1:72 Schnellboot S-38/1942

The real subject

The Schnellboot, known to the enemy as the E-boat, was a German fast torpedo boat. The S-38 series became the most numerous group of these craft during the Second World War. The hull, with wooden planking over a metal frame, was around 35 meters long and was driven by three marine diesel engines, each on its own shaft, so that the boat was among the fastest craft of its kind. Its main weapons were two 533 millimeter torpedo tubes in the bow, supplemented by light anti-aircraft armament. The boats operated mainly at night, when they went out against coastal convoys and withdrew after an attack before the enemy could react.

What the set contains

This is a kit for gluing and painting. In 1:72 scale the finished model comes out around forty-nine centimeters long, so allow for the room in a display case. The extent of the parts and the choice of marking options are given by the manufacturer's instructions.

Building and painting tips

Glue the hull and sand the seams down before you fit the small deck equipment, which would get in the way during sanding. Decide beforehand whether you will build the whole model or only down to the waterline, into the surface of a diorama. Clear the parts of excess material and production marks, wash and degrease the surface before painting, and apply the paint in thin coats. Mark the line between the underwater and the above-water part with masking tape before spraying.

Who it is for

The set is for ship modelers and for anyone looking for a small craft in a large scale with plenty of detail on deck. Paints, thinner, glue and tools are not part of the delivery, unless stated otherwise.