The Other Heroes of the Malvinas/Falklands War

[wireandpaper]

Dear All,
I have been inactive on this side of the site for some time. Recently Humberto Primo Fernandez asked me is there was a model of the Coast Gard ships GC-82 of the Prefectura Naval Argentina. These Class of Vessels were designed and built for Argentina by Blohm + Voss of Hamburg and used for fluvial work.
As I expected, I could not find any paper model of this patrol boat, but I had in mind a few potential candidates for conversion; like the submarine chaser from Maty Modelartz from 1977; or the Niobe coast guard cutter of the German Navy from Wilhelmshaven Modellbaubogen Verlag. Both are still available from reputable printed sources. Nevertheless, I think the conversion didn’t warrant the expense (about 10 euros plus 20 euros for shipping), so I decided to try to design with the limited information we have. The PNA Río Iguazú (GC-83) is famous in Argentina for damaging/shooting down a Sea Harrier with a Cal 50! I have not found any confirmation from the other side regarding this claim that allegedly occurred on May 22, 1982. The other vessel of the class, GC-82, was captured and renamed HMS Tiger Bay after their engagement on May 1, 1982, the first aeronaval engagement of the war.


GC-64

PNA Rio Iguazu (GC-83) - Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre

HMS Tiger Bay - Wikipedia

[tigertony100]

A riverine vessel who croses the sea to the Islands. British doesn't admit this Sea Harrier loss but Argentinians clame on it. Who knows? We expect ship images. Interesting story.

[FrancisMcN]

All Harrier losses including Falklands are listed here but nothing for 22 May 1982

List of Harrier Jump Jet family losses - Wikipedia

[herky]

Originally Posted by FrancisMcN

All Harrier losses including Falklands are listed here but nothing for 22 May 1982

List of Harrier Jump Jet family losses - Wikipedia

one sea harrier and two gazelle helicopters were shot down on 21st may. the harrier by blowpipe missile

[wireandpaper]

Thank you Tony, Francis, and Alan:
Here is my first draft/approximation in light weight paper.

[campeon1977]

Excelente trabajo!

[wireandpaper]

Thank you Campeon.
Here is my second draft with refinements in the hull and details in the radar mast.

[herky]

great looking models

[wireandpaper]

Dear All,

Here is my interpretation of the Patrol Boat Rio Iguazu in my favorite scale 1/400. I may had some licenses regarding the camouflage of the boat regarding shapes and colors. The deck was too light, and I had to use some watercolor, but I corrected for a later day. If anyone has better information please let me know.

Ps. Thank you Herky for stopping by.

[wireandpaper]

My interpretation of the Rio Iguazu on its way to Las Malvinas. Her sister ship Islas Malvinas was captured and served the RN and repainted in gray and fitted whit a new mast.