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The CG-36500 Motor Lifeboat is one of the most iconic rescue vessels ever built. Developed by the United States Coast Guard in the late 1930s, the 36-foot motor lifeboat was engineered to perform search and rescue missions in some of the world's most unforgiving seas. Featuring a self-righting hull, exceptional seaworthiness, and outstanding durability, these boats saved countless lives over decades of service. The class achieved worldwide fame during the heroic 1952 Pendleton rescue off Cape Cod, when CG-36500, commanded by Bernard Webber, rescued 32 crewmen from the stricken tanker SS Pendleton—a feat later depicted in The Finest Hours. Other well-known members of the class include CG-36535, CG-36538, CG-36542, and CG-36554, several of which have been preserved as historic vessels. Our highly detailed 1:16 scale 3D printable model faithfully recreates this legendary rescue boat at an impressive 70 cm (27.6 in.) in length. With over 100 high-polygon parts, authentic deck equipment, and faithfully reproduced fittings, it is designed to satisfy maritime historians, RC enthusiasts, and scale model builders alike.
3D printing settingsDesigned for dependable printing on virtually any FDM printer with a 220 × 220 × 250 mm build volume, the model combines ease of assembly with engineering features rarely found in printable kits. The modular hull uses precision interlocking joints that automatically align every section, producing a stronger structure while also improving waterproofing—an important advantage for radio-controlled projects. During assembly, the hull sections can be temporarily secured using 3 mm screws or common zip ties while the adhesive cures, ensuring excellent alignment with minimal effort. The underwater hull and topside hull are supplied as separate parts, allowing builders to print them in different filament colors and dramatically reduce painting and masking work. Two dedicated hull alignment clips are also included to simplify construction even further. The model is fully RC-ready, featuring three interchangeable motor mount designs compatible with different motor sizes, along with multiple mounting positions that allow builders to optimize the drivetrain and center of gravity for their preferred configuration. Both standard STL files and a full-color 3MF package for compatible multicolor printers are included, making this one of the most complete and versatile CG-36500 models available for 3D printing.
REVIEWS & COMMENTS
accuracy, and usability.
