Revell 05078 U-Boat XXI Type w. Interieur Model Kit, for 10 years+

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.

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.

Unfinished at this point. Experienced modelers should know what to expect from Revell. Fit isn't too bad. crazy amount of decals! Lots a hours so far. Take your time and paint early!!! Of course, you'll have to super glue ALOT! I'm hoping it comes together well. See you tube for videos, they help. An interesting subject because of the interior, da! Patience my friend. Use some wash on the bulk heads so detail will pop out!

It's a good size detailed cut away model for a great price. Did a custom paint & decal scheme.

This model will take time to build. Encourage those interested to check out internet videos on the subject. This model is now unavailable on many outlets. Was happy that Amazon still had availability. It's becoming a collector's item.

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.

There are a lot of people modifying the parts before assembly (mikelogusz.blogspot.com) and tons of photos of this vessel which is still in the water as a museum. Check youtube for videos of people walking through it. You have to decide whether your version will be: 1945 before the Germans scuttled it, the version a decade later when they raised it and changed lots of interior things, or the museum version as it sits now which is an attempt to put it back to the 1945 version. Or you could paint it like the box/instructions show which is crazy dayglo greens instead of greys and faded mint greens.