Fairmile A Motor Launch ML-103 (1941)
by Horst Muerell

1/250 Fairmile A Motor Launch ML-103 (1941) (Paper Model)

ML 103 was completed 28 June 1940 at Brooke Marine Ltd., Oulton Broad, Lowestoft. During 1941 she was converted into a minelayer. Armament was increased by four additional machine guns and a Holman-Projector. Unlike many of her sisters she kept her funnel. The boat carried six ground mines and two depth charges. The model is based on photos in John Lambert´s book, the very short mast should possibly enable her to get into the submarine docks at Dover.

ML103 was mined in the Dover Straits 24 August 1942.
Technical Details:
Length: 33,50m
Breadth: 5,30m
Draught: 2,00m
Displacement: 57t
Speed: 25kts
Complement: 2 officers, 14 men
Total built: 12

The construction of the model and the information about the original were based on the following sources:

• John Lambert Plan: Fairmile A Motor Launch, Nr. L/S/59/A-C
• Allied Coastal Forces of World War II, Vol. 1, John Lambert
• The Design and Construction of British Warships 1939-1945 Vol. 2, David K. Brown

The Model is to a scale of 1:250 and 13cm long. It is made of grey-coloured card, the railings are of painted fly-screen.

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