Produced at a time when British engineering was the envy of the world, the Saunders Roe/British Hovercraft Corporation SR.N4 was impressive in every respect of the word; a mighty craft heralding a new era in high speed, high comfort, cross Channel travel for the masses. Entering service in 1969, these Mountbatten Class Hovercraft were able to cruise at speeds in excess of 60 knots, allowing operators to complete 14 return trips each day during the busy summer schedule.

Powered by four marine variants of the Rolls Royce Proteus turboprop engine, each unit drove a massive 5.8 metre diameter variable Dowty Rotol propeller mounted on pylons, which moved to provide the hovercraft with directional control, along with powered fins and rudders. At the time the SR.N4 entered service, this floating leviathan was the largest passenger hovercraft ever built, equipped with the largest propellers ever produced.

Allowing these fully amphibious craft to use terminals away from existing busy seaports, but close enough to still be convenient for passengers, you definitely knew when one of these mighty craft were inbound, because of the incredible noise produced by its Proteus engines.

Includes two genuine paint schemes depicting operational SR.N4 hovercraft

Represents the largest passenger hovercraft constructed at the time of its service.

The SR.N4 kit features a modelled passenger interior including seats, tables, and the distinctive curved lounge area — a level of interior detail rare in this scale. The top deck opens to reveal the fitted cabin, rewarding builders who take the time to paint and detail the interior before closing up the hull.

Adding to the scene setting appeal, the kit includes period 1960s–70s scale vehicles for the car deck — a nod to the SR.N4's role as a fully amphibious ro-ro craft capable of carrying both passengers and their automobiles across the Channel. Positioning these tiny cars on the textured deck dramatically conveys the enormous real world scale of the SR.N4. The loading ramp is also reproduced, allowing a diorama style display.

Viewed from above, the SR.N4's vast upper deck reveals the full spread of all four propeller pylon assemblies, twin tail fins, and the extensive surface detailing moulded into the kit.

What's in the Box?

276 parts

Instruction sheet

Paint Guide

Decal Sheet -2 Scheme Options

Length (cm) - 27.2

Width (cm) - 15.8

Image shows painted and assembled kit

Paint and glue not included