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jayenn
07-06-2011, 14:29
When Dreadnaught first mentioned the RAF floating dock in the "Admiralty Floating Docks" thread, I was fascinated by this unusual craft as I had not known anything about it. After some months digging for information and photographs, I was able to draw up plans and construct this model. HMS Flat Iron was the name given by the crew to the dock.
Dreadnought
07-06-2011, 15:07
Good grief ... simply superb John, especially being scratch built. I am in awe ...!!

Where on earth do you start in trying to draw up the plans up from such a limited cache of photos and information ..??

Absolutely brilliant Job, and big thanks for posting.




Just changed your pics to thumbnails as that is the preferred method of submission.
medway508
10-06-2011, 07:35
Nice model, what scale.
jayenn
10-06-2011, 19:12
Hi medway508,
Thanks for the comment. The model is 1/72 scale and was this dictated by the aircraft kits that were available plus the fact that shakier hands now make smaller scales a bit more challanging.
jerryseadog
17-01-2012, 12:25
These are brilliant! Would like to talk as my g-grandfather was the designer - John Narbeth and I only have a photocopy of a newspaper photo in my records.
Jerry
jayenn
17-01-2012, 18:52
Hi Jerry please see my PM to you
regards John
eskimosailor
17-01-2012, 19:32
Brilliant model. Has anyone seen photos of the real thing?
Steve
jayenn
17-01-2012, 20:55
Hi Steve
If you have a look at the Admiralty Floating Docks thread in Other Naval Topics, you will find photos in posts 311, 312 &380
BlackBat242
18-01-2012, 03:07
That's an interesting building on the bow... a true "deck-house"!
eskimosailor
18-01-2012, 03:43
Hi Steve
If you have a look at the Admiralty Floating Docks thread in Other Naval Topics, you will find photos in posts 311, 312 &380

Thanks Jayenn. What an odd looking craft. Were they ever officially named or numbered? None of the photos appear to show any markings.
Steve
Vegaskip
18-01-2012, 10:51
There were quite a lot of 'unusual' vessels used in the operation of Float Planes and Flying Boats, try 'Googling' Flying Boat Lighters.
Jim
jayenn
18-01-2012, 19:47
Steve,
The dock was unique and does not seem to have either an official number or name. H M S Flat Iron was the nickname given by the crew no doubt because on plan she looked exactly like an old fashion solid iron.
regards
John