School Ship Amerigo Vespucci Ship Model Kit 1:84

Italian training ship Amerigo Vespucci model kit from manufacturer Mantua Model

History of the model:

The Amerigo Vespucci is the most famous training ship of the Italian Navy (Marina Militare Italiana) and is considered one of the most beautiful sailing ships in the world. It was built in 1930 at the Regio Cantiere Navale di Castellammare di Stabia shipyard near Naples and launched on 22 February 1931. The ship is named after the Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci, after whom the American continent is also named.

The Amerigo Vespucci is a three-masted full-rigged ship and was designed based on the model of 18th-century ships of the line. With an overall length of 101 metres, a width of 15.5 metres and a displacement of around 4,100 tonnes, it impresses with its classic silhouette. Its hull consists of riveted steel plates painted in traditional black and white, reminiscent of the lines of old wooden ships.

The rigging comprises 26 sails with a total area of over 2,800 square metres, which are operated exclusively by hand – training that teaches officer cadets discipline, teamwork and nautical skills. In addition to its training activities, the Amerigo Vespucci is equipped with modern navigation and communication systems, but remains a traditional sailing ship in its basic structure.

During the Second World War, it served as a stationary training ship and thus escaped destruction. After the war, it was fully refitted and has since continued its role as Italy's representative training and ambassadorial ship. It regularly participates in international regattas and tall ship parades and visits ports around the world.

Another famous and often-quoted encounter took place in the 1960s with a US aircraft carrier, when the American captain asked by radio: ‘Who are you?’ – to which the reply came: ‘This is the training ship Amerigo Vespucci of the Italian Navy.’ The American is said to have replied: ‘You are the most beautiful ship in the world.’

To this day, the Amerigo Vespucci is an active training ship and represents Italy on all the world's oceans. It combines classic seafaring tradition with technical precision and stands as a symbol of maritime elegance, training and the proud history of the Italian Navy.

Description of the kit:

The kit contains laser-cut keel and frames made of 5 mm plywood. Ramin and precious woods are used for the double planking of the frame construction. Fine plywood is used for the decks and superstructures. Some parts are laser-engraved for better detail. The kit contains a vast number of wooden and metal fittings. Many brass turned parts, plus brass etched plates with fine details and a complete set of brass cast parts for the decorations, including hand wheels, steering wheel and propeller. Materials for masts, yards and rigging with rigging thread, blocks and fairleads are included. An optional sail set (not included) is available for the rigging, and flags are included. The components are divided into 8 construction stages and sorted accordingly. A pretty model stand rounds off this kit.

Who is the kit suitable for?

The model is intended for model builders with extensive experience in ship model building.

What else is needed?

Paints, adhesives and tools are required and can be found in our range.

Sail set with item no. 800658

What do the building instructions look like?

Divided into 8 construction stages, each stage has a printed colour booklet with step-by-step instructions and supplementary plans. Masts and rigging are shown and explained, using sketches, plans and photos together. A German translation of the individual construction stages and instructions is available. Information on colouring can be found in the construction stages. A parts list is included with the kit.

Languages: German, English, Italian, French, Spanish

The construction manual is not available for download.

Technical data:

Scale: 1:84
Length: 1250 mm
Height: 755 mm