Aldeburgh Model Lifeboats

Back in 2020, through the good offices of Dennis Robotham, the club was contacted by the Aldeburgh Lifeboat Station asking if the Gipping Valley Model Boat Club could help with the refurbishment of two of their model lifeboats. When received both models were found to be in a very poor state having suffered over the years but none the less well worth repairing.

The first was a model a 37ft Rother Class that was in service at Aldeburgh from 1982 to 1993. The lifeboat was named James Cable in honour of the Aldeburgh Coxswain who won 3 silver medals for bravery amongst many other awards during his 30-year service.

The second model was of a 42ft Watson Class named after Alfred and Patience Gottwald who I believe provided much of the funding for this boat which was in service from 1959 to 1979. This model was originally scratch built in 1977 by a Mr. Arthur Chenery

Both models required major but sympathetic refurbishment including painting where necessary, rigging, wiring, electronics, lighting and servos. Two sets of radio equipment were donated by our club ensuring that both models could be used for demonstration and fund raising by the RNLI.

The  JAMES CABLE

           Refurbished by Dennis

The A & P Gottwald

            Refurbished by Dave

The boats were finally returned to the Aldeburgh Lifeboat Station on Wednesday 30th of June 2021 after most Covid restrictions were eased. We were given a very warm reception by the coxswain Mr. Steven Saint and his crew including a tour of the station and very welcome mugs of tea.

Mr. Saint then expressed on behalf of the RNLI his thanks for the time and equipment donated by the Gipping Valley Model Boat Club and would put some photo’s on their website.