GoW: Togo - French Gloire-class (Armoured cruiser)

GMT-FRA-012 Gloire-class Armoured cruiser

Class: 2

Base length: 14 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)

At the end of the 19th century, different factions within the French Navy held differing views on the role that armoured cruisers should fulfil. The Gloire class was created as a compromise: it was decided that the roles of both a raider and a ship capable of operating with the fleet could be fulfilled by a sufficiently large armoured cruiser.

With a displacement of nearly 10,000 tons, she could reach a speed of 21 knots and was armed with two 194 mm guns, eight 164.7 mm guns (mounted in turrets and casemates), six 100 mm guns, as well as 22 light guns and five torpedo tubes. She was therefore a vessel with considerable firepower, good armour, and high speed.

Five ships of this class were built (entering service from 1904 onwards). One of them (Sully) ran aground on uncharted rocks in Asia, while the remaining four fought during the First World War. They were scrapped in the interwar period. The longest-serving vessel was Condé – converted into a barracks ship and later a target ship – she was sunk by Allied aircraft in 1944, forty years after entering service.

The Gloire class is a very valuable addition to the Marine Nationale, offering an interesting alternative to other armoured cruisers. Thanks to her characteristics, she can engage independently with any armoured cruiser of an opposing fleet.

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/