U-boat Model Advice

[Graf Paper]

I used to build ship models as one of my many hobbies when I was a kid. My pride and joy was the battleship USS Missouri.

Lately, I've been wanting to attempt building a u-boat but I have no idea about what's generally available these days.

I was looking for a Type VII series u-boat that would measure around 12-24 inches. I just don't have the space to accomodate that 1/72 scale monster made by Revell.

I'm hoping to keep the budget under $25.00 US but still try to get the best quality possible as I realize the cheaper models tend to be rather sparse on detail and accuracy.

Could any experienced modelers out there offer some advice, please?

[Siara]

1-144 scale VIIc by Revell. Retails for about 25 $.
Nice detail, lots of extras available ie photoetch parts, wooden deck, flags...

[Graf Paper]

Thanks very much for the tip, Siara.

Any recommendations for retailers where this can be found? I only know of Amazon and eBay for online shopping.

Also, can you elaborate more on these "extras" you mentioned? Are they part of the kit or is this a seperate kit?

[Siara]

You can try any online retailer of plastic kits.
Just google it- im sure Youll find it.
To reduce the cost of shiping try the shops closer home.
The extras You need to order seperately- depends what You like from Your model.
The new VII C from Revell is excellent kit, and will bring joy to the modeller straight from box. To enhance it further get the deck from White Ensign Models, and photoetch set from Eduard.
White Ensign Models do sell original set of paints based on the chips of paints from actual boats of kriegsmarine.

Ask Bill Nichols- i believe hes started his VII C.

Good Luck.
Get the links of the shops in mention from my sig.

[Sailor Steve]

If you're really strapped for space, or want to build a whole fleet in the same scale, try 1/700.
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXWX75

[Graf Paper]

Thank you again for continuing to offer guidance, Siara. I'll take a look around and see what I come up with. I was thinking of doing this as a summer project so I'd have an excuse to sit outside at the lounge table in the backyard and enjoy the sunny days ahead instead of being holed up in my cave with my computer.

Sailor Steve, I think that retailer forgot to mention the microscope and tweezers needed to assemble and detail a 4.5-inch u-boat! lol

I like the fact that it would make for more subs displayed in a small space, but I doubt I have the eyesight or steady hands needed for delicate work like that.

Anything you have to detail with a single bristle from a modeler's brush is too much for me!

I do have to question one statement made about thie kit.

Can be finished as either a Class VIIC or Class IXC submarine.

I suppose it has extra hull pieces to extend the length to match a IXC but I would have my doubts the IXC hull was merely a longer VIIC with the VIIC conning tower.

Including a merchant broken in half as a set piece is a nice touch, though.

[EDIT]

I found two very nice U-boats at that Tower Hobbies link, Steve. One is a generic 1/144 scale VIIC that is well detailed and about 18-inches in length. It also comes with a VIIB style alternate conning tower. Cost is $19.69 plus S+H.

The other is a 1/125 model of Otto Kretschmer's U-99, type VIIB, that has a cut-away hull on one side to show the interior details and measures in at just under 21 inches long. Cost is $16.29 plus S+H.

Decisions, decisions! Now I just have to sit and worry myself over which one I want.

No big hurry as summer weather is still several weeks away.

Thank you both!