Scale: 1:72nd
Reviewed by Les Venus
UK Price: £57.50
Materials: Injection moulded plastic, resin, pewter, turned aluminium and etched brass
Decals: 1 small sheet for one boat
First Impression
Well it’s officially an obsession and I’ve called a therapist as this is my 5th submarine since buying my first, Special Navy’s other great U-Boat kit the Type XXIII, at Scale Modelworld in November. Like the Type XIII this kit has a wow factor. In comes in a sturdy eye catching box which has a feel of quality about it that you will understand if you decide to take the plunge and build one. The Type IIA is a great looking boat that is every inch the image of what’s conjured up in the mind’s eye when one thinks U-Boat! I like the evocative artwork lid and tray style box. Well done Special Navy.
According to my primary reference, Squadron Signal U-Boats in Action, The Type II series of U-Boats were called “Dugout Canoes” because there small size and terrible surface stability. When you look at the hull it’s obvious why! There are four types of Type II – the one on offer here is the Type IIA.
Admiral Karl Donitz the commander of the U-Boot fleet only intended Type IIs to be training vessels however with the start of the war Donitz was forced to employ all the U-Boots in his inventory operationally. The Type II was found wholly unsuitable as an anti-shipping vessel so were used mainly for mine laying and occasional use against Russian surface vessels in the Baltic.
Still, the Type II is an evocative design captured beautifully by Special Navy.

The box looks quite empty and in truth it is. Special Navy submarines parts for part are some of the most expensive kits on the market. But this is a cost judgment. The parts are exquisite and the resin, metal and etch particularly so. Given the research and work gone into the kit, and this is still a limited run product, its good value.
Accuracy
I am primarily an aircraft modeller but the references I consulted show this model to be accurate in length and beam and the detail compares well with the drawings I have seen.

The booklet style instructions are clear, well laid out and easy to follow. If only all instructions were this good, Trumpeter should take note! A really nice touch from Special Navy is the “Correction sheet” in three languages explaining how to ensure the model fits the Type U1-U6 but as the mould will cover several types’ show what needs to be done to ensure accuracy.
Fit
A dry run shows parts fit well and have minimum flash.

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Quality
The plastic is good quality, softish but still beautifully engraved with fine panel lines Tamiya would appreciate and are perfect for the scale. Care will be needed in removing parts from heavy sprue gates for the main Hulls but it’s hardly a chore! The resin is sublime. A creamy-yellow colour and of the highest quality it will paint and weather well and look incredible if my painting and weathering skills can do it justice. The beautiful turned aluminium Snorkels are outstanding as is the white metal rails. The modeller will have to work hard to replicate the complete mast. I’ll use wire and fine chain.
Nice sprue gates are evident and some finely detailed parts that represent the agricultural look of these early U-Boats.it will weather superbly………where’s my Windsor and Newton?
Some of the smaller parts as with the remainder of this kit, are beautifully detailed and if anything like the Type XXIII should be a joy to work with.
Decals
The decals are well printed, have good colour and are in register.
Summary
This is another beautiful kit from Special Navy. I love their stuff. Its, part for part, expensive but it’s a high quality limited run product and in terms of value I think it’s good.
If you’re into submarines or naval vessels and have some experience get this kit while it’s available. It’s fabulous.
Recommendation
Recommended