Motozattera MZ 759 1/200

[emanuele]

Foreseeing the invasion of Malta (Operation C3), the Regia Marina found itself without landing ships, so it ordered to the Italian shipyards the light ML class (15 tons displacement, only 9 built) and the more heavy Bette MZ, based on the German "Marinefährprahm (MFP-A)". The Regia Marina ordered 100 of them in two series, the first of 60 and the second one of 40 using the German numeration (from 701 to 799). The first series differs from the German one for the engines (three OM diesel of 150hp) and armament (one 76/40 gun plus a Scotti 20/70mm). The second series had two Scotti 20/70mm and an upper bow.
As you know, Operation C3 was never launched, and the Motozattere were used as transport ships, mine-laying and other duties. On September 1942, the English launched a Commando raid against Tobruk (Operation Agreement). The Mz 759 spotted the English force and moved, together with the Mz 756, against the English Pt-boats. Practically immune to torpedoes and with their heavy armament, the two MZs put in disarray the landing force, destroying three Pt-boats and disbanding the landing ships. Originally, I thought to built the Mz 756, which even shot down the Beaufighter that sank it, but in an Italian forum I meet the nephew of the Mz 759 Captain... so I had to built the second one.

These are the 3d models

[herky]

interesting looking craft

[emanuele]

This is the structure complete together with the hull.

[emanuele]

More pictures of the hull nearly completed with the bulk opened. I hope to put inside it at least one M13 medium tank.

[Joe711]

It looks good!
I did not know the type.
I look forward to more pictures !

[emanuele]

Thanks Joe!

The hull is now finished. I hoped to use the 76/40 I made for the RN Papa, but it had a different mount, so I have to design it from the beginning.

[emanuele]

These are the 75/40 gun and the 20mm Scotti finished

[strk]

Nice looking build. I did something similar:

WW2 German artillery barge type D3, scale 1/200

[emanuele]

Oh yes, originally I was thinking to modify that model, but the differences with the italian barge were so many that was easiest to project it from the beginning. I hope to reach your standard. Some update:

[strk]

Thank you, but now I see my errors in hull design. The transition between bulkhead and bottom should be done your way (rounded), not mine (90deg)... I have simplified it too much.

Theres some Italian forum with a number of great pictures - I cant remember the www address, but I'm sure you know.