Hello everyone,

I have been 'tinkering' with doing the above for some time now, to the extent that we are now doing (one so far) models in resin. To this end I have been posting the following message on several forums. I initially asked the question "what next in 1/144th scale?" following on from my first model the Fairmile B class ML, an anti/submarine patrol boat.

'Little Ships' I have defined as MGB's, MTB's, PT Boats and various types of patrol type craft. My interest is Allied craft predominantly from WW2 with WW1 and modern craft thrown in.

The following is the posts I have put onto a number of forums --

Hello Everyone,

OK, at this stage this is the order of preference so I will most likely be releasing one resin model (kit) at a time in the following order (perhaps):

1. Vosper MTB. The more common wider (19'3", 1941-2ish) version as opposed to the much narrower (14'9", 1939-40ish) type. As far as I can tell the wider hulled boats included numbers 57-66, 73, 75-98, 222-245 and 347-362. This type has recently been released in 1/35th scale by Italeri and 1/72nd scale by Coastal Craft Models.
2. US Elco 80' PT. this one would need to include two cabin castings to cater for the different (slightly) positions of the starboard gun tub. I havent quite sorted out boat numbers yet, but do have the info available.
3. PBR Mk II.
4. Monitor (prog 4) plus Cmd & Control version.
5. PCF Swift Boat.
6. ASPB 1st Generation and
7. US Higgins 78' PT.

This next list are distinct possibilities depending of course on the level of expressions of interest, they have all been mentioned at least once:

British Power Boat Co. MGB (716), MTB (719) which could include the earlier 70 & 63 MGB and MA/SB types.
Elco 70 & 77 PT Boats (there were also RN MGB/MTB versions).
The WW1 55 CMB (could also include the 40 version).
BPB Co. 63 ASRL (like the Airfix 1/72nd one).
Miami class ASRL.
The Korean War PTF Nasty boat.
The Fairmile D class MGB/MTB.
Tacoma class Patrol Frigate dont have anything on this ship.
PACV likewise, dont have any info only a photo.

These next ones are of particular interest to me:

The SOC-R boat. Check out The Navys Best Kept Secret on youtube and the movie Act of Valor, only released in Feb in the US.
The WW1 80 ML.
The HDML, the smaller maid of all work, the larger one being the Fairmile B class ML already available.
The modern CB-90 boat, designed in Sweden I think and being evaluated/used by the USN as an RCB (Riverine Cmd Boat).
The LCSM. This one is rather obscure and was a landing craft conversion used on the Arakan coast in Burma.

Having said all this I need to point out the following

Please be very patient with this rather comprehensive list, but you guys (and girls of course if there are any ladies interested) can help me (and yourselves) a great deal in bringing these models to fruition by offering to help make the masters.

My plan is to include brass etch parts and crew figures.

My caster friend and part-time patternmaker has very limited time to devote to making any masters and while he would like to tackle the Vosper and Elco boats (perhaps) I really would like others to have a go.

I already have a candidate willing to do the PBR so the others are up for grabs. Please dont be (too) frightened to put your hand up.

While the models I do are waterline I fully appreciate the desire to have full hull models so I would strongly suggest that we have a separate piece made for those who wish to either mount their model on a stand or if in a diorama have the forefoot showing.

Please keep in mind this is all about 1/144th scale models/kits only.

Cheers,
Roger in OZ (Bendigo, Australia).

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

Here's hoping your project(s) are successful! I just wish someone somewhere would bring the same passion and drive to producing a line of post-war Soviet submarines in 1/144 scale. I think this is a niche that ought to be filled as well. Good luck to you!