Heller 57011 Torpedoboot T23 - Starter Set

The T23 was a German and later a French torpedo vessel from the Second World War and the post-war period. The keel for this unit was laid in 1940, the launch took place in June 1941, and the entry into service took place in 1942. The total length of the ship was 102.5 meters and a width of 10 meters. Full displacement reached about 1,750 tons, and maximum speed - up to 32-33 knots. At the time of the launch, the ship's armament included: 4 105 mm guns, two 20 mm anti-aircraft guns and 6 533 mm torpedo tubes.

The T23 was one of the 15 Elbing-class ships. These ships were designed and built as large torpedo boats, capable of accompanying the larger Kriegsmarine surface ships on the high seas. In terms of size or armament, they were only slightly inferior to medium British or French destroyers. The main difference, however, was the use of relatively small-caliber main weapons (105 mm guns) on Elbing-class ships. Despite the name, they were also de facto multi-purpose units capable of both torpedo attacks and - for example - escorting tasks. Vessels of this type - including the T23 - served primarily in the Baltic Sea, as well as in the waters surrounding West France in the period 1942-1944. The T23 ship, like its sister units, was built at the Schichau shipyard in today's Elbląg. After the war, it was taken over by the French Marine National, where it served under the name Alsacien until 1955.