RMS Alcantara 1948 Model 1:1250 AL 245a

Price: NZ$79.29

Code: BH1133

RMS Alcantara 1948 Model 1:1250 AL 245a

Please note that the accessories shown with the ship described are not included in the cost, they are there to add interest and show some possibilities should you wish to set the ship into a diorama scene yourself or request us to do it for you.

This is a beautifully detailed model made by the highly regarded maker Albatros has been long out of production. RMS Alcantara 1948 as she appeared after WW2 and her repowering. She was built in 1926 used for some years and then repowered with steam boilers to increase her cruising speed. In 1939 the Admiralty requisitioned Alcantara and Asturias and had each ship converted into an armed merchant cruiser. The mainmast and forward dummy funnel of each ship were removed to increase the arc of fire for their anti-aircraft guns. On 28 July 1940 Alcantara encountered the German German auxiliary cruiser Thor in the South Atlantic. With her steam turbines Alcantara made 21+1⁄2 knots (39.8 km/h) for four hours to chase Thor and two shells from Alcantara’s six-inch main guns hit the German ship. But three shells from Thor hit Alcantara and one flooded her engine room. This forced Alcantara to reduce speed, enabling Thor to escape. In 1943 Alcantara was converted into a troop ship. Alcantara remained a troop ship well after the end of the war, and did not return to civilian service until October 1948. Alcantara resumed their route between Southampton and South America, together with Andes. In April 1958 she was withdrawn from service and sold to Japanese shipbreakers who renamed her Kaisho Maru, took her to Japan and broke her up in the same year.

Model is in good used condition small amount of paint missing on the port side, see the images, we have cleaned it as this collection was poorly stored by the previous owner. Approx. 165mm long or 6 1/2”

Should you require it we offer a complete renovation service, we can completely strip these models, restore masts etc and repaint to you specifications. We can also set into a diorama scene using other port accessories we have on offer please contact us if you require this service https://www.boathousecollectables.co.nz/contact/ .

If you choose to buy playworn models from us, we can restore them for you and set them in an attractive display format, whether it may be a bookcase, coffee table or a piece of your choosing. Then you can build and rebuild your personal port display as many times as you would like while keeping your collection safe and on display in your home!