Emergency cruiser Adolph Bermpohl & Vegesack

22. January 2021

Adolph Bermpohl - the original:

The Adolph Bermpohl  is a rescue cruiser of the German Society for the Rescue of Shipwrecked People (DGzRS), which was built and put into service in 1965. It is a 26-meter-class model, which was one of the largest rescue cruisers at the time.

From 1965 to 1979 the original was stationed on the North Sea island of Helgoland, then stationed in List on Sylt until 1989. In February 1967 the Adolph Bermpohl fell victim to a tragic accident in heavy seas during a rescue attempt in the North Sea. The entire team went overboard and was killed. The damaged cruiser and daughter boat were found, extensively repaired and modernized in order to make use in rough seas even safer.

The most noticeable changes after the accident include the closed upper driver's cab and a self-erecting daughter boat.

Adolph Bermpohl – The model:

The Adolph Bermpohl sea rescue cruiser RC model is a 1:22 scale kit. Graupner company offered this kit since the late 1970s, first as a quick-build kit and later as a ready-made model.

The finished model of the rescue cruiser Adolph Bermpohl stands on its display stand on the lakeshore; the nameplate bearing the words “Adolph Bermpohl” and “Vegesack” can be read on the base.
The RC model of the rescue cruiser Adolph Bermpohl with the Vegesack dinghy attached, displayed on the exhibit stand by the water.
Close-up of the Adolph Bermpohl model on its stand; the nameplate bearing "Adolph Bermpohl" and "Vegesack" is clearly legible.

The basis of the Adolph Bermpohl:

My model was gradually built between 2001 and 2003 using the Graupner quick-build kit, which provides a good foundation. Over the winter of 2017/2018, I completely overhauled and rebuilt both boats. Both the cruiser and the tender, the Vegesack, are assembled largely according to original documentation. Their condition is modeled after that of the Adolph Bermpohl after the 1967 accident, with the upper wheelhouse enclosed.

A side view of the rescue cruiser Adolph Bermpohl at full speed, with the Vegesack dinghy securely lashed to the aft deck.

The following renovation measures were carried out in 2017/2018:

In order to get as close as possible to the original and to emphasize the numerous details, I attached many brass etched parts to the cruiser and the dinghy. Some fittings were renewed and additional ones were installed.
A new, modern and stable daughter boat elevator from JT-Yachtmodelle is also used for since that time. This ensures that the daughter boat can be launched and retrieved safely and true to the original.
I also partially refreshed the paintwork and adapted it to the colors of the original.

The rescue cruiser Adolph Bermpohl glides across the water; on deck, the figures of the rescue crew in red uniforms can be seen.
The Adolph Bermpohl, a replica of a maritime rescue cruiser built as an RC model, is sailing across calm waters with its dinghy, the Vegesack, on board; its green-white-red paint scheme and red radar mast are clearly visible.

The functions of the Adolph Bermpohl RC model sea rescue cruiser in detail:

1. Functions of the cruiser:
- Side motors forward/backward
- Mid-engine forward
– Steering right/left
– Open/close the tailgate
- Daughter boat lift up/down
– Tow hook
- Radar
- Lighting can be switched individually:
-- Instrument lighting for the upper and lower operator positions
— Deck lighting
— Mast lighting low
— Mast lighting middle
— Mast lighting high
— Large front searchlight
— Searchlight on the body
— Bilge pump with water contact switch for draining the model in case of water ingress

2. Functions of the daughter boat:
– Motor forward/backward
– Steering right/left
– Lighting on/off

You may also be interested in the following articles:

Bell UH-1B RC Helicopter

Bell UH-1B multi-role helicopter

Bell UH-1B multi-role helicopter - the original: The Bell UH-1B Iroquois (Huey) is a light multi-role helicopter that was extremely popular and successful in both military and civilian use. The first aircraft were built and delivered in 1959....

read more...
Messerschmitt Me 163b Rocket Fighter

Messerschmitt Me163b rocket fighter

Messerschmitt Me163b rocket fighter - the original: The Messerschmitt Me163b rocket fighter was developed towards the end of the Second World War and built by the Messerschmitt company. It was intended to intercept enemy bombers using kamikaze-style maneuvers. Due to the...

read more...
RC Race Boat Class 1 Powerboat

Class 1 Powerboat „Negotiator“

Class 1 Powerboat “Negotiator” - the original: The original Class 1 Powerboat "Negotiator" is a 14-metre racing catamaran. As with the model, the hull is made of carbon. The original is powered by two Lamborghini engines with 900 hp each. This makes it...

read more...

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.