Type VIIC modifications

[plank10]

I know that the type VIIC went through a multitude of modifications throughout its production, but were there any changes made to the bow or stern planes that would have been externally visible?

[Sledgehammer427]

right off the top of my head, I don't think of all the modifications made to VII's, they didn't mess with the dive planes. even if the Germans were scoring 30-second crash dive times, they probably could have sped it up more by increasing the soze of both the bow and stern planes, but, as I was saying, I don't think they modified the planes.

[Osmium Steele]

I know that the type VIIC went through a multitude of modifications throughout its production, but were there any changes made to the bow or stern planes that would have been externally visible?

http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc118/dougie47/bow_comparison.jpg

The Atlantiksteven, or Atlantic bow was a major change to the shape of the bow. I believe, though certainly correctable on this, that all VIIc/41's were built with the atlantic bow, but note that U427 and U826 were both VIICs, not VIIC/41s.

Begin your search here. (http://models.rokket.biz/index.php?topic=69.0) If anybody knows, it'll be Dougie.

As far as the planes are concerned, I've never read anthing about changes to the planes. I'll see ifI can dig through some drydock photos.

[Osmium Steele]

Ok, after reviewing David Westwood's Type VII U-Boats, I've noted a few interesting bits.

Page 48 - The original Type VIIs had a single rudder. No good drawings of the stern area from above, so no idea of the stern arrangement.

Page 58 - The VIIF may have had slightly larger rudders than the VIIB - VIID boats. The drawing shows a slightly larger area and shape when compared to other drawings.

Page 73 - Two drawings showing stern arrangements.

Drawing D1/6 is labelled "General View of Propellers and Rudders Common to all Type VII Boats (no scale)

Drawing D1/5 is labelled "Stern General Arrangements, Type VIIC/41 (similar to the early design, but with more effective arrangement of the hydroplanes, rudders and the propeller housings)

Unfortunately, D1/5 is a simple elevation drawing, while D1/6 is shown from 45deg above/right, as such, the differing angles make comparison of the features rather difficult.

The planes/rudders do not appear any different from typical VII boats. The housings/hull fittings, packing glands appear changed.

Imo, the differences shown should be taken with a heavy dose of skepticism as the artist/author made the same mistake many modellers made in using U-995 as a model for the VIIC/41. Understandable, but regrettable.

I've yet to see any corroborating evidence that these modifications were made prior to the end of the war.


That's all I have found so far.

[plank10]

Thanks for the info, Steele.

Was the arrangement of the hydroplanes, rudders and the propeller the same across all VIIC boats? I'm referring to the original VIIC, not the /41, /42 or /43.

[Osmium Steele]

To the extent I have researched the subject, yes. The only difference being the use of steel props instead of bronze later in the war. Same shape props, just different material.