The Sentinel-class cutter, also known as the Fast Response Cutter due to its programme name, is part of the US Coast Guard's Deepwater programme. With a length of 154 feet (46.8 metres), it is similar to the Island-class patrol boats from the 1980s, which were 123 feet (37 metres) long. Up to 58 vessels are to be built by Louisiana-based Bollinger Shipyards to a design by the Dutch Damen Group. The vessels will perform various coast guard duties, including harbour, waterway and coastal security, defence operations, law enforcement at sea, search and rescue, maritime safety and environmental protection. The vessels are armed with a Mark 38 remote-controlled 25 mm machine gun system and four .50 calibre (12.7 mm) M2HB heavy machine guns. They have a bow thruster for manoeuvring in crowded anchorages and canals. They also have small underwater fins to cope with rolling and pitching in large waves. Like the Marine Protector class, they are equipped with a stern loading ramp. They are manned by a crew of 22.
The DUMAS kit of the USCG Fast Response Cutter is constructed of wood and foamed PVC, using die-cut and laser-cut parts. The plywood frame is planked with the PVC sheets. The advantage of foamed PVC is the excellent realisation of the hull shape around the frames, and this layer is also absolutely waterproof with high impact resistance. DUMAS has been using this material for many years. If you prefer, you can replace the PVC parts with plywood. The detailing of the model is comparatively high. All the typical features of the original are reproduced and the cast metal fittings set contains 108 parts. Experienced modellers should find it appealing to make various details functional.
A drive with two motors is provided, parts for this are not included. Our suggestions can be found in the accessories tab further down on this page.
The instructions are completely in English and consist of a text book (40 pages) with step-by-step instructions and a booklet with 140 drawings and illustrations. Experienced modellers with little knowledge of the English language will find it easy to build. There are 11 films on YouTube with instructions on how to build the model, which can be very helpful.
Technical data
Scale 1:48
Length 991 mm
Width 243 mm
