Mikromir 72028 - 1:72 Italian Grillo Class Torpedo Boat

Plastic model kit of the Italian Grillo-class torpedo boat in 1:72 scale

Mikromir 72028 is a self-assembly kit reproducing the Italian Grillo-class torpedo boat — an unusual Regia Marina craft of the First World War. The boat's distinctive feature was a pair of tracks allowing it to climb over the net barriers strung across harbours.

The model is produced using short-run injection technology, with a full hull.

What's in the box:

• Plastic sprues with the full hull and fittings
• Assembly instructions with a painting option

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:72
• Catalogue number: 72028
• Manufacturer: Mikromir
• Assembled length: approx. 22 cm
• Difficulty level: intermediate

Note: This kit does not include glue, paint or modelling tools. The model is intended for self-assembly.

Building the model:

This short-run injection kit is aimed at modellers with some experience — the parts require careful clean-up of sprue-gate marks and test-fitting. The small deck fittings are best fitted last.

Italian craft of this period were usually painted in a uniform naval grey. Details are best emphasised with a wash, and the full hull can be displayed on a dedicated base.

Required tools:

• Modelling nippers for removing parts from the sprues
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sanding paper for cleaning up sprue-gate marks
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Brushes in various sizes
• Modelling paints (acrylic or enamel)
• Modelling wash to emphasise details and recesses

About the ship – Grillo-class torpedo boat:

The Grillo-class torpedo boat was a small wooden craft of the Italian Regia Marina in the First World War. Powered by a quiet electric motor, it was armed with two torpedoes released from side drop gear.

The boat's most distinctive feature was a pair of tracks running along the hull, allowing the craft to literally climb over the net barriers protecting Austro-Hungarian harbours. In 1918 Grillo attempted an attack on the port of Pola.

Original specifications (Grillo class):

• Length: approx. 16 m
• Displacement: approx. 8 tonnes
• Propulsion: electric motor
• Armament: two torpedoes
• Special feature: tracks to cross net barriers
• Period: First World War (1918)

About the manufacturer – Mikromir:

Mikromir is a manufacturer of plastic model kits known for unusual naval, aviation and armour subjects often overlooked by the larger makers. The company reaches for pioneering designs, prototypes and rare vessels from various eras, offering them in short-run injection technology, usually supplemented with photo-etched parts. Mikromir kits are appreciated by modellers looking for original, historically interesting subjects. Because of the nature of the tooling, some of the models are aimed at more experienced modellers.