1/600 CSS Raleigh

CSS Raleigh was a "Richmond" type ironclad, though, like all of the Richmond types, she had her own unique design elements. Raleigh was probably the strongest of the North Carolina Ironclads, and certainly the most well built. She had a relatively short service life, however. Within a week of her shake down cruise, her over-eager commanding officer took her out to engage the US Blockade Fleet off Wilmington. This he did, but due to the prevailing weather conditions and problems with Raleigh's engines he was unable to close to an effective range. He dutifully turned tale and headed back up the river mouth at top speed where his inexperienced pilot, navigating in pitch darkness, struck a sandbar. The ship hit the sandbar with such force that her back was broken, and she was soon declared a total loss. In service, Raleigh seems to have been painted dark blue. As with all my sculpts here, I strongly recommend that you consider the Black, Strong, and Flexible option. This is a smoother, slightly stronger material which is less prone to texture issues.