This is a stunning kit for a rarely-modelled ship. Laid down in 1935, Richelieu was completed just days before the Germans won the Battle of France in June 1940, and was sailed to French West Africa to keep her under French control. But she was then attacked by the British to force her to to be handed over to the Free French Naval Forces. The ship was modernised in the USA and served with the British Home Fleet in early 1944 before joining the Eastern Fleet against the Japanese. She was finally scrapped in Italy from 1968 to 1969.

This kit is a significant build: 5 sheets of stainless steel and brass build a model 31.5cm long. Packed with detail, right down to the unique four-gun 15-inch turrets of the main armament, this model of Richelieu is a stunning addition to the piececool fleet.