Coastal Forces Veterans

Good Day All,

One more question for those more knowledgeable than myself.........I'm building a 24th scale BPB Co. MTB - 466, and am trying to determine the number of bolts on each side of the torpedo tube base - the section that secures the complete tube and base to the deck of the MTB.

I read somewhere recently that there were 32 bolts securing the tube and base to the deck (16 per side ?), but can't remember where I read that. Is anyone on this site able to confirm the actual number? The model is large enough (35") that it can't be overlooked.

Sincerely,

Chris Preston
Victoria, BC
Canada (not the "51st state")

Hello Chris

The only thing I have which could be of some assistance is a photo of MTB 632. This was one of the early Fairmile 'D' MTBs which were constructed without the later forward torpedo scallops, and whose 21" torpedoes were mounted on high blocks to clear the side of the boat. According to John Lambert's book The Fairmile 'D', the 21" torpedo support blocks featured nine oval cutouts, as set against six for an 18" torpedo; something borne out by photographs. In the photo below it looks as though each of the nine cutouts has three bolts, which would give you 27 in total for each side. If one extrapolates based on this, then an 18" support block with six cutouts would give you 18 bolts per side, but I suppose 16 is possible. There could of course be slight variations in the way particular yards went about their individual builds.

Edit: Having posted the photo it is slightly clearer on my phone, and looking at the line cast by the shadow, it looks more like two bolts per cut-out, one each side of the centre line of each cut-out.

Admin


I drew some lines to help clarify things, and it does seem to be two bolts each side of the centre line

Thank You very much Admin.

These photos are exactly what I need. I don't know where you're finding them, but they're a great help. Thanks again.

Sincerely,

Chris Preston
Victoria, BC
Canada