In late 1939, the British Admiralty designed a 72ft motor yacht style, round bilge launch for inshore and harbour defence.  It had reliable twin 130-150hp diesel engines, large rudders for tight turning and excellent seakeeping qualities.  Nearly 500 were built in 17 boatyards around Britain.  Being of a conventional double planking with longitudinal internal stringers, they were remarkably strong and resilient.  Their size meant that they could be shipped overseas as deck cargo and many went to the Med, the Far East and Australia.

They were primarily armed with 6-8 depth charges and Asdic was usually fitted.  These were then added to by a 2 or 3lb quick firing gun on the foredeck, and later a 20mm Oerlikon gun aft of the bridge, although several weapon variations were used throughout the war.  The HDMLs were crewed by 12 seamen, all with accommodation below.

This 1/144th scale kit features a resin hull, 3D printed cabin and fittings, etch metal parts and fully illustrated instruction booklet.

Now featuring MasterModel tapered brass masts

Size - Length 150mm, Beam 32.6mm.