The vessel...

The Type VIIC was a slightly modified version of the successful VIIB. They had basically the same engine layout and power, but were slightly larger and heavier which made them not quite as fast as the VIIB.

The VIIC was the workhorse of the German U-boat force in World War Two from 1941 onwards and boats of this type were being built throughout the war. The first VIIC boat being commissioned was the U-69 in 1940. The VIIC was an effective fighting machine and was seen in almost all areas where the U-boat force operated although their range was not as great as the one of the larger IX types.

The VIIC came into service as the "Happy Days" were almost over and it was this boat that faced the final defeat to the Allied anti-submarine campaign in late 1943 and 1944.
Perhaps the most famous VIIC boat was the U-96 which is featured in the movie Das Boot, other noticeable boats were the U-flak boats. Many of these boats were fitted with the Schnorkel in 1944-1945. This design saw one more improvement in the type VIIC/41 boat.
"From u-boat.net"

The box, and what's inside...

The kit comes in a light weight, end opening style box with an illustration of a Type VIIC in camouflage on the top. Inside the box you will find one re-sealable bag containing one sprue, one stand, and the decal sheet. Also included is the instruction sheet.

The Sprue gives you all the parts to build one 1/350 Type VII submarine. You get the two hull pieces, one piece deck, rudders, periscopes, weapons, net cutter and props. You also get three different conning tower options. The first option is the standard conning tower for the Type VIIC. The second option is for the extended wintergarten of the Type VIIC/41. The last option will allow the modeler to make the Turm II Wintergarten with the added flak protection.

When it comes to the decal sheet, you’ll need to check your references because you have many markings to choose from. Included is the red devil of the U-552 and the laughing swordfish.

The instruction sheet is a single fold sheet with a history of the u-boat on the front. Opening the sheet produces easy to follow instructions. When it comes to the different choices for the conning tower, Flagman makes it very easy to not only assemble each option, but they also list which specific u-boat can be made from each option.

Final Impressions...

This being my first experience with a Flagman Models, I must say I am quite pleased. The parts are crisply molded in dark gray plastic with nice, engraved details. The bonus of three different conning towers was a pleasant surprise. This model is great for those modelers who are new to ship modeling as well as those diehard submarine fans. The only drawback is the lack of wintergarten railings. Anyone who can scratch build shouldn’t have a problem adding them.