Mikro-Mir 1/72 Grillo

After successfully attacking the Austro-Hungarian naval base at Trieste with torpedo boats in 1917, the Italian Navy planned an attack on the more strategically important base at Pola. However, the Pola base was protected by anti-torpedo nets that were far more robust than those at Trieste, making an attack using conventional torpedo boats difficult.

To overcome this, the Grillo-class was designed; these vessels featured a shallow-draft hull equipped with tracked treads fitted with hooks, allowing them to climb over the anti-torpedo net booms and enter the harbor. The tracks mounted on the hull were powered by an electric motor to ensure operation was as silent as possible.

The Italian military built four of these torpedo boats -- Grillo (Cricket), Cavalletta (Grasshopper), Locusta (Locust), and Pulce (Flea). In April 1918, two of them attempted a night attack but failed to enter the harbor; both vessels were subsequently scuttled by their crews. The following month, a single boat attempted another attack, but the noise made while climbing the anti-torpedo net boom alerted the Austro-Hungarian forces, who opened fire and sank the vessel.

This 1/72-scale model kit from Mikro Mir includes photo-etched parts and decals for four versions.

Features

• This 1/72-scale model kit from Mikro Mir includes photo-etched parts and decals for four versions.
• Approximately 22.2cm long, 4.3cm wide when completed
• Photo-etched parts, decals for 4 versions