USS Vesuvius 1:200 Orel (181)

USS Vesuvius Experimental Gunboat Card Model Kit 1:200 – Orel Publishing (181) Scale - 1:200 Model Sheets - A4 Assembly Instruction Language - English, Polish, Russian, German Product Description The USS Vesuvius was a unique and highly experimental warship of the late 19th century United States Navy. Designed as a dynamite cruiser , this gunboat featured three fixed pneumatic guns mounted in the bow, firing shells filled with wet pyroxylin using compressed air at pressures up to 70 atmospheres. This 1:200 scale card model kit from Orel Publishing (issue 181) accurately represents the innovative and unconventional design of the USS Vesuvius as it appeared during its operational service. The ship was intended for attacking coastal fortifications and clearing naval minefields by detonating shells underwater. Although the weapon system proved difficult to aim and had limited range, the vessel remains an iconic example of experimental naval engineering. USS Vesuvius saw active service during the Spanish-American War (1898) , including the bombardment of Santiago de Cuba , and later served as a messenger ship between Cuba and Florida . This model is an excellent choice for naval…