The Heavy Cruiser Pola was launched December 5th
1931. The Pola was the last of the Zara class heavy cruisers and differed
slightly in her appearance most notably around the fore funnel and superstructure.
She was armed with eight 8" 53 cal guns in four twin turrets.
She was involved in the Cape Matapan seabattle where she was torpedoed
and severely damaged by British torpedo planes. The damage was so severe
that she was scuttled by her crew on March 9, 1941 to prevent her from
falling into enemy hands.
Specifications:
Length (overall) |
599.73' |
Length (waterline) |
579' |
Beam |
67.58' |
Draught Standard (Maximum) |
19.4' (23.6') |
Displacement |
14,530 tons (full load) |
Propulsion |
8 Thornycraft 3 drum type Boilers driving Parsons singler reduction
geared steam Yarrow geared steam on Fiume Turbines |
Horsepower |
95,000 shp on 2 shafts |
Endurance |
3,200 NM @ 25 knts
5,230 NM @ 16 knts |
Max Speed |
32 kts |
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The hull on this kit is well molded and includes quite a bit of detail.
While several of the inclined stairs are molded on they are not of that
dreaded Aztec type construction. Surface detail is impressive and my sample
had no air bubbles or defects and flash was at a minimum. Most of the superstructure
is cast in place which should greatly simplify the building. |
Click Thumbnails
to enlarge
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The superstructure parts are well done but have quite a bit of flash
on them. It is a light flash and is easy to remove yet these parts are
not as well molded as the hull. In spite of the flash items such as the
life rafts and boats have some really nice detailing. |
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The main guns have their barrels molded on and many were broken in
shipping. I plan on replacing them with machined brass barrels so this
is not a big deal to me. The light weapons are finely molded but they too
lost their delicate barrels to breakage. Even the float plane was missing
a wing. I think better packaging could save a few of these parts. The parts
were obviously well cast but being packed into the little bags with nothing
to protect them resulted in some breakage. |
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Instructions are pretty well done and include several views
of the ship but could really benefit form a 3D exploded view showing where
everything goes.
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Conclusions:
This kit has some extremely nice detailing and
does a good job of representing the Italian Cruiser Pola. With a little
work and some photo etch it could be a real prize winning ship. Thanks
to Pacific Front Hobbies for the review sample. Check their website for
more of the Delphi line of resin ships. |