First perhaps though some description of the full-size vessel, the "Graemsey" is a small islands supply vessel/ferry, this small, rugged and attractively colourful vessel is owned by Orkney Ferries and operates from Kirkwall, the capital of the Orkney Islands, supplying all the diverse and varied needs of the crofting communities on the outlying islands.

To supply these islands the "GRAEMSEY" has a reinforced cargo deck capable of taking a large modern tractor of up to 8 tons, as well as small trucks, supply vehicles, Land Rovers etc. This deck area also has sockets to take portable stock pens so sheep and cattle can be transported to and from the islands and to market. The stern ramp allows for these types of cargo to be driven off or on where the islands have loading slips. Where these do not exist a Pallfinger 2tonne hydraulic crane has been fitted for unloading onto quaysides.

She would also transport all other items used on the islands, from letters to consumables, gas bottles to building materials, what ever is required, she carries. This has the advantage that the modeller can make any sort of cargo he wishes to enhance the back deck., indeed several cargo’s could be made and inter changed as choice dictates.

In the summer months an extra 32 portable seats are fitted on the cargo deck for tourist traffic to and from the islands. She also has the large front saloon with w/c facilities and seating for 39 passengers built into her long raised fo’c’s’le, during the winter months this is the only passenger area used by either island residents or visitors to the Islands

Passengers normally load onto the "GRAEMSEY"on the cargo deck via the let down stern ramp, or at a quayside, via companionways to the two side gates on the fo’c’s’le deck at the sides.

The vessel is powered by two Mermaid Magnum 2 engines with twin disc MG501 gearboxes with 2.95:1 reduction. Each engine produces 224kW at 2500rpm, sufficient to give the vessel a top speed of just over 10 knots fully laden. A Kort KT120 bow thruster is installed to help when berthing stern to or in strong beam winds (some of the small island harbours can be exposed to strong winds and tides)

We have on our model not fitted a bow thruster unit, however the modeller if he wishes can fit either the ‘Robbe’ or ‘Graupner’ unit with ease at the position shown on the drawings.

Our model, of the "GRAEMSEY" has twin screws (supplied as a pair of handed white metal props) and modified fish-tail rudders, this makes for a highly manoeuvrable model.

The contents of our model of the "GRAEMSEY" is for a full model kit containing all parts (other than motors, batteries & R/C) as follows:-

One piece GRP hull with all fender belting moulded on and cut-out lines moulded in for the stern ramp and side door positions

One piece GRP Superstructure with window and door cut-out positions moulded in.

Five printed styrene sheets 0.5mm, 1.0mm & 1.5mm thick, these sheet have all the numbered parts for decks, funnels, mast, wheelhouse roof, wheelhouse interior, stern ramp etc. All are acuratly drawn on and only need cutting out to fit.

twin Propeller shafts, handed pair props, rudder tubes, rudders & rudder arms

Over 300 precision cast white metal fittings.

Cleanly Eched brass handrail stanchions.

Separate hydraulic crane kit with own drawings and instructions.

All other materials to complete the kit including brass rod for railings, dowel, clear glazing, anchor chain etc.

Comprehensive yet concise, easy to follow illustrated step-by-step construction manual, complete with ‘Humbrol’ referenced paint guide, all written by David Metcalf.

Two large, full-size, scale detailed numbered construction drawings showing all elevations and sections and details, these drawings include suggested R/C. installation details all drawings have been prepared by David Metcalf.

Full technical back-up, help & advice service.

Our model off the "GRAEMSEY" makes up into a colourful stocky and compact model, of a size transportable in the back of a small car, with her twin screws and fish-tail type rudders she is highly manoeuvrable making her ideal for regatta’s and competition work, this allied to her wide beam and high f’o’c’sle means she will take the roughest of waters with stability and ease. We also feel that with our concise instructions and detailed drawings she can be built by beginner or expert alike. The stern cargo deck lends itself admirably to extra detailing to the modellers delight with tractor, animal pens or just mixed cargo.