The Dinky Air Sea Rescue Launch. Shown in the Meccano-catalogue (GB) No. 12 in 1976.

Dinky No.676 was another boat with the same substructure but a different top-structure. No.678 had a correct bridge plus personal-accommodation, but on the aft deck the same part as at No.676 which is incorrect (see a picture of the real RAF Air Sea Rescue Launches). So Dinky made, as usual in that period, – a cheap solution using one standard part in two models.

Early in 1942, the RAF Marine Craft Policy Committee accepted designs for new HSLs. George Selman of BPBC in Southampton was able to adopt a more expansive approach. He was able to conceive an original design which was close to the RAF ideal. The result was the 68ft BPB HSL, also known as the BPB Type 3 HSL. The new HSL was a big and beamy craft in comparison. The amount of space was enhanced by the designer's concept of placing a full height deck house above the main deck. Apart from the engine room, which was separated from the forward sections by the tank space, all working and accommodation areas of the craft were interconnected, hence the crew were able to move from any part of the deckhouse, via hatch and ladder to any part of the lower deck without venturing outside. Although the 68ft HSLs did pound, they were more comfortable than the BPB 63ft HSLs. They were also slower than the 63ft craft, but could hold a good speed in rough sea. They were driven by 3 Napier-Sea-Lion motors [each 500Hp = 370kW], had a range of 500 miles at a speed of 39 knots.  A number of advanced features made it the most powerful engine of its day. The ship type was built at Hythe and Poole between 1942 and 1946. The 68ft HSL was very successful, with many serving into the 1950's. It was available in yellow black & grey finish at 1:122 scale. Released as Dinky 678 in 1974 withdrawn as Dinky 678 in 1978.