Russian Brig Mercury (1:100)

The 20-gun brig Mercury was laid down in Sevastopol in 1819.
She was designed as a special ship to protect the Caucasian coast as a patrol vessel.
The Mercury could both sail and row.
In May 1829, during the Russo-Turkish War, three Russian ships - the frigate Standard, the brig Orfey and the Mercury - were cruising the Bosporus and noticed a Turkish squadron of 14 ships.
The enemy squadron began to pursue the Russian ships.
The Standard and the Orfey, however, were quickly able to break away from the pursuit.
The Mercury, under the command of Lieutenant Commander A.I. Zdarsky, took up the fight against the best ships of the Turkish squadron, the 110-gun Selimiye and the 74-gun Real Bey.
Using oars and skillful maneuvers, Mercury skillfully dodged volleys and fired at the enemy ships' masts and sails.
The unequal battle lasted about four hours. Selimiye and Real Bay suffered significant damage and were unable to pursue the Russian ship.
Mercury received 22 hits in the hull and more than 300 in the sails, rigging and masts, but was able to rejoin its squadron. Mercury's crew was decorated and the brig received a commemorative flag and a pennant of St. George.

Plastic model kit
 

• 711 parts
• Vacuum-formed sail and rigging
• Length built 56 cm

Scale 1:100

unbuilt / unpainted

Paint and glue not included