Scale model of Confederate ship, 24" in length. History of ship itself: In July of 1861, the confederate Navy began converting the partly burned hull of the captured Union wooden steam frigate, MERRIMAC, to an ironclad. Re-christened VIRGINIA, she set forth in March, 1862 to do battle against the blockading U.S. Navy fleet, eventually meeting her match, the MONITOR. This kit is intended for the less experienced modeler. It contains a pre-carved basswood hull, finely cast Britannia fittings, and all the other parts needed to complete this historic vessel. The CSS Virginia was the first steam-powered ironclad warship of the Confederate States Navy, built during the first year of the American Civil War; she was constructed as a case mate ironclad using the raised and cut down hull of the scuttled USS Merrimack. Virginia was one of the participants in the Battle of Hampton Roads, opposing the Unions USS Monitor in March, 1862. The battle is chiefly significant in naval history as the first battle between ironclads. Minor condition issues to bow, consistent with age and use.