Escorteurs Rapides E 50 1: 400 Heller 81093

Plastic model kit: Escorteurs Rapides E 50 1:400 Heller 81093

We present the model kit of the French fast escort ship type E 50 in 1:400 scale. This detailed model kit allows you to recreate one of the four ships that were part of the French Navy in the post-war years. The model consists of over 360 parts, making it an ideal choice for experienced modelers who value precision and attention to detail.

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:400
• Number of parts: 360+
• Catalog number: 81093

History and background: In the late 1940s, the French Navy considered equipping itself with frigates that would be derivatives of the American Cannon-class destroyer escorts. Fourteen such units joined the French fleet. The preliminary design called for a flush-deck hull similar to the American US-DE, but with elements inspired by the British "River" class. Ultimately, in 1949, four units were ordered, which became known as the fast escort ships type E 50: F 761 Le Corse, F 762 Le Brestois, F 763 Le Boulonnais, and F 764 Le Bordelais.

Historical characteristics:

• Overall length: 99.80 m
• Maximum width: 10.30 m
• Draught: 4.10 m (at full load)
• Power: 20,000 HP
• Maximum speed: 27 knots
• Crew: 13 officers, 185 non-commissioned officers and sailors

These four units were financed by the USA under the MDAP program, and it quickly became clear that their configuration was not fully satisfactory. In difficult sea conditions, the use of the forward torpedo launchers was problematic, leading to their rapid withdrawal from active service and transfer to reserve by the late 1960s. The unit F 762 Le Brestois was used to test the new 100 mm Mle 53 gun turret and the DRBC 32A radar.

Recommended paints for model painting:

• Gris mer mat (Matte sea gray)
• Cuivre jaune metallique (Metallic yellow copper)
• Noir mat (Matte black)
• Bleu mat (Matte blue)
• Jaune citron mat (Matte lemon yellow)
• Gris clair mat (Matte light gray)
• Lie de vin mat (Matte burgundy)
• Vert beige mat (Matte beige green)
• Orange brillant (Glossy orange)

Assembly and painting kit. Does not include paints or glue. Assembly requires separately sold modeling tools (including cutters, files, tweezers), paints, brushes, and plastic model glue (e.g., Tamiya Extra Thin Cement). The photo shows a professionally assembled and painted model.