1/720 05000 Revell German Graf Zeppelin Aircraft Carrier
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: VG+
From 1996. The only injection molded plastic kit of the 'Flugzeugtrager A' or 'Aircraft Carrier A". Very nicely molded and highly detailed model from newer Revell of Germany molds. The kit has never been started. The parts are still in the internal factory sealed bags and includes decals and instructions. This German WWII aircraft carrier has a fascinating history. She was laid down in 1936, and launched in 1938. Raeder pressed for proper fitting out and completion, but ran into continuous and powerful resistance from Goring, who did not like the idea of the Navy having a mobile air-arm. Goring's interference proved conclusive and the ship, which was 95% complete, never entered service. The air wing was to be navalized Bf-109 Fighters and Ju-87 Dive Bombers. Work stopped completely in 1943 as Hitler became frustrated with the Navy. On April 25, 1945, the Germans scuttled the nearly complete carrier at Stettin just before the Russians arrived. What happened next has been unclear for years. It was generally assumed that the ship struck a mine and sank after the Soviets raised her. With the opening of Russian records, this story can be completed. In 1946 the Soviets raised the ship and towed it to Leningrad. There, they hoped to rebuild it and use it for her intended purpose. This proved to be impossible at the time, so in 1947 it was towed to sea and used as an target. In 2006, the wreck was actually located.
This item has been sold.
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