Dumas U.S.S. Crockett 51" Asheville Class Gunboat R/C Model Boat Kit – DUMA1218

The Dumas U.S.S. Crockett Kit #1218 is an impressive large-scale wooden model of the USS Crockett (PG-88), one of seventeen fast gunboats of the U.S. Navy's Asheville class.

With a substantial 51-inch (1295mm) finished length, the Crockett is very much a builder's model, featuring traditional balsa strip planking over die-cut mahogany frames and a die-cut wooden superstructure. It can be completed as an impressive static military display model or equipped with optional twin-screw running hardware and radio equipment for operation on the water.

Asheville Class Patrol Gunboat

USS Crockett was part of the Asheville-class gunboats, a group of fast U.S. Navy vessels developed for coastal patrol and support duties.

One of the most significant features of the class was its propulsion system. The Asheville class was the first group of U.S. Navy ships powered by a gas turbine, giving the vessels exceptional performance for their size.

According to Dumas, the full-size Crockett could reach approximately 50 knots and accelerate its 230-ton displacement from 0–40 knots in around 60 seconds.

Vietnam-Era Naval Subject

USS Crockett served in South Vietnam, where the vessel was used for missions including coastal patrol, blockade duties, reconnaissance and support operations.

Its long, narrow hull and heavily armed patrol-boat configuration make it an especially interesting subject for military and naval modellers looking for something different from the more common destroyer and battleship kits.

Traditional Plank-on-Frame Construction

Dumas describes the Crockett as a true "builder's boat".

The hull is constructed using balsa planking over die-cut mahogany frames, while the superstructure uses conventional die-cut construction. This traditional building method allows the modeller to construct, shape, sand and finish the hull rather than simply working with a pre-formed plastic or fibreglass shell.

The result is a rewarding project aimed primarily at experienced model boat builders.

Optional 80+ Piece Detail Set

For builders wanting to take the scale appearance even further, Dumas produced the optional #2105 Deck Hardware Kit.

This comprehensive detail package contains more than 80 cast fittings, including the armament required to reproduce the Crockett's military configuration.

Please note that the #2105 hardware set is not included with the standard DUMA1218 boat kit.

Twin-Screw R/C Capability

The Crockett is designed to accept a twin-motor, twin-propeller R/C power system.

Dumas specifies the optional #2341 Running Hardware Kit, which contains the specialised drivetrain components required to complete the twin-screw installation, excluding the motors. The recommended traditional setup uses two Dumas #2004 6V electric motors.

Modern equivalent electronics can be selected by an experienced modeller to suit the installation.

Impressive 51-Inch Size

At 51 inches (approximately 1295mm) long with a beam of 7.5 inches (approximately 191mm), the Crockett is an exceptionally long and slender model.

Dumas specifies the scale as 5/16 inch to 1 foot, equivalent to approximately 1:38.4 scale.

Its large size provides plenty of room for radio equipment and additional scale detailing while creating an impressive presence both on the water and on display.

Features

• Detailed model of the USS Crockett
• Asheville-class U.S. Navy gunboat
• Vietnam-era military vessel
• Large 51" / 1295mm finished length
• Approximately 1:38.4 scale
• Traditional wooden model boat construction
• Balsa plank-on-frame hull
• Die-cut mahogany hull frames
• Die-cut wooden superstructure construction
• Suitable for static display or radio-controlled operation
• Designed for twin-motor power
• Twin-propeller / twin-screw drivetrain
• Optional Dumas #2341 Running Hardware Kit available separately
• Designed around two Dumas #2004 6V motors
• Optional #2105 Deck Hardware Kit contains more than 80 cast fittings
• Excellent large-scale military modelling project
• Recommended for experienced model boat builders

Specifications

• Brand: Dumas Products
• Product Number: DUMA1218 / Kit #1218
• Model: U.S.S. Crockett
• Vessel Type: Asheville-Class Gunboat
• Type: Wooden Scale Model Boat Kit
• Scale: 5/16" = 1' / approx. 1:38.4
• Finished Length: 51" / approx. 1295mm
• Beam: 7.5" / approx. 191mm
• Hull Construction: Balsa Planking over Die-Cut Mahogany Frames
• Superstructure: Die-Cut Construction
• R/C Capable: Yes
• Drive Configuration: Twin Motor / Twin Screw
• Recommended Running Hardware: Dumas #2341
• Recommended Motors: 2 x Dumas #2004 6V
• Optional Deck Hardware: Dumas #2105
• UPC / Barcode: 660141012180

What's Included

• Dumas U.S.S. Crockett Kit #1218
• Die-cut mahogany hull frames
• Balsa hull planking
• Die-cut superstructure components
• Structural and construction materials
• Plans
• Assembly instructions

Requires to Complete for R/C Operation

• Dumas #2341 Twin-Screw Running Hardware Kit
• 2 x suitable electric motors – Dumas originally recommends #2004 6V motors
• Suitable electronic speed controller
• Battery
• Compatible battery charger
• 2-channel or greater radio system
• Receiver
• Steering servo
• Suitable adhesives
• Paint and finishing materials
• Basic model-building tools

For additional scale detailing, the Dumas #2105 Deck Hardware Kit is also required separately and contains more than 80 cast fittings, including the vessel's armament.

Please Note

This is an unassembled wooden model boat kit intended for experienced builders. Construction, planking, sanding, sealing, painting and finishing are required.

The #2341 running hardware, motors, electronics, battery, charger and radio-control equipment are not included with the standard kit. The #2105 Deck Hardware Kit is also an optional separate item.

At nearly 1.3 metres long, DUMA1218 is an impressive project for the serious military model boat enthusiast, combining traditional wooden construction with the option of a functional twin-screw R/C installation.