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In-Box Review
1350
Sparviero Class Patrol Boat
Regia Marina Sparviero Class Patrol Boat
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by: Jim Adams [ GOLDENPONY ]

Intro...

As a model builder we sometimes get worn out building the same type of ship over and over again. We look for something unique and different. If we always build plastic kits we may want to try a resin kit. We may want to try a ship from a totally different navy than we normally would build. So, we search for one of these different ships. Take a moment and consider this nice kit from our friends at REGIA MARINA - M.A.S.

Sparviero class patrol boat...


These small patrol boats were the fastest ships in the Italian navy at the time of their use. As a matter of fact, they still hold that record. They were small hydrofoils capable of top speeds over 46 knots. All of these ships have since been decommissioned by the Italian Navy.


Specs...

Type: fast attack craft, hydrofoil
Displacement: 62.5 tons full load
Length: 21.8 metres (24.6 meters on hydrofoil)
Beam: 7 metres (7 meters on hydrofoil)
Draught: 1.9 m
Propulsion:
Motor: 1 gas turbine, 1 pumpjet, 1 diesel engine
Power: 1 GE/IHI LM 500 gas turbine engine 5000 horsepower sustained (Italy 1 Rolls-Royce Proteus 15M560 gas turbine driving waterjet pump 4500-5000 horsepower)
Propellers: 1 retractable prop (hullborne)
Speed: 46 knots (8 knots diesel) (Italy 40 knots max)
Range: 400 miles at 45 knots (40 knots Italy), 1,200 miles at 8 knots
Complement: 11 (3 officers) (Italy 10 (2 officers))
Sensors and processing systems:
Radar; Surface search; JRC OPS-18-2; G-band (Italy SMA 3 RM 7-250 (SPQ 701); I-band)
Electronic warfare and decoys:
Countermeasures: Decoys: 2 Loral Hycor Mk 36 SRBOC chaff launchers (Japan only) Armament:
Missils: SSM: 4 Mitsubishi SSM-1B (deritive of land-based system); range 150 km (Italy 2 OTO Melara/Matra Otomat Teseo Mk 2; active radar homing to 160 km, 210 kg warhead)
Guns: 1GE JM-61 20mm/76 Sea Vulcan; 3 barrels on each mounting; 1,500 rounds/minute combined to 4 km (Italy 1 OTO Melara 3 in (76mm)/62 compact)


The Kit...

The kit comes to you in a small brown box with an image of the Sparviero class patrol boat. Inside you will find the resin hull and other small resin parts. There is also a sheet of decals, two frets of PE, a clear plastic sheet, and the instructions.

Resin...


The hull is cast in a gray resin material and it is free of bubbles and voids. The other small resin pieces are together on two smaller casting plugs. These will need clean up and care. They are rather fine and could be easily broken.

PE...


The main bulk of the ships details come from PE. The superstructure is totally achieved by use of PE material. Even the detailing on the main deck is done this way. The PE seems to be nicely etched and has a decent “feel” to it. Some PE feels cheap, this does not. The attachment points of the PE do seem a little thick, so be careful when cutting it free.

Instructions and more...


The instructions are printed on two sheets of paper. Assembly instructions are actual photos of each step. To me they did seem a little dark and hard to see. But, as stated on the instructions all you have to do is ask and you can be emailed a PDF version of the sheets. You are also provided some photos of the actual ship for reference.

There is a sheet of decals in both red and white.

Impressions...

This is a neat little kit. Even thought this is a 1/350 scale kit it is small, just a little under 2 1/2” long. Its size and use of PE might keep some builders away, but you who fancy yourselves as master of 1/700 will have no problems. It should build into a very nice project.
SUMMARY
Highs: Unique subject
Lows: Less than average instructions and small resin parts.
Verdict: Unique subject that will get plenty of looks at your next competition.
Percentage Rating
84%
  Scale: 1:350
  Mfg. ID: R.M.042
  Suggested Retail: $58.00
  Related Link: R.M.042
  PUBLISHED: Aug 30, 2011
  NATIONALITY: Italy
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 89.22%
  MAKER/PUBLISHER: 84.67%

Our Thanks to Regia Marina!
This item was provided by them for the purpose of having it reviewed on this KitMaker Network site. If you would like your kit, book, or product reviewed, please contact us.

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About Jim Adams (goldenpony)
FROM: ZIMBABWE

Copyright ©2021 text by Jim Adams [ GOLDENPONY ]. Images also by copyright holder unless otherwise noted. Opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of Model Shipwrights. All rights reserved.



   
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