yvesvidal

Continuing with the list of data and information to build an accurate Type VII-c model, there is a "gem" out there for the serious and perfectionist modelers (which I am not): https://models.rokket.biz/ This is the ultimate forum you will find about the Type VII-c in the English language. It is mostly driven by two individuals: Mr. Tore and Mr. Don Prince. Tore is quite old today (in his 90's) and one of the three persons still alive which have been sailing and commanding a Type VII-c submersible. He belonged to the Norwegian Navy who managed to capture and keep the famous U-995 which is now on display at Laboe in Germany. The U-995, one of the latest type VII-c submarine, was renamed twice while being operated by the Norwegian Navy. one of its name was "KNM Kaura". Below are two pictures of Mr. Tore during the various patrols that the Norwegian Navy did with Kaura: The second main contributor to this web site is Don Prince. Don has started the incredible endeavor of gathering and documenting all the minute mechanical, electrical, plumbing and technical details of the Type VII-c and put it in a compendium that is to be published. His first attempt at publishing was a coffee table book with a luxury leather bound jacket, which turned out to be way too expensive. The book is fortunately available to download for free and I must say that I stand in awe at the incredible and enormous amount of work that went into this study by Don Prince. The "SECRET" book, previously mentioned is also authored by Mr. Prince. I will be providing more links and information as we go along. An excellent Norwegian video was produced on the KNM Kaura and is probably what will ever be the best footage of a live Type VII-c submarine in action: Yves

Kevin, thank you for the compliments. I am admiring your builds, too. Yves

A great book just came out, specifically on the U-552. The book is published in German and English at the same time, allowing English speakers to enjoy it. That book is rather expensive at 64 Euros and I did not purchase it yet: The Cover picture shows the U-552 in Saint Nazaire harbor, during the German invasion of France. You will notice that the conning tower has been modified to protect the crew from the large waves. The Trumpeter model depicts the early U-552 before the tower modification. Below are a few pictures taken from the book. The picture below shows the early version of the conning tower: Yves

Folks, This thread is not over yet. I am sharing my time between work, friends, and many other projects. However, the U-552 remains in my mind and I am awaiting some parts to make a final decision, regarding the main gun of 88 mm. In the meantime, I thought it would be worthwhile sharing with you some of the links and documents that have helped me all long the construction of that great model. Without these documents and archives, my model would not be what it is today as the Trumpeter kit can be sometimes a little bit crude and lacking details. This is even more obvious towards the end and specifically regarding the deck, guns, rigging and conning tower. It feels sometimes as if the designers of the kit, ran out of steam and decided to wrap it quickly in order to bring the kit to market. The Trumpeter instructions does not address at all, all the details of the rigging and antennas normally visible on the deck of these submersibles. Guns and anti-aerial defenses are lightly brushed over and no real information is given by Trumpeter. The last view of the instructions, is basically how to slap all the various modules into the semi-hull and be done with it. Fortunately, there is a lot of material available on the Internet and in books, covering the German Type VII-c (and others) submersible. The books and documents I have used and would highly recommend, are: Type VII U-boats by Robert Stern U-Boat Owners Workshop Manual by Haynes (interesting but lots of errors and confusion with other submarine types). Vom Original Zum Modell Uboottyp VII C by Fritz Kohl and Axel Niestle (in German). SECRET U-Boat information for U-Boat Type VIIc by Don Prince This document can be obtained online at: http://www.uboatarchive.net/Manual/Manual.htm and is a must read. The Wolf Pack - A collection of U-Boat Modelling Articles The document can be downloaded at https://amp.rokket.biz/docs/the_wolf_pack_compr.pdf The Wolf Pack 2 - Another collection of U-Boat Modelling articles Again, the document can be dowloaded at: https://amp.rokket.biz/docs/the_wolf_pack_2.pdf After all the reading, it is good to go outside and tour the real thing, in Laboe Germany: I will add more information regarding the source of data, in a following post. Yves

Superb model B.E. and a testimony to the quality of Chris Watton kits. Yves

Kevin, What is the exact purpose of these two cables ending on the front winch? Thanks Yves

What a lovely kit again from Vanguard Models. James, you did not post a picture of the finished model and I hope you do not mind me doing it: and for historical accuracy, the lady that inspired and gave her name to that beautiful vessel: Now, how many hours have a day for you James? It seems that you are faster than FLASH and Superman re-united in your endeavor. Yves

With every update, it gets better and better.... Yves

Kent, this is fantastic. Yes, this is too nice a booth to have the typical "pin-ups" calendar...... The model is fantastic and when I showed it to my girlfriend, she thought it was a real car. I can see a first Prize somewhere at the next exhibit. Yves

This is going to be a fantastic kit. Will it be available in the USA or only for the European market, at first? Will the price be comparable to the other CAF models kits? Thanks Yves

Excellent choice of model and building the motored version will be a refreshing change from the many sailed implementations on this forum. For the figures, you have plenty of choices with the world of 1/35th figures, which is pretty much limitless. Sometimes, having the figures a tiny bit smaller than the scale of the boat helps, as figures tend in general to be slightly oversized. I, like many others, am looking forward to seeing your diorama. Yves

Kevin, Your yawl looks gorgeous. The blue is surprising on such boat, but so beautiful on your model. Dorade is definitely one of my favorite boats and it has such pedigree. Yves

Very nice hull. I like the shape of it. Yves

These baskets are superb. Now, you must build some herrings..... 😉 Yves

Very cool piece that you built: Le hangar des hydravions. Yves

It is such a detailed model that your idea to present it partially disassembled, is excellent. Yves

Beautiful work on the mast anchor. Yves

Yes, what a monster. I guess, the intent was to send "candies" all the way to Britain. Yves

I meant to say that they used metal parts in the original kit (instead of plastic parts) as a way to charge more money. I am glad that they are replacing the defective parts for free. This is good service. Yves

Maybe as a way to charge more for the parts.... Yves

Superb model. There is a lot of beauty in these small crafts, and your model is a masterpiece. Yves

Superb parts. How much were these, if it is not indiscreet to ask? Yves

Superb models. Definitely a Professional Production, at this level. Yves

You got some very nice pictures and that kit, in your hands, is going to be another masterpiece. Yves

Very nice results. This kit is almost impossible to paint, since everything is molded in one part. You did a great job. Yves