Mirage Hobby BG-50 Pauk I Patrol Boat Model Kit

Ukraine regained independence on 24 August 1991. Problems faced by the new state included that of creating its own armed force, both on land and at sea. The Soviet Navy base at Sebastopol in Ukrainina territory was home to large forces of the ex-USSR. Some crews declared themselves Ukrainian, some ships were taken over, some were acquired during further negotiations and so Ukrainian Navy got its own project 1241.2P "Molnya 2" craft, known as the "Pauk I" in NATO code. The newly established Ukrainian Border Corps, the GK (Gospodarstvyenniy Komitet) had at its disposal some powerful and modern vessels and faced the difficult task of protecting the long and varying coast that favors illegal activities such as smuggling drugs from Asia. The project 1241.2P (Latin spelling) constituted a development version of the original type by enlarging of the command superstructure, fitting of an external backup post on the navigation spare deck and enlarging of the power room ventilation system housing. The armament was left unchanged, but after the vessels were taken over by Ukraine, some of these had their navigation electronics suite altered or amended. Their appearance underwent the most dramatic change with adoption of the new coastal vessel painting scheme. The entire superstructure and the equipment on the deck (including railings) was painted white (semi-glossy) while the hull remained grey with black stripe. The deck, bridges and spare decks were painted dull red. Some components of the electronics suite were painted black. Yellow-blue (national colors) bands and inscription "Morska ohrona" were applied on sides, adding to the striking appearance.