1:35 Type XXVII F - German Midget Submarines

The real subject

In the last year of the Second World War Germany put its money on midget submarines, listed collectively as Type XXVII. The thinking behind them was simple: a small craft crewed by only a handful of men and able to be moved overland is far harder to find in shallow coastal waters than a conventional submarine. The price was a negligible air supply, no comfort at all and voyages on which the crew spent tens of hours sitting in a space smaller than the cabin of a car.

What you are buying

A model of the Type XXVII F midget submarine in 1:35 scale. The choice of a large scale makes sense on a small craft: the model stays reasonably sized, and yet the division of the hatches and the shaping of the bow are visible on the hull, which would be lost in the usual ship scales. It can be built as a stand-alone model on a display stand, but it works just as well as the center of a diorama, on a transport trailer, in a workshop hall or on the water.

Building and painting tips

Before gluing, check what material the parts are made of, because ordinary cement for plastic has no effect on anything other than polystyrene and only cyanoacrylate glue will hold the joint. Cut excess material away with a sharp blade a little clear of the part and sand the remainder off, then wash and degrease the surface. Fill and sand the lengthwise hull seam smooth, as it shows at once on a finished model. In terms of color it pays to hold back: break up the gray hull only slightly and concentrate the rust and staining around the welds and at the waterline.

Who it is for

For ship builders and for modelers who otherwise build vehicles in 1:35 scale and want an unusual piece for the collection. Paints, glue and a display stand are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.