Airfix – A05280V / A05280 – Vosper M.T.B (Vosper Motor Torpedo Boat)

Description:

Airfix – A05280 – Vosper Torpedo Boat

Unassembled plastic model kit in 1/72 scale of a British WW2 Vosper 73 ft motor torpedo boat, a small, coastal defence, torpedo boat, equipped with 4 torpedo tubes and an Oerlikon 20mm gun as main armament plus 2 twin 7.7 mm Vickers machine guns mounted in the sides. Entered service in 1944.

A kit in airfix catalogue since 1972, released over the time with many different boxes layouts. Kit includes also 5 hard plastic figures (in 4 poses) as crew.

Kit consists of 189 plastic parts and include a single marking possible. In 2025 this kit was added to the Vintage Classics line by Airfix.

Modelers have noted that while the kit provides a good general outline of the vessel, it requires significant cleanup due to flash and mold lines, indicative of its vintage molds. The assembly process involves multiple small parts, some of which are molded in multiple pieces where a single piece might suffice, adding complexity. The four-piece hull and deck fit reasonably well but may need careful alignment to avoid gaps.

Some of the old releases had a notable issue is the painting instructions; the kit’s guide erroneously reverses the light and dark grey areas of the camouflage scheme. In the last release this problem has been solved.

Despite these challenges, the kit builds into an impressive model, especially considering its age. It’s a valuable addition for enthusiasts interested in World War II naval subjects, though some experience with model building is recommended to address the kit’s problems.