Introduction

My knowledge of this particular submarine type is very limited; however I do know it is a late war model due to the snorkel on the submarine to enable the diesel engines to run while submerged, this was a late war development to try and counter the superiority of the Allied forces both in the air and at sea. This offering from Revell of Germany in 1/72nd scale will make for an imposing model due to its sheer size.

Contents

This model is provided in the conventional cardboard tray and lid, something I much prefer to the end opening cartons usually used by Revell of Germany. I prefer the tray and lid as it allows the modeller to keep the model assembly together with the parts and helps avoid loss of parts and damage.
8 light grey sprues
5 hull pieces
A reel of rigging twine
A decal sheet
A painting guide
An instruction booklet
An advisory sheet

Review

Revell of Germany has had a shake up and are releasing box artworks that look a little toy like image wise; this does not detract from the model in anyway, but may discourage the casual viewer if seen in a store. I suspect that it has been done to try and capture the ‘action pose’ on the box artwork, but I feel they have failed if that is the intention. Opening the box I was pleased with the packaging as the 4 main pieces of the hull are separated from the sprues by a cardboard shelf and this also has the effect of making the packaging stiffer and better able to protect its contents. Looking over the parts I am for the most part very pleased with the mouldings, other than some minor flash there is nothing to worry about that I can see.

The moulded detail on the various parts looks very good and should add visual interest to this model that measures in at over a metre long. I like that Revell of Germany has supplied two internal frames to make the hull more rigid and easier to construct correctly, I also like that at the very start of the instructions Revell of Germany has pointed out areas that need to be drilled and specified the size of the drill bit required for each of the individual holes that will need to be made.

One area of concern I do have as regards this model are the railings that are going to be way over scale for 1/72nd scale and I urge anyone considering splashing out on this kit to factor in photo etched offerings which will be a great improvement. The deck weapons on the model will need the barrels to be drilled to improve their appearance, but you could of course search out turned metal offerings that I suspect are out there soon if they are not already.

As far as I can see the rest of the model will meet the expectations of most modellers in all other regards. There is a stand supplied for the finished kit to sit on and Revell of Germany even supply a set of 1/72nd scale World War 2 German submariners; these will be reviewed separately. Below is a breakdown of the areas that Revell of Germany has identified and may be of interest to you.
- Moveable snorkel
- Fast diving hull
- Later version of the conning tower (larger glass bridge)
- Highly detailed hull rivet and welded plate detail
- Imitation flood vents and ports
- Faithfully reproduced deck detail
- Front and rear torpedo doors can be assembled in the open or closed positions
- Moveable ruder unit on the stern
- Fully detailed propellers
- Moveable diving planes
- Extendable periscope and antennae
- Fully detailed conning tower decks
- Fully detailed upper conning tower side-walls with antennas, compass and hatch
- Submarine net antennae and isolators
- Thread for the antennae
- Detailed 2cm and 3.7cm twin AA guns
- Display stands

The instructions for the kit are now colour offerings, something that I believe is a new direction for Revell of Germany. These colour instructions are I feel an improvement on the part of Revell of Germany as they seem far easier to follow; I don’t know if that is because I am getting older and the eyes are not what they once were, or they are just clearer. There are decals for two boats included which are;
German Submarine Type IX C/40, U190, 33. U-Flott, CO OL Reith, North Atlantic Sea, 1945
German Submarine Type IX C/40, U190, RCN, Naval Base Avalon, St. Johns, Canada, 1945

Conclusion

This is a great model for the price that Revell of Germany suggests. The addition of photo etched railings will be a great improvement I feel and will really add that level of finesse many modellers look for today. There is some flash present, but nothing that should beat even the newest of modellers. This will make for a great talking point.

The pictures of the completed model are supplied by Revell of Germany

Revell model kits are available from all good toy and model retailers. For details visit www.revell.de/en, @RevellGermany or facebook.com/Revell