 381 x 220 mm