1/700 Regia Marina Giuseppe Garibaldi 1965 Guided MIssile Cruiser - Duca degli Abruzzi Class
Resin Model Kit, Box Condition: Exc
Very rare model of the Garibaldi after she was heavily rebuilt into a Guided Missile Cruiser. After successful service in WWII, the ship was rebuilt at the La Spezia Arsenal; work began in 1957 and was completed in 1961. The reconstruction included a completely new superstructure and some dramatic rebuilding for the four launchers for the U.S. designed UGM-27 Polaris nuclear ballistic missiles. The US never provided the missiles; instead the Italian government set to develop an indigenous missile, called Alfa. (Alfa was successful in tests but due to fiscal and political pressure never went to sea as planned in Garibaldi or any other vessel.) Back to the rebuilt of the ship: Garibaldi's propulsion system was not changed but given an overhaul. The rest of the armament was radically altered: a RIM-2 Terrier missile launcher made Giuseppe Garibaldi the first missile cruiser in Europe. The big-gun artillery was replaced by four 135 mm/45 guns in two twin turrets and eight Oto Melara 76 mm/62 Type MMI AA guns. Electronics were greatly upgraded with several radars and modern fire control systems. She became Flagship of the Italian Navy and served until 1971. The actual kit is a highly detailed, limited production waterline model of this ship in the 1965 Rebuilt configuration. It is cast in high-definition resin, so the quality and detail is superior to any injection molded plastic kit in this scale. The details are also resin cast and photoetched brass. Even includes decals. Never started. All parts are still in the factory sealed bags and includes decals & detailed plans/instructions.
$125.00