Well at long last- this build is completed. The box has sat around for at least the last 20 years. The Arrival of Coastal Craft Models and their excellent set of accessories for 1/72 MTBs and MGBs finally prompted me to build the boat.
It's testament to the continued appeal of this kit that I'm not alone - several builds are currently in progress across the web. Not bad for a kit released nearly 40 yrs ago
So here's some taster finish shots with a Feature going to Gary if he feels they fit the site.
The basic hull and superstructure for this vintage Airfix kit are basically sound. The fitments especially the weapons are most certainly not
The Coastal Craft weapons transform the kit. My only real regret is not having replaced the aft steps with wire rungs that were used on the original. I noticed this on original pics (of which there aren't many) well into the build. The twin oerlikon rail remains oversized despite extensive sanding. Coastal craft do a complete bandstand and once again I was too far into the build to incorporate this - if I built again I most definitely would. However the Coastal Craft 20mm Oerlikon is a thing of beauty and really does enhance the forward deck. This remains the signature/crux feature of these 73 foot MTBs.
Check out Coastal Craft Models at
http://www.coastalcraftmodelsuk.com/index.php
There'll be a British Power Boat MGB blogged here soon
So here's a list of their accessories used:
CCA 72001 Boat Hooks
CCA 72002 Carley Floats
CCA 72004 Twin Oerlikon
CCA 72006 Ready Ammunition lockers type 1
CCA 72022 Lifebelt set
CCA 72025 Rocket Flare launcher set
CCA 72026 Radar and IFF set
CCA 72027 Vickers gun set
CCA 72028 Coastal Forces stanchion set
CCD 72003 Vosper 73 ft type decal set
All hull and deck paints were from the AKAN range of acrylic RN coastal craft colours supplied by Coastal Craft Models. See my review of this range on this site
http://www.plasticarmour.com/phpBB3/vie ... f=12&t=236
Rigging was fine elastic filament from Uschi van der Rosten
http://www.uschivdr.com/ available in UK from
http://www.scalemodelshop.co.uk/
Weathering was conventional AFV-style using washes from Mig Ammo and oils from Mig productions.
References
British Motor Torpedo Boat 1938-45, Konstam & Bryan - New Vanguard Osprey
Vosper MTBs in action, Garth Connelly T. - Warships Number 13 - Squadron/Signal Publications
British Coastal Forces of World War II, Kemp P. ISO Publications
DVD - A History of the Royal Navy's Coastal Forces - Rostand Publications
Web
http://www.coastal-forces.org.uk/ Coastal Forces Heritage Trust
Summary
A classic Airfix kit with acceptable hull and superstructure that with the addition of modern update sets will build into a very acceptable representation of this iconic late war MTB. Coastal Craft Models provide a wide range of MTB/MGBs in resin/mixed media presentation and supply an extensive range of weapon and accessory sets that lend themselves to detailing older models such as this. Dedicated acrylics paints representing authentic RN coastal forces colours add to the ease of modelling.
I only wish that Airfix in their new revamped form would consider revisiting 1/72 maritime subjects! In the meantime if you haven't you really need to check out the offerings from Coastal Craft Models, the models are pricey but well worth it in terms of quality and exclusivity
Signing this Build off......
Rob
But the progress pictures look quite nice. And the paintwork turned out very well. That shop of yours sure it tidy, almost like a surgical theater. 
