FirstLook by Brett Green

It is barely a year since Trumpeter's 1/350 scale Hornet signalled a new era for injection moulded maritime models.

The end of 2003 brings us another remarkable milestone - Revell's 1/72 scale German U-Boat Type VIIIC "Wolf Pack".

The inescapable first impression of this model is its size. The box is huge, and every centimetre is required to squeeze in the hull halves diagonally.

At 933mm, this model is even longer than Trumpeter's Essex carriers.

The next impression is the quality of these enormous mouldings. Structural details are raised where appropriate, and deeply recessed for the mass of flooding holes. Looking more closely, rivet detail is also present. These lines of rivets are raised but beautifully subtle.

On the real boat, the flooding holes were open. Drilling out these holes will be well worth the effort in this large scale.

The remaining parts are extremely nice too. The deck and conning tower components are especially noteworthy. Wintergarten railings look to be in-scale, while smaller features such as the deck guns are adequately detailed. However, there is plenty of potential to super-detail the 88mm gun in particular.

Options and features abound. The forward torpedo doors are supplied as separate parts and may be displayed open. Two styles of conning tower are supplied. An optional cable cutter for the bow is also provided. Periscope and vents may be positioned up, down or anywhere in between. Hydroplanes are movable. The list of goodies is long!

A spool of thread is supplied for the aerial rigging, with plastic parts for the floats.

A stand is also included - essential for the display of this full-hull vessel.

For such a big model, the overall parts count of 135 is quite modest. This approach will ensure that even modellers with only a moderate amount of experience will be capable of finishing the U-Boat..

Markings for five boats are supplied (with one of these including early and late versions). There are some differences in conning towers, fittings and rigging between these boats, so make your decision about which version you are building early in construction, and pay close attention to the instructions!

What can I say but "Wow"?

Revell's 1/72 scale U-Boat Type VIIC is impressive in many respects. Its sheer size is remarkable. Surface detail is appropriate, and engineering is sound and as simple as possible for such an ambitious project. Options are worthwhile and smaller parts are nicely detailed.

The production of this kit in the well-established scale of 1/72 lends potential for existing and new figures and accessories to enhance the model. CMK has already released the first of three U-Boat crew sets, and I am certain that more companies will follow with alternate armament and conning tower configurations.

Even better news is that Revell's price tag is very reasonable for such a large kit.

2003 really has been a great year for maritime modellers!

Highly Recommended.

Thanks to Hannants for the review sample

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Images and Text Copyright © 2003 by Brett Green
This Page Created on 24 December, 2003
Last updated 24 December, 2003

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