Trumpeter 1/350 HMS Naiad British Light Cruiser (New Tool) Kit

The HMS Naiad was a Dido-class light cruiser of the Royal Navy, serving with distinction during World War II. Launched on 3rd February 1939 and commissioned on 24th July 1940, Naiad was a prime example of British naval engineering designed to fill the gap between larger cruisers and smaller, more agile destroyer flotillas. With a displacement of around 5,600 tons, a length of 512 feet, and a beam of 50.5 feet, she was both compact and formidable.

Naiad was powered by four Parsons steam turbines, driving four screws with a total power output of 62,000 horsepower. This propulsion system enabled her to achieve a top speed of 32.25 knots, allowing rapid response to enemy threats and convoy escort duties. Her cruising range was approximately 1,500 nautical miles at her maximum speed, but this could be extended significantly at lower speeds, making her a versatile asset for operations across the vast distances of the Atlantic and Mediterranean theaters.

The cruiser's main armament consisted of ten 5.25-inch dual-purpose guns arranged in five twin turrets, designed to engage both surface and aerial threats. This was complemented by a secondary armament of eight 2-pounder "pom-pom" anti-aircraft guns and six 21-inch torpedo tubes for anti-ship warfare. The Naiad also featured extensive armor plating, with a belt up to 3 inches thick and a deck armor of 1 inch, offering protection against enemy shellfire and aerial bombardment.

Throughout her service, HMS Naiad was actively involved in the Mediterranean theater, participating in the battle to supply Malta and engaging in operations against Italian and German naval forces. She provided critical anti-aircraft defense for convoys and played a significant role in the Battle of Cape Matapan in March 1941, where British forces delivered a decisive blow to the Italian fleet.

Tragically, HMS Naiad's service came to an abrupt end on 11th March 1942, when she was torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine U-565 north of Sidi Barrani, Egypt. The attack resulted in the loss of her captain and 76 other crew members, highlighting the perilous nature of naval warfare and the ultimate sacrifice made by those who served.

The legacy of HMS Naiad and her crew remains a poignant reminder of the bravery and determination of the Royal Navy during one of the most challenging periods of the 20th century.

FEATURES:

• 12 sprues, hull, and decks
• The kit contains over 600 parts
• The hull made from two-directional slide molds
• Deck wood pattern finely rendered
• Contains display stand
• Photo etched parts included