Revell 05078 U-Boat XXI Type w. Interieur Model Kit

I took awhile to build this and quite happy with the result, my main problem being NOT with the kit but inability to find any truly MATT finish 'varnish' to coat it all with. I disregarded instructions order and built the innards section first, filing down some bulkheads diameter a little for better fit within hull halves, and moved for/aft to line up themain periscope through its deck hole. Its quality is good and typical of such plastic kits - parts need a little trimming or sanding when removed from the spars: beginners take note! Really didn't have any major problems. I had to drill a new hole in the roof of the 'sail' for the forward periscope 1/8" back from the given hole, otherwise the upper shaft didn't line up with the periscope underneath, looking 'wrong'. Look online for others who have built this model and made them look incredibly realistic, e.g. rust marks. I didn't go that far, but I DID drill out many of the hull's vent holes rather than leave the 'dents' provided, and, sanded off the 'rungs' on the sail sides and replaced with tiny wire 'loops', all to add to a better look. Transfers (decals): 'in my day' (decades ago) they'd stick to anything, after just soaking in warm water. They didn't 'stick' for me so I ended up using matt varnish to 'glue them on'. True some don't line up so well and can be fiddly onto some rough surfaces. I mixed them with different color marker pens to the workings and panels, and used fewer torpedoes so as not to block the fine detail behind them. The flag is missing the central swastika (not allowed to be printed in Germany where the kit comes from) but I printed my own to glue onto the flag. The instructions are clever to cater for ‘all’ languages using symbols and diagrams that need a logical mind to follow.

looking forward to building this kit

Takes a bit longer to build than a non-cutaway, but looks great. Mostly good fit all over.

Interesting build. This Model represents the starting point for most modern Submarines. A lot of advanced technology. A whole new idea of building Submarines at the time, 1945. The instructions were odd. Expecting you to perform certain steps in the wrong order. I suggest you thoroughly read the instructions before building. Some steps are not clear or necessary. I didn't even bother with the railings. One, there are not provided. Two, during a real patrol they would have not been used, too much drag. Challenging build.

Order was accurate and arrived on time. Price is good too.

Scuttled by crew at the end of WWII, raised by germany in 1950's and put on display in Bremen as the WB sub. Have not assembled model yet, but appreciate the detail, since I wanted to see what improvements were made over the older Type VII C uboat. ( Most books just reprint WWII photos of bombed out production yards).Fit and finish of plastic parts are as commonly found in most models like this. Suspect this will take some assembly time due to the size and detail of the model.

This model was a very enjoyable build. Good kit with above-average instructions, albeit with an error surrounding some ceiling ductwork. It was very much like building a series of small dioramas, which come together late to form a pleasing model. Tons of little decals to mess with and areas for precision painting. Part fit was surprisingly good, especially final assembly between innards and fuselage. These cutaway style models aren't common, and this one didn't disappoint.

DO NOT BUY!!! The instructions are impossible. You have to buy separate Revell paints and glues to assemble it which don't even come with it. The pieces are smaller than a thumbtack. Very poor quality and made in China.