Billing Boats U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Boat 1:40 Scale Model Kit

Billing Boats U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Boat 1:40 Scale Model KitThe Little Lifeboat Built for Terrible Weather Some boats are built to look pretty in calm water. This was not one of them. The Billing Boats U. S. Coast Guard Rescue Boat is based on the legendary 44 foot Motor Lifeboat the kind of vessel designed to go out when sensible people were trying very hard to come back in. Surf. Wind. Breaking seas. Capsize risk. Bad visibility. Bad decisions by other boaters. This was the boat the Coast Guard sent anyway.

The Little Lifeboat Built for Terrible Weather

Some boats are built to look pretty in calm water.

This was not one of them.

The Billing Boats U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Boat is based on the legendary 44-foot Motor Lifeboat — the kind of vessel designed to go out when sensible people were trying very hard to come back in.

Surf. Wind. Breaking seas. Capsize risk. Bad visibility. Bad decisions by other boaters.

This was the boat the Coast Guard sent anyway.

At 1:40 scale, the Coast Guard Rescue Boat gives you that rugged, no-nonsense rescue-boat character in a compact, highly satisfying build. And this upgraded edition now includes a full photo manual, making it a much friendlier project than the old-school “good luck and here’s a drawing” kits many builders remember.

The New Edition

⚓Upgraded Photo Manual

This newer edition includes a step-by-step photographic manual that walks you through the build visually.

That matters.

Instead of staring at a plan sheet wondering whether part 27 goes before part 31 — or whether the tiny drawing is lying to you — you get a clearer, more practical building sequence.

Less guessing. Less head scratching. More building.

⚓A Perfect Step Up from Plastic Kits

If you’ve built plastic models and you’re ready for something more substantial, this is a terrific bridge into the world of boat modeling.

You still get the confidence of a pre-formed plastic hull, but now you also start working with wood, fittings, rigging, deck details, and real model-ship construction techniques.

It’s not a terrifying leap. It’s a very satisfying step up.

⚓Pre-Molded Plastic Hull

The hull is already formed for you, which means you do not have to plank the hull from scratch.

That alone may save you several evenings of muttering.

The plastic hull gives you a clean, strong foundation and lets you focus on the visible details that make this rescue boat come alive.

⚓Mixed-Media Construction

This is where the kit gets interesting.

The kit combines a molded plastic hull with wood, plastic components, fittings, mast material, rigging cord, and plan sheets.

You get a little bit of everything — which is exactly why this kit is such a useful learning project. It teaches you how different materials behave without throwing you into the deep end on day one.

⚓Static Display — With RC Possibilities

Out of the box, this kit is designed as a static display model.

But because of its plastic hull and practical rescue-boat shape, many experienced builders also use it as a starting point for radio-control conversion.

⚠️RC conversion requires additional parts additional parts, planning, and experience — motors, batteries, electronics, sealing, and installation are not included — but the hull gives adventurous builders a tempting canvas.

In other words: build it for the shelf, or turn it into a pond project if you know what you’re doing.

Either way, it looks like it means business.

About the 44-Foot Motor Lifeboat

The original 44-foot Motor Lifeboat became one of the most respected rescue boats in Coast Guard history. It was compact, powerful, self-righting, self-bailing, and built for brutal conditions. This was not a pleasure craft. It was a working rescue boat with a job to do.

That is what makes this model so appealing.

It does not rely on ornate decoration or fancy scrollwork. Its beauty comes from purpose.

The high bow. The sturdy cabin. The practical deck layout. The unmistakable Coast Guard profile.

Everything about it says: “We’re going out. Somebody needs help.”

Kit Features

1:40 scale U.S. Coast Guard rescue boat model kit

Based on the famous 44-foot Motor Lifeboat

Upgraded step-by-step photo manual

Pre-molded plastic hull

Wood, plastic, and fitting details

Ramin wood mast

Rigging cord included

Full-size plan sheets

Designed as a static display model

Suitable for beginners ready for a more serious project

Possible RC conversion for experienced builders with additional components

Technical Specifications

What’s Inside the Box

Pre-molded plastic hull

Cabin and superstructure components

Wood parts

Ramin wood mast

Rigging cord

Fittings package

Propeller shaft, stern tube, and rudder components

Full-size plan sheets

Step-by-step photo manual

This kit is ideal for:

Plastic modelers ready to try boat modeling

Beginners who want a more serious project without planking a wooden hull

Builders who like working rescue boats more than decorative shelf queens

Coast Guard and maritime history enthusiasts

Modelers looking for a compact display boat with real presence

Experienced builders looking for an RC conversion candidate

The Billing Boats U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Boat is not the biggest kit on the shelf.

It does not need to be.

It has that rare thing every good model needs: character.

A tough little rescue boat. A practical build. A famous working vessel. And now, with the upgraded photo manual, a much clearer path from box of parts to finished model.

If you want a boat model that looks purposeful, builds smart, and carries a real maritime story, this one earns its place on the bench.

Download Manual 

Download Photomanual