Revell Type VIIC/41 Atlantic Version – U Boat

Scale: 1:72nd
Reviewer: Les Venus
UK Price: £59.99
Materials: Injection moulded plastic and fine black thread
Decals: 6 options

Watch out for the forthcoming IPR from Les Venus on this good looking kit! Ed.

First Impression

The Type VIIC U Boat is probably one of the most infamous weapons of WWII. Revell has produced two versions of the Type VIIC, the first and now difficult to find ‘Wolfpack’ version was a best seller and I have seen some fabulous examples of this beautiful kit in various guises. Indeed at this year’s Scalemodel World I saw about four completed examples, at least two used the aftermarket parts available to detail the insides. Either way the Type VII is one good looking boat.

I decided to have a go at the second version of the Type VIIC Revell has released, the Type VIIC/41 ‘Atlantic version, which I don’t recall having seen at any show. My intention is to build this kit in parallel with my other big Revel Boat the USN Gato Class submarine; both of which I will add additional detail using after market brass etch sets from White Ensign and Eduard as well as scratch built items.

U Boats in Action tells us that the Type VIIC was the most widely used U-Boat of WWII with more than 600 entering service with the Krieg marine; they and their captains were the cream of Donitz U Boat fleet and were one of the most feared fighting forces on any side in WWII. Incredibly, the Type VII is the most produced single type submarine in maritime history and sits now enshrined in legend as the scourge of the Atlantic. Designed to dive to 125m there are recorded instances of dives in excess of 250m in emergencies. This is a model that like the real boat will demand respect in its construction.

On opening the box you’re confronted with two huge hull sides of 95cm long in a hard pale grey plastic that has very good levels of detail. It inspires the builder simply taking the hull out of the well designed and packed lid and tray type box. Indeed opening the box exceeded all my expectations and that has to be a good start. Unlike other U Boats I am making I have three on the go right now by Special Navy and Werner Modellbau, the Revell Kit is all plastic. This said it doesn’t detract from what at first sight looks a well detailed kit but which will need some personal touched not least in the rails and masts. I will use wire and fine chain, brass and aluminium rod as well as the aforementioned etched after market sets.

The huge lid and tray box has a great picture of the Type VIIC/41 in its hunting territory. It’s really a fabulous looking Boat and the box screams “buy me!” and also run out and get a copy of Das Boot! Something that shows that Revell is focused on the modeler or is simply just good at marketing but the box sides are full of information. This includes a list of paint colours required in Revell’s color range but nonetheless helpful. There are also some great close-up photographs on the box sides showing a made up U-Boat featuring some good weathering. There’s also a little potted history in four languages and some details on the models size…..95cm………….awesome!

Accuracy

The only reference I have on this U Boat is the well thumbed Squadron Book U Boats in Action. In anticipation of a detailed build on this I have a whole series of books on the Type VIIC being delivered down the chimney by Santa this Christmas (two weeks away as I write). Consequently whilst it looks good against this single reference, I’ll reserve further comments until I have my new reference material.

Fit

A dry run shows parts fit well and have minimum flash.

Quality

The plastic is good quality, hard and crisply engraved with fine panel lines. The plastic looks like it will be good to paint and the examples I have seen at shows bear this out. The one piece hull a superb piece of moulding. At nearly a metre long it will make a great looking kit and evokes memories of the fun I had making the S-Boat which was a similar size! Despite the large size of the moulding there’s no warpage and the fit is good I am really impressed with the quality of Revell’s ship kits and this is a really first class example.

Decals

The decals are well printed good colour and in register with some really excellent and colourful choices.

Other additions… The little skein of fine cotton for the rigging is a nice touch but I will be using fine wire and chain to build the complex masts.

Summary

This is a wonderful looking kit from Revell and once I have all my references together will commence the build. I think also it is excellent value for money and I highly recommend it.

Recommendation

Highly Recommended