Scale Plastic & Rail

Despite the unconventionally simple look of the subject, this kit contains around 276 parts of pale yellow/cream colour resin. I told you it was deceptive. I couldn’t quite believe the parts count myself!

The subject itself is an Italian Torpedo boat, powered by a small 15HP electric motor. What made this boat exceptional is that it could navigate booms in order to drop its torpedo. It did this by means of a chain and belt system which ran along the underside of the vessel allowing it to mount such obstacles. Bizzare? Yes, definitely! Shame (for the Italians) that in reality they weren’t very successful. This is certainly an unusual subject for a build, which in itself makes it worthy of  consideration.

The kit itself has, again, some beautifully cast parts which are mouth-wateringly good. The chains which run along the hull are masterfully cast in stunning detail and will require immersion in hot water in order to form them to the profile of the boats hull. The teeth which enable the chain to run are numerous, but again beautifully cast. This will take some serious patience though and is not a project for anyone who hasn’t undergone a good apprenticeship in resin modelling, despite the models simple looking lines.

Decals are supplied for two boats, and are very simplistic, again in line with the subject.

The majority of the parts in this model are very small and careful assembly will be required to get the most out of the model.

So what do we think?

This is indeed a very odd and esoteric subject, but don’t be put off by that. This is a piece of maritime history that will draw questions from anyone who observes the finished model. Choroszy Modelbud should be congratulated in producing such a wonderfully detailed 1/72 kit of this subject. The only thing it’s missing is some crew figures.

Overall 8/10

Many thanks to Choroszy Modelbud for the review sample.