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German Type IXc/40 U-Boat 1:72 Etch sets Having updated the Revell 1:72 Type IX U-Boat, Eduard have now turned their sights onto the Type IXc/40 with the release of three sets of etched brass, to update the conning tower and the hull. The hull sets in particular will require quite a bit of surgery to be carried out on the kit to allow the etched parts to fit, but with plenty of care and patience they will make quite a difference to the finished model. 53158 – Hull Set 1: Comes in a zip lock bag with one sheet of etched brass. This set contains a selection of replacement free flooding and venting areas. Rather than just scabbing the panels onto the kit, it’s be better to remove the areas, using the etched panels as a guide, thinning down the edges then fitting the panels from the outside. The set also includes a selection of deck vents, which once again will need the areas of the kit to be removed, plus some cleats, and tie downs to improve the decks look. 53159 – Hull Set 2: Also comes in a zip lock bag with one sheet of etched brass. The sheet contains a series of inner skin panels onto which the hull flood vents are attached; each vent has to be folded to shape before fitting. The kit holes need to be carefully cut out and the vents panels fitted from the inside of the hull parts. On the outside the etched grilles are attached giving a much better representations of the real thing. The set also include replacement parts for the bow torpedo tubes and the decks between them. The longitudinal bulkhead between the tube doors is also completely replaced and detailed with etched uprights. The inner and outer doors are also replaced and there is an option for open or closed doors. The kits air outlet vents also need to be opened up and covered with etched grilles and plates. The stern tube is similarly detailed, with a new door and many additional details. I can’t quite make out where parts 15 and 16, due to the scrappiness of the instructions, and not having the kit to hand, but they look like they go under the foredeck, near to where the deck has been cut away. 53160 Conning Tower: Although the easiest to use, this single sheet set definitely has the most parts, Once again contained in a large zip lock bag, the set is used to add detail, not only to the tower, but also the AA weapons. The twin 20mm guns receive new fittings for the mounts as well as the guns themselves, with new sights, supports, traversing wheels, brackets and spent casing bags. The 37mm mount receives a new splinter shield, and allthe fittings that are attached to it, plus the shield supports. There are also new foot rests, elevation and traversing wheels fro both seating positions, new cocking levers, gun muzzles, sights, brackets and panels. The decks of the tower are provided with new drain hole panels, the anti-slip bars around each gun position are replace, the kit parts having been removed first. The shelving/seating around the inside of the tower are replaced, as is the door covering the radar array, whilst the emergency lifebuoy containers are fitted with new handles and large wing nut clamps. The radar array is also replaced with an etch assembly. The set also includes the canvas dodgers, that are fitted to the lower parts of the guardrails, plus clamps and other fittings for the snorkel support arm and the associated pipework. Conclusion Whilst the Type IXc is an excellent kit there are some things that really can’t be moulded using standard techniques and it this is where the etched brass comes in. The finesse it provides to a finished model can really make it shine. These sets can, when used correctly do just that for the Type IXc, just be careful with the cutting out of the kit parts. Highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of