African Queen
Scale RC Capable model of the English steam Pinnace the African Queen
ABS hull 1:12 scale 16.93″H 29.13″L 8.27″W
Despite its modest size and appearance, the African Queen is one of the vessels which has become most vividly engraved on the minds of many people throughout the world. The African Queen achieved its frame as one of the main characters in a film of the same name. The movie also featured Katharine Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart, who in the filmed version of C.S. Forrester’s work, play a British missionary and an alcoholic engineer living in Tanzania during World War 1. While sailing on one of the many jungle rivers, the couple become involved in a number of emotional incidents ending, of course, in romance. As the movie closes, the couple – totally exhausted and in a perilous storm – are driven into Lake Victoria, where the African Queen hits the German Warship ‘Königin Luise’, causing it to explode and sink. The ship used for the on location shooting in Uganda was built in about 1910. After a stormy life, the boat was brought to Florida, where its present owner, Mr. Jim Hendrich, uses the renovated ship as a pleasure craft.
This kit comes with English instructions, ABS plastic hull, non-working steam engine and all fittings needed to complete the kit. All measurements inside the booklet are in Metric.
Paints used on this model boat kit are: BB#1, BB#4, BB#5, BB#11, BB#14, BB#15, BB#17, BB#19, BB#23, BB#30, BB#36, + BB#40 thinner
- BB588
- ABS hull
About: African Queen
More information about the ship the African Queen
The African Queen was an iconic English steam pinnace that played a significant role in World War I and became even more famous through its portrayal in literature and film. This vessel was built in 1912 by the famous shipbuilding company, Thornycroft & Company, and was initially named the Livingstone after the famous explorer, David Livingstone. However, the vessel gained its enduring name, the African Queen, when it was purchased by the East Africa British Colonial Service in 1915 and was used for patrolling and transporting troops on the treacherous African rivers during the war.
The African Queen was a small but mighty steam-powered vessel, measuring 30 feet in length and 6 feet in width. It was designed to navigate through the narrow and unpredictable waterways of East Africa, making it the perfect vessel for the colonial service’s needs. The boat was equipped with a powerful 25 horsepower Thornycroft steam engine, which allowed it to reach a top speed of 8 knots. Its hull was made of strong oak and teak, making it sturdy enough to withstand the rough waters and potential attacks from the enemy.
The most distinctive feature of the African Queen was its unique design. It had a flat-bottomed hull, which allowed it to navigate shallow waters and avoid getting stuck in the riverbed. The vessel also had a low profile, making it difficult for the enemy to spot and target. It was armed with a single machine gun for defense, but its main purpose was to transport troops and supplies.
During the war, the African Queen played a crucial role in the British offensive against German colonial forces in East Africa. Its ability to navigate through the treacherous rivers and transport troops to remote locations proved to be a significant advantage for the British. The vessel was also used for reconnaissance missions, gathering intelligence and mapping out the enemy’s positions.
After the war, the African Queen was decommissioned and sold to a private owner. However, it gained a new level of fame when it was featured in C.S. Forester’s novel, The African Queen, and later in the Hollywood film adaptation starring Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn. The vessel became a symbol of adventure and resilience, and its legacy continues to this day.
Today, the African Queen can be found at the Key Largo Undersea Park in Florida, where it has been restored to its former glory and is available for tours. It remains a beloved piece of maritime history, showcasing the ingenuity and bravery of the men and women who served on it during World War I. The vessel’s enduring legacy serves as a reminder of the important role that small but mighty vessels like the African Queen played in shaping history.
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