Home Other Models SMS Elster, 1888 Model by Markus Brenner Renders of Model   Elster was a 1st Class Torpedo Boat built in Germany's Schichau yards for Austria Hungary. She was a unit in the 4th batch of construction, a batch that included sister ships Kukuk, Star, Krahe, and Rabe. Displacement: 78 tons Length: 39.8 meters Beam: 4.8 meters Draft: 1.9m Power: 1000 HP (??) Speed: 21.23 knots Torpedoes: 1 35cm bow tube 1 35cm M1889 centerline aft Guns: 2 37mm L23 SFK quick firers Crew: 2 + 14 in peace 2 + 16 in war Sisters: Sperber, Habicht, Bussard, Condor, Geier, Uhu, Wurger, Kranich, Reiher, Ibis, Gaukler, Harpie, Flamingo, Secretar, Weihe, Marabu, Kukuk, Star, Krahe, Rabe, Kibitz Launched September 19, 1888, reached Pola February 7, 1889. Blockaded Crete 1897, collided with Rabe in 1901, collided with rock and sank in 2 meters of water in 1902. Torpedo school 1907, and fitted with a Yarrow boiler 1909 which gave her 2 funnels and 2 masts. Renamed "24" in 1910. Converted to oil firing in 1911. Rammed by steamer 1914 and converted to a minesweeper in 1918. Transferred to Italy in 1920 and stricken in 1925. Elster's near sister Gaukler (who was part of the very similar third batch of construction).