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[SimonCornes]

Can anyone give me their opinion of this kit please? Having got a Fairmile D running now I quite fancy a Vosper in fact a part built project or a second hand boat might be of interest.
I know that Ron produces boats which are light so should perform well but I also know that the detail is not always the best so an unbiased opinion would be useful. I once scratch built one of these boats in 1/32 from a Model Boats or Marine Modelling magazine plan - looked great but I was on the wrong side of the power/weight curve and so decide that MTB's had to be 1/24 to perform, at least with ordinary brushed motors.


I'd be very interested to know your thoughts, thank you. 

[Dean's Marine]

Hi
 plenty on you tube and close up as well see here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCaFTgwnFII

[John W E]

Hi there Simon


I wouldn't be too put off by 'old' experiences of building overweight models of the past - as time has moved on with regards to materials and electronics etc.   I have built several models at 1:32 and even smaller scales.   They tend to perform well. 
 
At this current time I am busy building a 1:32 scale torpedo test boat Bloodhound.   The Bloodhound comes from Marine Modelling plans; however, I have extra information from John Lambert & others' books.  The books helped me to produce a closer to scale model.   


Just to give you an example of what can be done these days; remember the old KeilKraft Terrier MTB from the late 1950s early 1960s and the image it used to have on the box skimming along on the water; well, I actually have the Terrier to do that by using a bog standard 380 motor and a Lipo battery; the battery is no larger than a small box of matches - say something like 1/2 inch thick by 1 1/2 long and 1 inch wide.


Here is a link to the model - so don't overlook the idea of building another model from plans.


John


one from Dodgy's vintage Keil kraft site (modelboatmayhem.co.uk)

[SimonCornes]

Thank you John for your thoughts . I ended up giving my MTB to a RN Association meeting room maybe 30 years ago so it probably got skipped sometime last century and that would be sad. The thing is though, having a 5 foot Fairmile really gives you a model with presence so that’s why I find a 1/24th Vosper attractive. I’ve seen Ron’s video on YouTube already so I know it goes although Ron’s text pond isn’t big enough to show its top end performance which is why I would value the opinion of someone who has built and run one. I’m sure it should have 3 props whereas Ron’s kit has 2 but then some will say that a third motor adds nothing to the performance but others might have modified the kit to 3 shafts. So far no one seems to be saying anything which is a bit disappointing!!

[Backerther]

Hi,
I think you have selected a nice size of PTB 1/24, not so large and not so small, in terms of handling, storage and sailing on the water, which is sufficiently seaworthy.
If I am you, I will probably choose 540 class conventional motor brushed without doubt for this size of boat.
Apart from the true scale realism, twin props will do the fast speed like a real one on the water.
Have fun with this boat building and sailing.!!   This kind of MTB is enjoyable both in building and sailing fast easily
and comfortably on the water by its thrilling speed for me.!!

[Klunk]

Italieri do a vosper at 1/35, can be fitted with 2 brushed or brushless with detail up options.

[Dean's Marine]

Thank you John for your thoughts . I ended up giving my MTB to a RN Association meeting room maybe 30 years ago so it probably got skipped sometime last century and that would be sad. The thing is though, having a 5 foot Fairmile really gives you a model with presence so that’s why I find a 1/24th Vosper attractive. I’ve seen Ron’s video on YouTube already so I know it goes although Ron’s text pond isn’t big enough to show its top end performance which is why I would value the opinion of someone who has built and run one. I’m sure it should have 3 props whereas Ron’s kit has 2 but then some will say that a third motor adds nothing to the performance but others might have modified the kit to 3 shafts. So far no one seems to be saying anything which is a bit disappointing!!

 HI try this one then on a larger lake: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJqTA9T3vaY
 

[John W E]

Hi there Simon


Not going to be too pedantic, but, the majority of these boats were built triple screw.   But, you do always get the odd ones and there is a selection of 4 boats 218 - 221 that were built with 2 shafts and petrol engines.  This is according to Coastal Forces and Vessels of the Royal Navy 1865 by MP Cocker.


I have built several models triple shafts.  A British Power Boat MTB and 2 RAF Whaleback launchers.   One build is in Masterclass on this forum.   Does it improve speed?  yes, it does, having 3 shafts.   Downside is that you use a bit more go go juice.


The British Power Boat MTB, when I originally built it, I modified 2 Electronize Speed controllers to take heavier amperage.  The beauty of these 'old' speed controllers was you could switch the signal to the unit on and off without interfering with the speed settings unlike on modern day ones.  Where you have to programme them.    So, therefore, what I could do was run the 2 outer motors on one speed controller and the centre motor off the other speed controller.  Switch the two outer motors off so I could just plod along and make it nice and easy to manoeuvre and then switch in the 2 outer motors and she would lift the skirt and go.

https://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,9758.msg90496.html#msg90496

John

[SimonCornes]

Hi John,
Similar to my Dog boat. I have an Action dual motor speed controller and rudder mixer which operate the wing motors and then a single Action Condor 20 for the inners on the other fore and aft stick. I manoeuvre away from the bankside on the outers, open up to full then start up the inners and there is a perceptible ‘jump’ when they kick in. Probably not quite a scale 35 knots but respectable.


I think a Vosper has to have 3 shafts as well so I’d do the same thing as with the D. I’ve since decided it might be better to acquire a ‘pre-owned’ boat to renovate and maybe fit a third shaft to rather than buy all new as the costs are starting to spiral!!