German Type XXI submarines - the most technically advanced operational ships in their class in the first half of the 20th century. A design completely different from the solutions used in earlier units, new mechanical and electrical components and a change in the method of mass production was to enable the Kriegsmarine to once again take the lead in the ongoing Battle of the Atlantic.
Hitler's ambitious program to build 40 Type XXI ships was personally approved by him on July 29, 1943, receiving top priority. Production of the ship took six months from the initiation of the rolling of the hull steel. The units were completed in 11 shipyards experienced in submarine construction, where the necessary machinery and other equipment (except for heavy items such as the engine or long propeller shafts) were installed. In this project, financial issues were not a problem, the priority was the time to produce and deliver the ship to the Oberkommando der Marine. At the time, the cost of building the XXI boat was 5.74 million marks, an amount comparable to the production of a Type VIIC vessel with less technological advancement.
The first ship to be launched in Danzig on April 19, 1944 was U-3501. Holes were discovered in the vessel, which were plugged with wooden pegs and then towed to a floating dock.
Want to learn more about the Type XXI ship ? See HERE.
Plastic model to be glued together by German company Revell. Kit does not include paint and glue.
- scale: 1:144
- part number: 05177
- manufacturer: Revell
For more information and photos, visit the manufacturer's website (link in the tab above)
A bit of history on the video:
"Wilhelm Bauer" U-2540 in the museum.