White Ensign Models 1/350 Vosper 70ft Motor Torpedo Boat Kit First Look

By Michael Benolkin

First Look

The Vosper Motor Torpedo Boats (MTB), like the Elco PT boats, were designed as high-speed interceptors which could patrol fair-sized areas for enemy shipping and deliver torpedos on target when called upon. While smaller and less heavily armed than corvettes or frigates, the MTBs were faster and more agile, being constructed primarily of wood. Casualties amongst the MTB crews were reportedly higher as the MTBs tended to engage their targets at closer ranges. Conducting littoral patrols around England and in the Mediterranean, the MTBs served proudly in the Royal Navy and held their own against the German Schnellboots.

White Ensign Models’ 1/350 scale 70ft Vosper kit translates into a hull that is roughly 2.75 inches long. Cast in light gray resin, the parts are on some of the thinnest resin carriers that I’ve seen, making removal and clean-up a snap (literally!). The parts (all four of them) are free of bubble holes/pin holes and are beautifully detailed. The four resin parts are the hull/topside deck/deckhouse (one piece), two torpedo tubes, and a life raft.

A fret of photo-etched parts is also included, which contain the torpedo tube mounts, radar mast, hatches, propellers, rudders and safety railing. The beauty of this project is that the photo etched parts are simple, nicely laid out, and will make for a simple build. As with any project, the experience will be more frustrating if you don’t have the right kind of tools. In this case, a ‘Hold and Fold’ for bending small photo-etched parts will make the job much easier.

This is an excellent kit for the naval modeler to make their first multimedia ship. The small subject and limited number of photo-etched parts will make for a great learning project and render an interesting subject for your display shelf. Recommended!

My sincere thanks to White Ensign Models for this review sample!