Legendary gunboat Monitor in 1/35 scale from B&L Models
This is partial text from the full article (usually with photos) at https://armorama.com/news/b-l-models-vietnam-war-1-35-scale-river-gunboat-monitor
This is partial text from the full article (usually with photos) at https://armorama.com/news/b-l-models-vietnam-war-1-35-scale-river-gunboat-monitor
8 Likes
For a Nam Nut like myself this is exciting news, Riverine watercraft has been, well, somewhat neglected in the scale modeling hobby, I know this vessel has been available from another model makers for a few years now but the purchase price is a little more than I’ve been willing to shell out, and the shelf space needed to display is a bit imposing. The thing that led me to this post was discovering from another site (TL), that Gecko is planning a release of the “Swift Boat” used in the coastal waters and Delta of SVN. These two boats are much desired for the Nam modeler, it’s a great time for the SEA enthusiast.
Cajun 
5 Likes
While I wanted to build something like that for a long time now, there’s no way for it fitting on my shelf or in my budget. If it was 1:72 I’d most probably buy it, but in this scale - I don’t see it!
4 Likes
And yes, it is 1/35 scale. I did it during the heyday of Verlinden resin accessories and figures as can be seen looking at the soldiers, civilians and the smaller boats. The sampan in the background is scratchbuild as well. Sadly, after the Monitor I did not return to modelling, simply did not find the time.
5 Likes
Finally there’s a kit and I love it because the brown water Navy was always a favorite subject of mine. And now I can’t build anymore FFS FML 
4 Likes
I built the boat about 10 years ago. The MG turrets were built on spice jars. The fuselage is made of cardboard.
2 Likes
Just an FYI to everyone here, this model appears to be a pirated version of my own 1/35 scale riverine monitor that i offer for sale on Cults3D. Comparing their facebook posts of their builds, almost every detail is identical. The earliest post shows my original design. B&L at some point added a treadplate design to small sections of the model, but that appears to be the only change. In any case, the majority of the parts they are printing appear to be directly from my model.
This would be a violation of my protected work and is a violation of the terms of sale on Cults3D where i sell my work.
I want to make the community aware of this so that they know what they are purchasing and supporting when they deal with this company
1 Like
Hello everyone,
B&L Models has been made aware of the comments posted here regarding our 1/35 Riverine Monitor project.
We would like to clarify that the Riverine Monitor is a documented historical U.S. Brown Water Navy vessel. Its structural layout, hull segmentation, bar armor configuration, mortar platform, and overall arrangement are derived from real-world naval engineering and publicly available historical references.
When multiple designers work on the same historical subject at the same scale, similarities in engineering breakdown can naturally occur due to manufacturing constraints, structural reinforcement needs, and assembly logic for 3D printing and resin casting.
B&L Models does not knowingly reproduce protected digital works in violation of licensing terms. Our development process is based on independent research and standard model engineering methodology.
We respect intellectual property and are open to reviewing any objective technical evidence through appropriate professional channels.
Our focus remains on delivering historically accurate and well-engineered products to the modeling community.
We appreciate the community’s patience and continued support.
B&L Models
5 Likes
Where have I heard this before.. oh yeah the old hobbyboss and a couple of others. ..
3 Likes