"1/600 Coastal Forces - Fairmile C and M-class minesweeper" Topic

I would appreciate some guidance from anyone who has made these two Skytrex/H&R models.

While you have to love any kit that has only three parts (the Fairmile C) I am puzzled whether I have the correct parts in the bag. The fore and aft turrets are on a sprue (which is marked 5) and the plugs are far wider than the holes in the hull which are supposed to receive them. Has anyone else had this problem or have they sent me the wrong bits?

The M-class minesweeper kit has a launch which is meant to be suspended from two davits. The holes for the davits are offset slightly to starboard. Are they supposed to curve outwards so the launch is held off the starboard side or inward so it hangs over the hull? I have not been able to resolve this from Google as the few clear photos I have found show the launch hanging from a frame resembling a goalpost. Finally the kit includes a smaller boat which seems to be destined for the port side. Should this overhang or be set fully inboard?

Any help from the more knowledgeable greatly appreciated.

M class minesweeper
Based on these pictures, it appears the boat was kept inboard over the deck. Looks to me as if the "arm" of the davits contracted inwards for stowage. (note overhead view and bow on view about 2/3 way down page.)
link

I'm surprised the "C" has only three parts. There should be a hull, a forward gun (e.g. a 2pdr) a couple of waist HMG tubs (or 20mm in later craft) and a stern gun (e.g. another 2pdr, 6pdr or 20mm)

Bob – thanks for your thoughts and the link. Very helpful.

David – definitely only three parts: a hull and what must be two main guns (forward and aft)although the shape is strange. Also there are no other holes in the deck to receive anything else. If I knew how to post a photo I would show you what there is!

Here's my SDD / Stronghold Fairmile C

David, thanks. Forward gun looks like what I have for the Skytrex model but there the similarity ends! Definitely no waist tubs in mine, although there is what could be a tub (albeit sans gun)just forward of the aft gun as well as a bit more detail to the deck (e.g. a float). I am puzzled and will ask H&R whether I have the correct parts.

On another front, I am researching colour schemes for 1942 but finding it a difficult task to pin down exactly what was used then by MTB's and MGB's operating in the Channel. There is much more info available about schemes in use from 1943 onwards. Does the pattern on your model date from then?