The Italian King Victor Emmanuel III and Queen Elena attended the naming and launch of the Rex, on August 1, 1931. At the launch, the line's officials spoke optimistically of winning the Blue Riband within a year or so.

On September 27, 1932, the Rex departed on her maiden voyage from Genoa. She had a full passenger list of international celebrities including New York mayor Jimmy Walker.

In August 1933, the Rex finally captured the Blue Riband, with an average speed of 28.92 knots, over the Bremen's 28.51 knots. Her record crossing would hold until the Normandie won the Riband in May 1935.

During WWII, as Italy joined the war on the side of Germany, the safety of ships at sea could no longer be guaranteed. The Rex was laid up at Bari, on the Adriatic coast. Later, following a change of plan, she was towed to Trieste, never to sail again.

Reports hinted that the Rex would be converted to an aircraft carrier, or to be used as a troop ship. However, the Nazi forces planned to use her as a blockade at the harbor of Venice, deliberately sinking her to hinder the allies. But nothing came to pass.

On September 8, 1944, the Rex, anchored off Trieste, was sighted by Royal Air Force bombers, and was hit by 123 rockets. She burst into flames her entire length, and on the following day, capsized and sank in the shallow waters.

After the war, studies were made in hopes of salvaging the Rex, but unfortunately, she was beyond economic repair, and declared a total loss. She was scrapped on the spot beginning in 1947, and the work was completed by June 1958. The Italians would never build a faster passenger liner.

This super model Rex features:

• Scratch-built

• Plank-on-frame

• 110 V power supply

• Can be displayed with or without light by disconnecting cord from model's base

• All wooden and metal parts
   

37" L x 13 T x 6 W          $1,190   S & H is $90   

For massive 62" long model, click here: SS Rex.htm

To order a display case, please click here: http://modelshipmaster.com/products/accessory/displaycase.htm

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