Spar Torpedo Boats

Spar Torpedo Boats were invented during the American Civil War and saw some success. Famous spar carrying vessels include the Confederate Davids, H.L. Hunley and the Confederate Ironclad CSS Richmond.

Spar torpedo boats would travel under the cover of darkness, seek out its target, at some distance lower the spar torpedo and ram the opponent at full speed. A highly dangerous business for attackers and intended victims alike.

Spar Torpedo Boats in the American Civil War

The Union Navy quickly realized the importance of blockading the southern ports. Likewise, the Confederates were desperate to trade tobacco and cotton for food and arms.

Realizing they never could challenge the Union Navy one-on-one, the South turned desperation into innovation. This is largely how they brought ideas like coastal ironclads, submarines and spar torpedo boats into reality.

The CSS David was the first purpose built torpedo boat in the world. She was built like a barrel and looked a lot like a cigar with a narrow platform and chimney on top. She was 50' long by 5'6" diameter.

One of the most famous spar torpedo attacks is that of the Union steam launch "Picket Boat No.1" sinking the Confederate ironclad CSS Albemarle the night between the 27 and 28 October 1864.

Other Civil War vessels that carried spar torpedoes include the H.L. Hunley. The Hunley sank the Union warship, USS Housatonic. The victory came with a bitter taste, as the Hunley herself failed to return after the mission.

Ironclads built towards the end of the war were designed to carry spar torpedoes in place of a ram. The CSS Richmond is a good example. Pictures can be seen at the Confederate Ironclads page.

Spar Torpedos in Other Navies

As the news of the destruction caused by such small crafts spread, just about all navies procured their own spar torpedo flotillas.

It was short lived however. With the introduction of the self propelled torpedo the idea of a manned vessel with a bomb attached seemed ancient.

By the late 1880's most navies had switched to Steam Torpedo Boats. Although, some lasted longer. As an example, the last Danish spar torpedo boat was finally stricken in 1919.

Building Spar Torpedo Boat Models

Plans by Lothar Wischmeyer:

S.M. Torpedoboot "No. 1" (1879) - The Imperial German Navy's first torpedo boat. The plan set consist of two sheets in 1:25 scale (details in 1:12.5). I have a copy of this plan. It is superb. An RC model could be made from these plans.

Argus Specialist Publications Ltd. - UK

MM1333 - CSS David, Confederate Torpedo Boat built in 1863 - 1:24 scale drawn by David Metcalf.

French Government Archives - Service Historique de La Defence

If you don't mind working from original plans, this is a good option. There is probably more detail than most model boat builders care for on these plans. Currently there are two sets available. Both depict a 12.5m spar torpedo boat.

These plans offer a good opportunity to learn how a late version of the mechanisms associated with the spar torpedo worked. It's a pretty intricate system of gears and pulleys.

Vedette porte torpilles 1886

Vedette porte torpilles 1889

Kits available:

There are a few static kits that come up on ever once in a while. They are mostly resin and come in two different sizes. They look fantastic!

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