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[flundle]

Pop "Marinefahprahm" into Google images. This strange looking craft is the subject of a new kit from Speedline models being mastered now. Just for a change, its not radio controlled or 1/12th but for display, in 1/72nd scale 1/72nd scale and in cast resin with etched detailing.
There are some details which, (as I write at least), are a little conjectural. We will sort it out (there is just one left in a naval base in Venice) but if anyone has any information on these important WWII vessels then I would be delighted to hear from you. Indeed if you have any information at all, it can only help the research file.
Thanks

[mikearace]

It is a strange looking craft indeed.

Seems a popular game with war gamers but when reading the different deployments and order of battle shown I dont see any reference to the naval involvement at the battle of Leros.  HMS Intrepid was sunk there by air attack at the end of September prior to the land force battle.  There is a memorial on Leros to the crew of Intrepid who died in action there.  One of the survivors, Albert,  is a member of the HMS Intrepid association and until recently ensured the maintainance of this memorial.  A number of us the members of the HMS Intrepid association (not to be confused with HMS Intrepid Ltd which is a commercial limited company) are looking to visit there in 2013 on the 70th anniversary of her sinking to pay respects.   

[longshanks]

Hi flundle,

Are these craft related to the 'F' lighters ?

[flundle]

I confess to knowing very little about the marinefahrpram's history except that many variations were built. The electromagnetic mine sweeper being my personal favourite.
Have a look on historisches-marinearchiv web site.  Illustrations on there by their own Marco Gurk are super! 
Ian at Midway Models in Leicester knows a lot about landing craft and is building one now which I think that's an F lighter. Sort of catamaran type craft. Looks 'well dodgy' as they say when loaded up.

[Sven]

Hi Fundle,

have a look to this page    http://www.modellboard.net/index.php?topic=13095.0
it's a German one but the pics are showing all you are in need of, I think.

Sven

[DickyD]

During the second world war, Germany's ports came under heavy attack from marauding Patrol Boats. German Lighters or powered barges were pretty much defenseless against them. In an attempt the defend them, guns were mounted for self defense. But the ultimate version was this Flak Lighter armed to the teeth with two 88 mm guns, two quad 20 mm guns, two single 20 mm guns and one single 37 mm gun. These Gunboat lighters were used as escorts for their less heavily armed cousins