1/350 Coastal Forces kits from White Ensign Models

UPDATED 12th OCTOBER 2001

The Fairmile Marine Company was formed by Captain Noel Macklin in the period preceding the Second World War, with a view to producing anti-submarine motor launches by using techniques of mass production using pre-fabricated plywood sections, which could be produced by non-strategic industries such as furniture manufacturers.   Their first design was the Fairmile ‘A’ Type, a 110’ craft capable of 22-25 knots. Experience showed it to be too slow for MTB work, and not robust enough for general purpose work, so work commenced on the twin-engined Fairmile ‘B’. Although slower, these boats proved more successful, and some 586 were built.

Macklin thereafter entered into an agreement with the Admiralty by which in return for increased investment, the company virtually became an Admiralty Department, operating without profit. Capacity was increased by sub-contracting to other industries, and the components were delivered as kits to various small boatyards around the country, where they were assembled.

The ‘C’ Type was an attempt at an MGB for convoy escort, but with a top speed of only 26 kts, it was realised they would be no match for the 40 kt German S-boats. At this time there was no effective counter to the German boats, which were extremely seaworthy and could deliver a torpedo attack and make off at high speed. British short hulled boats were unable to maintaining high speed in any sort of a seaway, and did not carry a heavy enough gun armament to deal with the enemy counterparts. This was the genesis of the Fairmile ‘D’, a longer hulled boat capable of high speed and carrying offensive armament capable of taking on the S-boats. The hull form was developed by adding a destroyer type bow onto a fast motor boat stern, and was made of a size capable of taking a torpedo armament in addition to a formidable array of guns. After trying a number of variations, the design was finalised in March 1941. The well tried kit form of construction was employed, and the vessels were built by around thirty different boatyards. Powered by four of the newly available Packard engines, the first boat entered service in February 1942.

Some 228 Fairmile ‘D’s were built, some completed as MGB’s, and others as MTB’s, although the two roles and types gradually merged until all were called MTB’s , except those completed as air-sea rescue launches for the R.A.F. or general purpose motor launches. Armament and equipment varied hugely, and was of course developed and added to as the war progressed, The inevitable increase in weight resulted in a consequent reduction in speed, but the type proved a success, and was the most heavily armed of the genre employed by Allied coastal forces. They saw much action and proved an effective counter to the S-boats.

Dimensions: 115’x 20’ 10” x 4’9”
Displacement: 105 tons.
Powerplant: 4 Packard 4M-2500 V12 engines, giving 5000 bhp max.
Speed: 32 kts max, 27 kts continuous.
Range: 506 nm at max continuous speed.

MTB 624 is modelled as in June 1944.  She was built by the Dorset Yacht Company Ltd., In Hamworthy, and at this time was armed with 1 x 6 pdr Mk VII mounts, 2 x twin .5” Mk V mounts, 2 x twin Vickers .303” M.G’s, a twin 20mm Oerlikon Mk V mount, 2 x 21” TT’s, 2 x depth charges, and provision for mines. MTB 624 survived the war, was transferred to the Sea Cadet Corps in December 1945, and was eventually sold in May 1964.

THE KIT:

Resin cast full hull and small parts.  

Extensive photoetched brass fittings are supplied

The kit comes with a comprehensive set of instructions and full colour painting guide

Independent review