1:48 1888 Peral Submarine Paper Model
Publisher: Heinkel Models
Lt. Isaac Peral (1851-1895) of the Spanish Armada (navy) drew up plans for a revolutionary "submarine torpedo boat" in 1884. by 1888, a test vessel based on Peral's concepts and constructed under his supervision was launched. The single-hulled vessel featured an underwater searchlight and active engine cooling, and was electrically powered with batteries providing energy storage. The vessel was armed with a single torpedo tube with three reloads, and was propelled by twin screws. Other advanced features included a periscope for surface observation and a recycling system for the internal atmosphere, using sodium hydroxide to scrub the air of carbon dioxide. Experiments and tactical trials were carried out with Peral's submarine until 1890, at which time the Spanish Navy chose not to pursue any further development of submarine vessels! The performance figures the Peral Submarine established for range, submerged endurance, and efficiency were not equaled until the later submarine designs of World War Two. The Peral Submarine is today displayed in the city of Cartagena, Spain.
Paper model details: 268 parts on ten pages with four wire-part templates, historical notes, and 19 construction diagrams. Integral tabs, formers, and joining strips. Display cradle included. Degree of Difficulty: 5/5
Price: $8.25 USD