Hi, guys. I've been wanting to build a sub but kept putting it off. Figured the best way to get started was to join the DDD2 campaign - so I did!

Now, I need to decide what to build. And I'm enough of a novice that I'd like o hear from some of you experts. I know i do not want to build the 1/72 Revell kit (not enough space). And i know i don't want to build anything teeny tiny. Also, I know i want to do something WWII. Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Ricky

Hi Ricky

Welcome aboard Warships @ Armorama
We still have some time before we start DDD2, and I can suggest some good models - not that tinny

Fujimi 1/200 I-19 IJN submarine
Fujimi 1/200 Type IX U-boats (three versions)

Althought these models are from the seventies, they are good models and relatively easy to find

ICM 1/144 Type XXIII U-boat
https://armorama.kitmaker.net/review/815

Revell 1/144 Type XXI U-boat
Revell 1/144 Type 206 U-boat (Modern)
Revell 1/144 Type 212 U-boat (Modern)
Revell 1/144 Wilhelm Bauer (Mod Type XXI)

Revell 1/125 Type VII-B U-boat
Revell 1/220 USS Lyonfish (or any of the reboxed names) Gato class boat

Trumpeter 1/144 Kilo
Trumpeter 1/144 Romeo (Type 33)
Trumpeter 1/144 Type 33 G (missile laucher mod)
Trumpeter 1/144 Seawolf

All these models are great and they will make an impressive display without being the "monster" Revell Type VII-C

You can go to DDD Campaign gallery to see what we achieved on the first submarine Campaign
http://photos.kitmaker.net/showgallery.php/cat/13882
Some of the models stated above are there, so ... just choose one

Hope this helped

Skipper

Hello Ricky,

Just a little note to add to Skipper's list, there
will be more WWII subs available later this year.

Revell Germany has plans to release a Type VII D minelayer
sometime in May 2006. Scale 1:144

Trumpeter has announced the release of a Gato/Balao class
American fleet submarine in two versions in the same scale.
Exact release date unknown.

Hope this helps.
Have a nice day and happy modelling!

Excellent! Thanks, Joe and Rui!

Q: Have either of you (or anyone else here for that matter) built the U-47 boat (the one with the open sides with interior detail)? If so, could you comment on it. It looks nice form what i've seen, but i'd like to hear about quality and fit before jumping into it.

Thanks again,
Ricky

Revell's U-47 is a funny model
Funny because you have the chance to show a u-boat interior
Funny because there are lot's and lot's of missing details - if you want an accurate VII-B U-boat showing it's guts you will have tons of work

The Type XXI looks more convincing, packed with details, instead of the ballroom like U-47 show in place of the Kontrole

Just my 2cnts

Skipper

Hello Ricky,

It is exactly like Skipper said!

If you are looking for just a fun build, go ahead, it is a nice
model. But if you are trying to represent a u-boat's interior
you will need to do arm yourself with lots of pictures from
various sources and do major scartchbuilding.

I had bought 2 of these kits and basically turned them into
waterline models riding on the surface.
Maybe one day I will attempt such a massive project but
not for now.
Their so much more to build,

Thanks again, guys. Rui, are you referring to the Type XXI that has the open side?

Ricky

Yes I am
The "closed" one has become a hard to find item

Skipper

Excellent. Thanks again - I think I've narrowed it down .

Ricky

Boy am I a Johnny- come late on this thread.

Rick, the 1/125th scale Type VII is a nice kit, built it as well as the Gato in the last DDD. The Gato has issues, it's suppose to be a Balo, but it's really a mid-war Gato. However, it's still not a bad kit if you don't tweeking it...or if you're like the Great Artist...Joe, you can make it into something special. I've the Type XXI and all in all, it's a nice kit. I've dry fit it and the parts slap together rather well on my example. Best of all, they're all inexpensive.

Welcome to Warships and greetings from all who sail on her.

Steve

Who was it that suggested that when DDD2 ends that the builders pose with their boat and dress in the proper attire for a patrol or at least grow a beard as they would have on patrol?

I still think that's a cool idea and was wondering whatever what became of the suggestion.

Heck I'm game! I'm growing a fuzzy now.