Coastal Craft Coastal Craft History Volume 1

[Shar2]

Coastal Craft History Volume 1

Coastal Craft Histories

This new book from Coastal craft, entitled Vosper Torpedo Boats from the 68ft PV boat to MTB538 is the first in, hopefully, a series of books covering all of Britains Coastal Forces. The second in the series is already complied and due to go to print shortly. The book is in landscape format allowing authors the space for the excellent side views. The profiles and text are by Mike Smith with the editor being none other than Neil Robinson. All the profiles are produced from those of John Lambert with his co-operation.

The book begins with a short piece about the first Vosper private venture, the 68ft motor torpedo boat. This is followed by a forward and information about the book itself, what the profiles were based on and the resources from whence the wartime photographs came. Then there are short articles on the following:-

• The history of Vosper
• Torpedoes and torpedo boats
• Hull and wheelhouse design
• Engines
• Torpedoes and depth charges
• Armament
• Details of Vosper batches

Included in the above articles there are suitable profiles of various boats and the ever changing profile of the 68 footer MTB 102.

The next thirty five pages show the many and various colour schemes used on particular boats. Each of the full colour profiles, some with top down views are beautifully drawn comes with information about the particular boat, as well as the colours used. There are also useful notes on the references used if the modeller would like to go further in their research. At the end of the book, there is a page dedicated to listing the great many books that are available followed by one page covering the kits and detail sets that are available from Coastal Craft, with the last page showing whats to come in the next book.

Conclusion
This book is an absolute must have for anyone interested in the Vosper boats of WWII. Whether you have any kits or not, but of particular use with those who have the any of the available kits who would like to produce something not out of the box, especially as there is so much available aftermarket for the 1:72 fraternity. Those modellers who choose to model in 1:35 will need to hone their scratchbuilding skill, but this book will certainly be a help as to what equipment and modifications are appropriate to which boat. Very highly recommended.

Review sample courtesy of

[thomastmcc]

one to add to the list .. is it paperback or hardback ?

[Shar2]

It's paperback.

[stevehnz]

Reckon its one I might just NEED too.

Steve.

[Paul Bradley]

Got one at SMW - its a 'must-buy' if you have the Italeri or Airfix kits.