GoW: Togo - French D'Estrées-class (Protected cruiser)

GMT-FRA-014 D'Estrées-class Protected cruiser

Class: 3

Base length: 10 cm (included)

Colour scheme: French (black hull, superstructures, funnels, and masts: “Toile Mouillée,” which corresponds to Vallejo 72.098 Elfic Flesh, or 72.034 Bone White (top 10% of funnels black). Decks Vallejo 72.032 Bone White or lighter, e.g. AK 11114 Deck Tan).

Number of units per pack: 1

Number of units on the base: 1

Number of ship cards included: 1 (protective sleeve included)

The D’Estrées-class ships were created in the second half of the 1890s, at a time when very heated debates were taking place within the French Navy over which types of cruisers would be most needed. The D’Estrées class was designed primarily with colonial service in mind.

These vessels displaced around 2,500 tons and were armed with two 138 mm guns, four 100 mm guns, eight 47 mm guns, and two 37 mm guns. Their machinery allowed them to reach a speed of 20 knots.

Both ships served very intensively in waters near French colonies in Asia and Africa, periodically returning to Europe. Infernet was scrapped as early as 1910, while D’Estrées fought during the First World War, taking part in numerous actions in the Mediterranean Sea. After the war, she returned to Asia, was withdrawn from service in 1922, and sold for scrap.

The D’Estrées class thus represents typical small vessels which, thanks to their armament (medium-calibre guns) and speed, will perform well against enemy destroyers, torpedo boats, and gunboats. At the same time, she will have to avoid larger cruisers, which pose a serious threat to her. In this screening role, the D’Estrées class appears to be a very interesting alternative to the Friant or Descartes classes.

The models in the set are resin, 3D printed and can be damaged if not handled properly. All models are unpainted. Glue and paints are not included. Contains small parts and is not intended for use by children under 14 years of age.

Instructions on how to prepare models for painting can be found here:
http://www.gmboardgames.com/blog/en/how-to-prepare-3d-printed-models-for-painting/