I need some advice or a suggestion on a German U-boat kit. I would like to do a small one if possible. Thanks. This will be my first ship kit.

Heller makes a little one, around 6" long and about $4-5. 1/400 scale and builds into the type of boat depicted in U-571. DML/Dragon makes a few different types of smaller scale ones, I have one of those Type XXI ones that look semi-modern. Revell of Germany makes the larger U-boat with interior detailing.

Thanks Rob,
I hope to order one soon from Squadron. How would be the best way to display it when finished?

It comes with a small display stand, but you could try making a dio stand to make it appear as though it is underwater. Or perhaps a shadow box. I don't know if it comes with a waterline option, but I doubt it. If it did, you could do a dio of it in water.

I'm a little slow here, but here's a site that lists pretty much all available kits of subs...U's too.

Ooops, wrong button.

Here it is:

http://uboat.net/

and here's another one that has resin kits... :

http://www.submarinestore.com/models.htm

Thanks Ken. I'll check it out as soon as I get back from eating lunch.

Here's a site that's got a bunch of reference pics of subs and other ships.
Navsource archives
Enjoy!

YodaMan

Thank you for the link mighty Yoda. I will clear my mind of questions and check it out.

Hi Penny
A company from scotland called Accuratre Armour do U boats or parts thereof in (i believe) 1:35 scale. their website is
www.accurate-armour.com
HTH
Peter

Hi Peter,
Welcome to the site! Thanks for the help, I'll give them a look see.

Hi Penny,

At 1/400 scale the Heller U-boat is very small, around4 or 5 inches long. I'd recommend either the Revell U-boat (sold in many different boxes) at 1/125, or one of Nichimo's excellent U-Boats at 1/200. These larger kits are more detailed and (in my opinion) more accurate than Hellers. For display you can mount them on brass pedestals or I've even mounted one to a board from the starboard side to mount on a wall.....MG2

(P.S. subs are boats not ships

Greetings modelguy2,
I want to do a small U-boat first just to get the hang of it. Then I'll tackle one of those big kits. Thanks for the tips.

Try Revell of Germany...they have the Type XXI U2540 and Type VII U47 at 1/144 and 1/125 respectively, about 50cm long and with interior shown...large kit so it is easy for a beginner, if you think you are not up to it, try U99, it is just the submarine without the interior...they cost ~$15 in EBay.
I would say the big ones are easier to build because the pieces are easier to handle...like the U99, it h no more than 50 pieces, if my memory is correct...