The Battleship Richelieu Book Review
By David L. Veres
| Date of Review | June 2013 | Title | The Battleship Richelieu |
|---|---|---|---|
| Author | Andrzej Sobucki | Publisher | Kagero |
| Published | 2013 | ISBN | 9788362878420 |
| Format | 80 pages, softbound | MSRP (USD) | $22.95 |
Review
During the 1920s, international treaties restricted the tonnage of major naval powers. But when Germany and Italy began warship construction programs, democracies like France launched fleet expansion efforts in the 1930s – foreshadowing future fighting.
That's the setting of The Battleship Richelieu – 17th installment in Kagero's illuminating "super drawings in 3D" warship monographs.
Scaled-up versions of Dunkerque-class battlecruisers – and France's first modern battleships since the 1922 Washington Treaty – the fast, formidable Richelieu and sister Jean Bart expressly aimed at countering Italian Littorio-class opponents. Flagship of the French navy until 1950, Richelieu was finally scrapped in 1968.
Kagero kick-starts coverage with notes on Richelieu's historical background, design and construction. Text next turns to a technical summary and operational history – including major modernization and subsequent combat. And the overview ends with a one-source "bibliography" with single "endnote".
At least 140 highly informative 3-D drawings follow. With occasional addenda on Richelieu's original configuration, most detail the warship's 1943 US refit. A separate sheet of 1:400-scale "1943-1945" Richelieu plans – perfect for HELLER's classic kit – complete contents.
Tackling TRUMPETER's model? Make this superb handbook your detail reference!
Recommended!
My sincere thanks to Casemate for this review sample!