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Type XXVIIB "Seehund" 1:72


Shar2

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Type XXVIIB “Seehund”

Revell 1/72

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At just 41ft in length, Seehund submarines were only slightly longer than the payload they carried. Nevertheless, these tiny, two-man terrors were much more effective against Allied shipping than their diminutive size might suggest. Their success was predicated on the fact that they were virtually impossible to detect when submerged. The type's only failing was that it was unseaworthy; storms caused most of the 35 Seehund losses during the war.

The model

Packaged in a smallish end opening box this kit is a re-pop of the ICM kit originally released in 2010. The single sprue of grey styrene is well moulded with some well defined details around the hull, some of which could do with opening up and having their depth increased to give a better representation of the flooding holes etc, but otherwise nicely done. There is no sign of flash or other imperfections making the kit a good choice for a weekend build particularly when the weather is inclement. The only glaring omission, as it was in the original boxing, is the lack of clear dome on the diminutive tower. But with the access shaft drilled out the modeller could use a 1:72 astrodome from the spares box.

spruev2.jpg

The build is pretty simple and begins with the assembly of the twin rudders and the support frame. This is then sandwiched between eh two halves of the hull, which is then fitted with a ballast tank on either side along with the rear diveplanes and their associated skegs. The tower is assembled from two rear halves, the top decking and spray deflector. The top decking is then fitted out with the access trunk, solid dome, two periscopes and snorkel.

The two bilge keels are then attached to either side of the hull, followed by the four torpedo cradles, (two per side), and release mechanism. The torpedoes themselves are constructed from two halves split longitudinally and the two propellers, (contra-rotating), are attached to the rear. The torpedo assemblies are then attached to their respective cradles along with the submarines own propeller.

Decals

The small decal sheet provides depth markings plus the identification numbers for two craft.

  • U-5022 based in Kiel, 1945, in a dark grey overall scheme
  • U-5316 based as used in the North Sea,1945, in a light/medium grey overall scheme.

decals.jpg

Conclusion

This is a very nice little kit which really could have done with the clear dome being included before manufacturing as it was a well known fault with the original ICM release. Simple to build, slightly more complex to weather, but should give a few hours of fun. It will look good next to one of Revells big 1:72 submarines, or perhaps even being carried by one.

Recommended with the above caveats.

Revell model kits are available from all good toy and model retailers. For further information visit

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Looks nice.

Not sure if it was this type or not but they had a mini sub in the Imperial War Museum years ago (not sure if its still there)

Looked pretty cramped!

Julien

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