Equally will be interested to see what is in the box, but I would think there is a lot of scope for the aftermarket boys to come up with parts for alternative weapons fits both official & unofficial.

That Quad lewis mount looks interesting, wouldn't mind seeing something like that.

Si

Hi Simon,

Yes, it is now a case of wait and see.

If anyone comes across a picture of any of the early 1940s boats that have been up-gunned I'd be grateful.

Hats off to Italeri for continuing their range of 1/35 Naval Craft lets hope they get around to a new LCA some time and a RN MGB would be class.

Lots of other small craft possibilities too.

Al

Hi Al

Agreed, I certainly think a "Dog Boat" would be impressive in 1/35th, but anything to come RN, glad of it. Not as glamorous, but an ML would a nice subject, very much underated vessels that did a lot of hard work,

Although the end product is somewhat on the large side, it is a good scale for coastal craft, with bags of potential for detail, and no shortage of spare parts / figures to blag from the ground pounding community.

Si

Hi Simon.

A ML in 1/35 scale would be pretty big I think, certainly impressive.

We have been very lucky with Italeri taking the gamble on 1/35 scale boats. I thought both their LCVP and LCM 3 were really good. I have the ELCO boat to build, but I realsied after I had bought it that it would require a large amount of research which I haven't had time to do yet, so it is still in the pending pile.

It would be nice to see Italeri do a LC Personnel and a LC Ramped, both a nice size in 1/35 scale and also a new LCA. A good X craft in plastic would be cool too.

Anyway I'm thankful for another RN boat to build and hope they continue with this trend. An RN boat could mean a few RN figuers in plastic which would be handy too.

There appears to be some nice possibilities with this one both during the war and in the post war period. Always good to have something to look forward too.

Cheers

Al

A German R boat could be a good subject. And an MGB to keep the MTB company.

Tom

Unfortunately, the source from which you derived this information is wrong. The boat with the 40mm is a Higgins boat from the 7th MTB. Here's a photo of one with this configuration:


The boats nominally referred to as 70' and/or 72'6", as well as the version built for the Soviets, all had a hull that was 71' 0" in length overall. This is confirmed by original Vosper drawings, including 9758. The extra 18" (72' 6") was the width of the cavitation plates over the rudders.

Most of the raised forecastle boats (e.g. 57-66, 73-98, 222-246, 347-362, etc.) were "wide" boats with a 19' 3" beam, while the earlier boats (35, 36, 38, 218-221) were "narrow" boats with a 14' 9" beam.

The flush-decked boats (379-385, 523-530, 532) did have hull lengths of 73' overall.

If you get ACF volume 2, you'll find that John provides extensive text and plans on this.

Al Ross

Hi Al,

Thanks, We shall have to wait now and see what italeri produce. The pic on page 37 only shows the rear end of an unspecified MTB in harbour. I can see the frame forward of the bofors, as per you picture and the layout of the kit looks the same so it may well be Higgins boat.

Cheers

Al

Hi Guys,

i picked up a copy of Allied Torpedo Boats by John Lambert and Les Brown. Drawings by our own Mr Al Ross no less.

Got it for a very reasonable price in Tesco on line which was a surprise and first glance says it was well worth the money.



Al

Hi Tom,

Just some clarification for you, as the book has comparative data for early an late Vospers.

The 1944 Type II boats numbvers 523-537 did mount the 6pdr fwd and twin Oerlikons aft. These were 73ft x 19ft 6in. No indication here that the Bofors was ever mounted during the war. Just have to wait for a Higgins boat !!

The 1938, 1939, 1940 and 1942 boats are all show carrying 2 x 21 inch Torpedos.

The 1943 Type I carried 4 x 18 in Torpedos and the 1944 Type II 2 x 18in Torpedos.

I can see this being a well thumb'd book.

Al

Ha,

I see MTB 71 now lives at Duxford IWM. I shall have to take a trip over and have a look at the real thing.

Al

Hi,
I'm new here and stuffing my tuppence worth in because I need some help! I've been working on a 1/72nd scale 70'Vosper (scratchbuild) for years...I've run aground on that wretched gun tub. - does anyone know where I can get 1/72nd scale .5 Vickers guns? I have wondered about using 1/48th scale .303s, but I'm not sure. The other alternative is to go for an Oerlikon bandstand set up....any thoughts anyone? I had hoped to actually finish it befor Italeri's offering hit the shops - ha!
best,
Fraser

Hi Fraser,

I see the .303 in 1/72 but not the .5 inch. Some of the other builders might be able to help.

Al

They're out there somewhere....

Waiting for my big check to come in so I can order the M.T.B. and the P.T.. They did a real good job on the P.T. from the builds I see. I know I'm hoping beyond hope but a L.C.I. would really blow my mind. Gun boat version comes to my mind. Oh heck, we can dream right. Hopefully I'll live long enough to build all these great kits coming out, or the ones in the stash.

Hi Bob,

I have mine on order . LCIs, Oh yes please, I did email Italeri suggesting a new LCA and LCP (L) or (R). The smaller of the LCTs would be outstanding.

Al

Hi Guys from OZ,

I too eagerly await the Vosper as my 'thing' is Allied Light Coastal Forces, mainly 1914-45 but also keep an eye on modern craft as well.
'RedDuster' and 'AlanL' would you both please get in touch as I'm working on a resin Fairmile B class, though not in your preferred scale but the smallish 1/144. I can't work out how to send you a 'pm' so my e-mail address is -- [email protected]
Also to 'Fraser' don't panic/give up on a 1/72 Vickers gun tub for your Vosper as I'm awaiting news if a 1/72 Vosper MTB kit was????? released at Telford this last weekend. I believe that possibly extra parts like the gun tub will be available as separate items. I'm hoping so as I want to do some MGB conversions from the Airfix ASRL.

Cheers,
Roger.
Bendigo, Australia.

"Roger's Little Ships".
Modelling Allied Light Coastal Forces 1914-1945.

Hi Roger,

Got you email, I'll get a reply off tonight.

Al

Hi folks,

Ian from Friendship Models is keeping up his RN figure production, expanding the Wee Friends range. This time with an RN Signaller with flags. . My understanding is that several more figures are in the pipe line.



This one was sculpted by Rendal Patton. More to follow.

Al

Hopefully there'll be some typical of Mtb crew.

Hi again just dug up a couple of shots of my 70 footer in the works...


Think I'll have to go for a stern Oerlikon rather than a gun tub...
F

Hi Fraser,

Nice - What scale is this one.

Cheers

Al

1/72nd. Scratchbuilt from Lamb's drawings - I have his books which are gold. The tubes were fun to make...DJ Parkins now does kits. Typical. Scratchbuild and hey presto.

Excellent,

Did you see or already know of Dan's site? Right scale for you.

http://www.dantaylormodelworks.com/

Al

Very nice stuff! Though I don't offhand see anything I could use.

Don't know if this is news, but there are photos posted on the Italeri web site of the Vosper. Lucky Model lists it as a pre-order, as do several UK shops, so I guess we will be seeing it soon. I am no expert, but it sure looks good to me. The only thing I noticed is that the depth charge racks seem to lack the retention cables and release mechanism. I think it would be the same type of cable release as used on the US type rack. Does anyone know for sure? A minor detail and certainly no deal breaker. Can't wait, I'm like a kid before Christmas. Al