MTM Barchino (With Crew) 1:35 scale

The Regia Marina Italiana, building on its successes during the First World War, developed several underwater and surface assault craft. The Modified Touring Motor Boat (M.T.M.) was designed to ensure an approach to the target to be attacked quickly and not easily detectable by enemy forces. Upon completion of the approach and arrival in the vicinity of the target, the pilot would lock the rudder to maintain course and launch the boat at high speed against the target. The pilot, positioned at the stern, ejected from the barge at a safe distance before the collision. The high explosive charge attached to the bow of the barge detonated on impact with the target. The sinking, by the assault group commanded by Luigi Faggioni, of the British Royal Navy’s heavy cruiser HMS York at Suda in March 1941 is remembered as the most successful action of the Regia Marina Italiana in the use of the ‘Barchino’.