greg3 Posted July 3, 2012 Posted July 3, 2012 Saw these mentioned in a TV programme and thought I'd see if I could make a lego version... During World War 2, the Germans developed the first organised Air Sea Rescue Unit, the Seenotdienst. Part of the Luftwaffe, they developed equipment and techniques to improve the survival and recovery of downed aircrew. Among their innovations was the Rettungsbojen or rescue buoy (also called the Udet Buoy named after Ernst Udet the fighter ace who first proposed them) Essentially a floating survival cabin, each buoy contained 4 bunks, food and fresh water, dry clothes, medical supplies and signalling equipment (including a radio). The were anchored throughout the English Channel and painted yellow to make them easier to spot (and to try and prevent them being mistaken for U-boats and attacked. Unfortunately many of the buoys broke free of their mooring lines and ended up being washed ashore along the Channel coasts. Those that survived were used by both German and British pilots and ships of both sides would routinely check on the buoys (any enemy pilots were taken prisoner). Eventually the British developed their Air Sea Rescue Service, copying many of the German ideas. An access hatch in the turret led down into the hexagonal cabin. Large Red Cross marking were later removed as the British claimed that the buoys weren't covered by the Geneva Convention. Reference Pics Thanks for looking - all comments welcome. I'm currently trying to make a minifigure scale version! Quote
JopieK Posted July 3, 2012 Posted July 3, 2012 Interesting story and interesting build! I didn't know about those buoys at all! B.t.w. (for me an obvious question ;)) did you make the stickers yourself? Quote
greg3 Posted July 3, 2012 Author Posted July 3, 2012 Interesting story and interesting build! I didn't know about those buoys at all! B.t.w. (for me an obvious question ;)) did you make the stickers yourself? Hi The stickers are Lego stickers... I had planned on making my own stickers (the actual buoys had the red crosses in White ovals) but then found these ones in an old ideas book and used them instead! Quote
Daiman Posted July 3, 2012 Posted July 3, 2012 I love this build, and thanks for the history lesson. These are the little morsels that keep me interesting at parties. Quote
BrickPicker Posted July 3, 2012 Posted July 3, 2012 I love this build, and thanks for the history lesson. These are the little morsels that keep me interesting at parties. I agree... Quote
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