Does anyone know what the academy IXB uboat is like,i have been after the IXB type sub for ages and this kit seems the only option?

i know it has a motor so you can set it in water but its just to be a display model.
kind reguards

karl

Dont worry i have just read a review on u boat .net and it sounds like a crap kit with only one prop scew for the silly motor.
o well ill keep lookin.

Ahoy Karl,

I have built one.....and am working on a second.



Here is my opinion on the kit.

The Academy Type IX u-boat in 1:150 scale, was designed as a semi realistic
model kit. It is a pool submarine intended to dive and submerge using an
electric motor and a metal rod actuating an over sized aft dive plane. You
preset the rudder so the sub basically turns in circles while it outmaneuvers.

That said, here is the positive side to the story.

After carefully studying the hull, I decided to convert it to a static model. This was
my first tempt at any serious conversion and since it was the only kit of a type IX
available in a larger scale, I went ahead. The results were very good considering what I started with
and this U-boat has traveled to many shows and has picked up a number of awards.

I am working on a second edition with much more refined details.

Now here is what needs to be done to the kit before anything else:

You scrap the single vinyl prop and remove the rudder and both dive planes.

Fill all holes pertaining to the dive mechanism with sheet styrene and glue the
hull together.

The conning tower needs to have a gap filled to look correct.

You need to:
Add 2 drive shafts, 2 rudders and props.
Add fore and aft dive planes.

The above borrowed from another kit and modified.

Now you have a very good representation of a Type IX hull.

The deck itself is particularly well detailed straight from the box.

At this point many details were scratchbuilt and added. The only
thing I did not rebuilt was the side rails but I will on my next project.

The kit does not have deeply recessed flood vents on the underside of the
hull.....just some dimples that can be painted black.

Overall, this kit will build into a fine representation of a Type IX, if you are willing
to give it some extra time and do it some justice.

Afterall, aside from the rare Nichimo kits and the MHM copies in 1:200 scale,
it is the only Type IX on the market in a larger 1:150 scale and will look good next
to the other kits now available in 1:144 scale.

Give it a try and have some fun,

More photos of the build in my gallery....have a look.

Hope this helps,
Cheers,
Joe

Or, you can go with the Nichimo kit whis is pretty good too.

Great looking model you have there joe.

I have given it some thought and desided am going to buy the 1/72 revell uboat VIIC Atlantic version,as i had so much fun with the other 1/72 kit i thought id give this a try.this time am planing on a nice camo pattern and adding a few figures.

Thanks for the good write up,much apriciated.

reguards

karl

Ahoy Karl,

Yes, indeed....a very good choice, as the kit, if build straight from the box is
a real beauty.....very detailed just as the earlier Type VII-C. And also there is
aftermaket PE to add for that extra touch.

In the meantime, let us pray to "STYRENE GODS" that they
send us a Type IX in 1:72 scale and/or in 1:144.....

Cheers,
Joe