It was 12 years ago when Italeri released its M.A.S.468 4a serie torpedo boat, as part of an imposing range of 1/35 maritime subjects. Now it’s back with new parts, as CHRIS CLIFFORD explains.
Many maritime fans lauded Italeri’s decision to produce relevant subjects in 1/35 scale. This small range included the Italian vessel, as well as a German S-boat and Biber mini-submarine, British Vosper torpedo boats and a US example to name some.
Now the Italian MAS is back on the market, with new parts as kit 5626, which should please naval modellers no end. Like the original iteration it has photo-etched detail parts, and crew figures, and you can build either M.A.S.563 4a serie or 563 3a serie vessels. The box is dominated by the 54cm-long hull and its separate deck. Plank engraving enlivens the latter component, and there’s a sunken area over which the bridge structure is placed. With a deck that’s 14cm across at its widest point, this is a model with real presence. There is the option to pose the foredeck skylight hatches open or closed.
Above: The hull/deck assembly is sizeable. Note the styrene jig attached to the section of runner half-way along… for bending the PE life ring holders.
Above: Reasonable detail features in the s…
