German DKM Type VIIC U-Boat

The Trumpeter 1/144 DKM Type VII-C U-Boat is a relatively recent 2021 release from this company. This kit is truer to scale than the Revell Germany 1/144 Type VII-C U-Boat kit because this Trumpeter kit has photo etch main deck and conning tower rail parts. Other fine detail PE parts are used to enhance the 88 mm deck gun and the anti-aircraft gun on the platform behind the periscope tower. A net cutter and bow saw are provided as photo etch detail parts and they look excellent and true to scale. The manufacturer added crosses to the decal sheet allowing the builder to complete the swastikas on the two Kreigsmarine flags provided in the kit. Two Kriegsmarine flag decals are provided to permit the builder to create either a flat rectangular flag or a slightly drooping furled flag. The best way to make these flags is to mount them on aluminum foil using Micro Set. I used a toothpick to manipulate the crosses with which to complete the swastikas on the flag. Photoetch parts installation was time consuming and tedious, but worth the effort. Although I was initially skeptical regarding the paint call outs for this kit, after some research, I found them to be accurate. I used an airbrush to paint the three historically accurate colors on the model to make the notorious U-boat 552. Painting the letters on the name plate was tedious, but I was able to do it to an acceptable degree. I decided to glue the name plate to the side of the model stand because the model would not stay upright on the stand alone. I used Tamiya Brown Panel liner and Tamiya Weathering Sets to provide a stressed paint look to the hull on this model. I used EZ Line, fine black thread to rig this U-boat. For wire insulators I placed blobs of Micro Clear in appropriate locations on the rigging and then painted them flat black after the blobs had cured. As I had built the Revell Germany 1/144 Type VIIC/41 Atlantic Version kit prior to this build, I felt that the Trumpeter kit was the more challenging of these kits to build. This was due to the photo etch parts installation which was time consuming and tedious. Therefore, I would recommend this kit for advanced to intermediate model builders with patience, steady hands and good vision. Some airbrush skils are helpful. I also consider this kit to be reasonably priced because the brass photo etch detail fret is included in the kit and therefore the builder does not have to purchase any additional aftermarket PE for this build.