1/700 Monitor (MON) 'Battleship' - (x3) 3D Printed - Brown Water Navy Set 3

Description

NO RESERVE. We're offering here a beautifully detailed set of three 1/700 scale Monitor (MON) models that have just come out of the 3D printer. The 'battleship' of the Mobile Riverine Force (MRF) was the Monitor (MON), sometimes called a 'Mike boat', they provided the MRF's heavy firepower. The Program 4 Monitor was a much-modified ATC with the bow ramp removed and replaced by a rounded barge-like bow with a forecastle deck extending over most of the well deck. A small well deck was left open for a direct-fire 81mm mortar. The forward Mk 52 turret was mounted with a 40mm Bofors cannon and a co-axial .50-cal machine gun for ranging. The deckhouse armament was generally the same as the ATCs - one 20mm cannon in the aft turret and two .50-cal machine guns in the side turrets. Monitors were fitted with radar to aid target acquisition. Ten Program 4 Monitors were the first such craft deployed in Vietnam and they served with distinction there.
This is the first Monitor model ever offered in 1/700 scale. We believe that the 3D printed models offered here compare favorably with comparable Loose Cannon resin models and they don't require any assembly but w e've posted high resolution photos so you can judge for yourself. They're not perfect though as some of the details like the the gun barrels are a bit thick due to process design guidelines
for 3D printing. Still, the overall effect is pretty convincing and the addition of some PE or stretched sprue (think 'bar armor') could turn these into near museum quality pieces. While photography of these little gems is a challenge for our limited skills and equipment, check out the well proportioned model and details like that huge 40mm cannon turret at the bow, the 81mm mortar in the well deck, the sling aft for hoisting fuel containers and the three turrets housing 20mm cannon and two .50-cal machine guns atop the deckhouse.
The surfaces are not perfectly smooth (3D printing is done in layers) but the plastic used can be sanded and painted much the same way you would handle resin or styrene. The models may still have some powder and oil-like agent on them that can be removed by washing in warm water with a drop of detergent added to it.
These beautiful Program 4 Monitor models should be a welcome addition to any wargamer's or 1/700 modeler's collection, particularly those interested in Brown Water Navy operations in Vietnam. Please take a look at the other 1/700 scale aircraft and landing craft models that we have on auction as well. We're always happy to combine shipping for multiple purchases to save whenever possible. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions whatsoever.