The largest and most powerful warships ever built in Italy, the battleships of the Littorio class, were the first '35,000 tonners' to come under the provisions of the Washington Treaty. Although the Washington Navel Conference of 1922 gave Italy the authority to build up to 182,800 tons of new capital ships (including 70,000 tons prior to 1932), the Italians waited more than a decade before beginning construction.
The Roma was commissioned on 14 June 1942 and on 21 August arrived in Taranto, where she joined the 9th Naval Division. She was the last Italian capital ship to enter service, and had a very brief and tragic career. On the captitulation of Italy, the Roma went to sea on 9 September 1943, enroute to Malta to surrender to the Royal Navy. When in the Golf of Sardinia, she was attacked by German aircraft and sunk by a powerful new type of guided missile, specifically designed for use against heavily armored targets. Of a total of 1,849 officers and men on board, only 596 survived. The RN Roma’s career lasted 15 months, during which she participated in no combat missions. She made 20 sorties, steamed 2,492 miles during 133 hours underway and consumed 3,320 metric tons of fuel. She was out of service for 63 days during her career.
A highly detailed top quality plastic model kit of an unusual and interesting ship with a tragic history. Recommended for age 14 and above.
Hull
Upper hull made from two-directional slide molds
Deck wood pattern finely rendered
Either waterline or full-hull version can be assembled
Weapons
Realistically detailed gun barrels w/hollow ends made from slide mould Aircraft
Contains 1 Re.2000 and 1 Ro.43 aircraft. Stand
Contains display stand and engraved name plate
Photo-Etched Brass Parts
Photo-Etched parts for ladders etc
Length: 687.1mm
Beam: 95mm