GoW: Togo - Spanish Temerario-class & Fernando el Catolico-class (Gunboats)

GMT-SPA-014 Temerario-class & Fernando el Católico-class (Gunboats)

Class: 4

Base length: 6 cm Fernando el Católico, 8 cm Temerario (included)

Colour scheme: Standard Spanish

Number of units per pack: 2

Number of units on the base: 1

Number of ship cards included: 2 (protective sleeve included)

The Temerario-class torpedo gunboats were the predecessors of destroyers (torpedo boat destroyers), which emerged in the latter half of the 1890s. These vessels were built at the turn of the 1880s and 1890s, featuring a very sleek and elegant silhouette that enabled them to reach a speed of 19 knots. Their armament consisted of two 120 mm guns, four 57 mm guns, a single 25 mm machine gun, and two 356 mm torpedo tubes concealed in the bow.

At the outbreak of the war in 1898, five vessels of this class were stationed in the Caribbean, with some taking part in engagements against US Navy ships. With her graceful silhouette and solid armament, this vessel will undoubtedly be an interesting choice for those commanding the fleet of the Kingdom of Spain.

By contrast, the Fernando el Católico-class gunboats were already relics of a bygone era by the late 19th century. Commissioned in the mid-1870s, they displaced approximately 500 tons, had a staggering speed of 10 knots, and were armed with a single 160 mm muzzle-loading gun and two 120 mm muzzle-loading guns.

The primary role of these vessels was colonial service, flag-showing missions, and anti-piracy operations – a role for which they were perfectly adequate. Unfortunately, fate dictated that the most famous vessel of this class, Marqués del Duero, took part in the decisive Battle of Cavite in 1898 as the oldest ship in Admiral Montojo’s squadron. She was quickly struck several times, rendering her artillery useless and forcing her crew to scuttle her in shallow waters. The Americans later salvaged the wreck, refitted her for service, but soon decommissioned and scrapped her.

This small vessel will have little chance against most other gunboats, though she might still inflict damage, especially with her formidable ram.
Due to her modest size, she will be an affordable and useful asset for capturing islands, controlling buoys and zones, giving her a potential tactical role. Besides, how could one not appreciate such charming, old-fashioned ships?

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/