Description
Billing Boats St. Roch
Scale model of an arctic patrol boat. 1:72 scale Wooden hull 12.80″H 18.50″L 4.33″W
The St. Roch is a historic Royal Canadian Mounted Police schooner that holds a special place in Canadian maritime history. The ship was constructed in 1928 and served as a Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) patrol vessel in the Canadian Arctic for many years.
One of the most notable achievements of the St. Roch was its completion of the Northwest Passage in 1940, becoming the first vessel to successfully navigate the treacherous route from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean in a single season. This was a significant accomplishment in maritime exploration and demonstrated Canada’s sovereignty over its northern waters.
During World War II, the St. Roch was also used to supply remote Arctic weather stations and acted as a patrol vessel to ensure Canadian sovereignty in the Arctic region. The ship’s ice-strengthened hull and sturdy construction made it well-suited for operating in the harsh Arctic environment.
In 1944, the St. Roch made history again by completing a west-to-east transit of the Northwest Passage, becoming the first ship to navigate the passage in both directions. This feat solidified the St. Roch’s place in Canadian maritime lore and highlighted its importance in Arctic exploration and patrol.
After its active service, the St. Roch was retired in 1954 and eventually became a museum ship in Vancouver, British Columbia. Today, the St. Roch is part of the Vancouver Maritime Museum and is open to the public as a historic attraction. The ship serves as a reminder of Canada’s rich maritime heritage, its Arctic exploration efforts, and the important role of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in protecting and patrolling the country’s vast northern territories.
Billing Boats St. Roch kit include an easier way of building the hull. The hull is assembled in halves, on a table. This allows for easier assembly and is quite useful in learning plank-on-frame or plank-on-bulkhead construction! Once each half is done you join the two for a completed hull. Make sure you work each half in opposite directions so that when joined they marry up evenly!
What’s In The Box:
- Billing Boats St. Roch model construction kit with laser cut wood boards and wood planking
- Full set of fittings
- Plans
- Diagrams and an instruction manual in multiple languages.
Note: This is a wooden kitset which requires assembly and painting. Glues, required tools, and paint sold separately.
R/C Components sold separately.
Technical Specifications:
The ships scale is 1:72,
The built model will be 18.05 inches long, 12.8 inches tall and has a beam of 4.3 inches.
The kit does not contain paint, glue or tools or any electronics for R/C setup.
