Please read the in box review (published earlier) for the history and a parts break down of this interesting kit.

The kit goes together without any problems. I followed the construction sequence as recommended with the following exceptions. I left the clear glazing (windows) off until final assembly. This made painting the bridge and deck house area a lot easier and I also left the life rings off until final detail due to them being an orange color and hard to paint with them installed.

I decided to do the MAS 563 version because of the colorful paint scheme. I followed the recommended painting instructions and guide. Model Masters paint was used almost exclusively. Light Ghost was used for the majority of the hull and fittings and Gunship grey for the deck. I painted the aerial recognition stripes on the bow before adding any deck detail.

The model was a dream to build. I used NO putty of filler. All the parts went together very nice and all seams were sanded smooth with very little effort, especially on the torpedoes which are always a problem.

The unique steering gear on this vessel is a nice detail and goes together very easily. The silver rope provided is not overly large and scales to about 2" which would appear to be an adequate size for the job.

The rope provided for the antennas seams a little too large and out of scale, but I used it.

One of the only details and extra parts I used was some scale chain to go the shank of the anchor. Any good sailor would have chain on his anchor instead of just line. Anchors are expensive and come in handy once in a while so the chain is required for chaffing.

A feature I found to be real nice were the clear parts which have the windows and portholes cut out and the frames pre-painted. They worked as well as they look and fit perfectly. Some needed to be bent a little to fit the curves in the pilot house.

Thank you IPMS/USA for the review kit and thank you, Bob Lewen of MRC/ Italerifor providing the kit for us to review. HIGHLY Recommended.