| The Ugonlini Vivaldi was a member
of the Navigatori Class of Destroyer. She was one of twelve completed before
the war. These destroyers had unique layout with three twin 4.7" gun mounts
mounted on the bow, between the stacks, and on the rear superstructure
of the ship. They were fast destroyers could make a maximum speed of 38
knots. In addition to her six 4.7" guns, the Navigatori class also mounted
two 40 mm anti aircraft guns, four 21" torpedo in two twin mounts, and
could carry 56 mines.
Regia Marina has added yet another WW2 Destroyer to their lineup. This
one like other recent releases is very well cast and has plenty of detailing. |
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SPECIFICATIONS:
| Dimensions |
|
Length 107.7 m |
| Width |
|
10.2 m |
| Draught |
|
4.2 m |
| Displacement |
|
2380 tons normal |
|
|
2657 tons full load |
| Speed |
|
38 knots max |
| Range |
|
3100 miles at 15 knots |
| Armament |
|
6 x 4.7" (3 x 2) |
|
|
2 x 40 mm |
|
|
4 x 13.2 mm |
|
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2 x 21" torpedo |
|
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56 x mines |
| Compliment |
|
173 |
|
| HULL |
|
| The hull is nicely cast in waterline mode. The casting is done with
resin feeder sprues along the bottom, so you will have very little sanding
to do along the waterline. Most of the superstructure and the fore funnel
are cast on. The surface detail is very well done overall there is a lot
of fine detailing. |
click images
to enlarge
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| SUPERSTRUCTURE AND DETAILS |
|
| The aft funnel and other superstructure parts are well done and include
thin splinter shields and platforms. These are also cast with resin sprues
that will reduce the amount of time you spend sanding and preparing the
parts for assembly. |
 |
|
|
| The weapons and fittings are very fine for resin and are
nicely done. The gun shields are cast separate from the twin gun barrels.
The life rafts are great with rope detail cast on. There are extras provided
to make up for any breakage. The gun directors and other small parts are
very well done, and overall the flash is minimal. |
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| PHOTO ETCH |
|
| Two photo etch frets are provided with the extra details. The main
one includes the railing and mine rails for the deck. They are relief etched
and you will not need any after market parts to finish this kit. I like
the canvas covered railings that are provided. |
 |
|
|
| Propeller guards, platforms, and funnel grills are among the parts
on the second fret. The anti aircraft gun mounts are also included. |
 |
| INSTRUCTIONS |
|
| The instructions could be better. The text is in Italian
so it is difficult for me to read them. The illustrations do however answer
most of my questions. Page three includes a nice exploded view that is
very helpful in location the parts. I still feel that there is room for
improvement here.
|
| CONCLUSIONS |
|
 Conclusions:
While not a kit for the beginner, this is an impressive kit of a unique
subject that you will not find anywhere else. If your a fan of the Italian
Navy, then you will enjoy this accurate, well cast kit. It is listed for
$42.00 US making it a bargain when you consider that it includes two photo
etch frets. |
The complete Regia Marina line is available at Pacific
Front Hobbies in the US.  |
