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U Boat Type VIIC Das Boot Collectors Edition 1:144 Revell (05675)


Julien

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U Boat Type VIIC Das Boot Collectors Edition

1:144 Revell (05675)

 

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The Type VII submarine was based on earlier German designs. This type would go onto become the most used  German submarines of WWII with over 700 being built. As with anything there would be many modifications along the way. The type started as the V11A with an initial 10 being built.  The type VIIC would become the main boat of the German Navy with 568 being built between 1940 and 1945. With a range of 8500 nautical miles. The boats had 4 forward, and one stern tube in general (there were a few exceptions) with 14 torpedoes being carried.  For surface running and battery charging a pair of supercharged 6 cylinder 4 stroke diesel engines were used which gave a top speed of 17.7 knots. A maximum submerged speed of 7.6 knots was possible with a new fully charged battery. The submarines generally carried a crew of 44 to 52 men in what can best be described as "cramped" conditions. 

 

Most people will be familiar with the Type VIIC from the original "Das Boot" film where U-96 was this type. The film by Wolfgang Petersen was nominated for two Academy awards and was based on the book by Lothar-Günther Buchheim who was a war correspondent in Germany, and the book was based on his experiences on a patrol aboard U-96. The film constructed a full size replica of the submarines from US held plans. The original was released to critical acclaim in 1981 in Germany where it took over $5 million in its first two weeks. As the film was partially financed by German TV, and far more footage was shot than needed a mini-series was created which was shown in some countries as three 100 minute episodes, and in some as six 50 minute episodes. These were originally in German with subtitles though a dubbed English version was created. Having watched both the dubbed version fell short of the original German IMHO. Later box sets were released with more footage and then in  2010 Petersen produced a directors cut of the original film. The film is perhaps the best out there which looks at the true conditions faced in the War in the Atlantic from the German side, and the film has been mentioned in the list of the greatest war films of all time. In 2010 Empire film magazine listed the film at number 25 in  "The 100 Best Films Of World Cinema". 

 

 

The Kit

This boxing is a re-release of Revell's new tooling from 2006 re-released to mark the 40th Anniversary of the film. As well as the kit there is a copy of the original movie poster in the box, the Revell Glue, paint and brush combo rounds tings off.  Even in 1/144 this model is still 46 cms long so its not small, there are a respectable  87 parts including the stand. Detail is a mixture of raised and engraved details, the raised areas on the hull will not be lost due to how its been laid out.  Construction starts with the included base, and swiftly moves onto the main hull. This is two parts and is stiffened inside by tow internal bulkheads.  When the hull is together the three main deck sections can go on. 

 

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Work then moves to the stern with the fairings for the propeller shafts going on to the hull, followed by the shafts and then their supports. The propeller them selves can then be fitted with the stern planes fitted behind them. The last items to go on are the twin rudders. Switching ends to the bow the bow planes are then added along with the boats anchor. 

 

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Things then move to the upper works and the conning tower. The search and attack periscopes are built and installed to the conning tower deck, the lower conning tower parts can then be built up around the deck  This is followed by the upperparts which form the bridge. The compass and main communications tube are fitted in along with a DF antenna. The upper bridge then fits to the main assembly. Next up the 37mm Flak gun for the rear decking on the conning tower is built up and added on along with the railings which surround it. The ships flag staff is added at the rear of this area. The main deck gun is also built up. This can be added to main deck followed by conning tower. To finish off two deck fairings are added alongside the deck gun followed by deck railings, deck fittings and the cable deflector on the bow. 

 

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Markings

There are decals fU96 as seen in the film with the Swordfish emblem on the conning tower along with marking for the stand. 

 

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Conclusion

It's good to see this kit re-issued as it makes up into an impressive model even in 1/144, the addition here with markings from the film is a nice touch.  Very highly recommended.

 

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

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Great review Julien, sadly Revell havent corrected the position of the forward dive plans which foul the anchor, a mistake carried across all their Type VII offerings.

 

All the best Chris

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  • 2 months later...

What size is that "movie poster"? Would be the only reason for me to buy this edition, I have rebuilt the 1/72 version already... one can never have too many boats.

"n dutzend Boote haben wir von hier bis zu den Azoren... n lumpiges Dutzend! Und wir... wir karren uns hier fast über den Haufen!" :D 

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1 hour ago, Johnny Tip said:

What size is that "movie poster"? Would be the only reason for me to buy this edition, I have rebuilt the 1/72 version already... one can never have too many boats.

"n dutzend Boote haben wir von hier bis zu den Azoren... n lumpiges Dutzend! Und wir... wir karren uns hier fast über den Haufen!" :D 

Good luck finding one for sale, review May I think they've all sold now

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16 minutes ago, colin said:

Good luck finding one for sale, review May I think they've all sold now

Sadly, true.  Anyone know how often they re-release?  Christmas perhaps?  :undecided:

 

Mike

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6 hours ago, bootneck said:

Sadly, true.  Anyone know how often they re-release?  Christmas perhaps?  :undecided:

 

Mike

 

If your quick you may get lucky here, it says three available, but I think that's should say two 😏

https://bowfellmodels.com/collections/plastic-model-kits/products/revell-das-boot-movie-40th-anniversary-gift-set-1-144-scale-model-kit-05675

Edit no, they've just updated their stock level

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