British submarine HMS Upholder (P37) U-CLASS COBI 4862 - World War II 1:300

HMS UPHOLDER (P37) U-CLASS SUBMARINE MODEL | COBI 4862

A building set of the legendary submarine from the Royal Navy's 10th Flotilla during the battles of World War II. The model features two rotating propellers and an adjustable rudder. An antenna wire for the Marconi CR100 radio station runs from the bow to the stern across the bridge. The submarine's operational number N99, commanded by Captain Malcolm David Wanklyn, is visible on both sides of the bridge. You can safely display the assembled model in a stable stand featuring a description and the Caryatid crest with a naval crown.

Did you know that:

Construction of the submarine began on October 30, 1939, at the Vickers-Armstrong shipyard. Less than a year later, the vessel was launched during a ceremonial event attended by Doris Thompson. The submarine belonged to a group of 4 vessels additionally equipped with two external torpedo tubes. While this modification increased firepower, it caused difficulties in maintaining periscope depth, and the design was not used in later models.

The vessel departed on its first combat mission in early December 1940, heading to the Mediterranean Sea near Malta. During 24 patrols, it sank six cargo ships transporting materials for Germany’s war production, escort ships, four warships, and two Italian submarines, Tricheco and Ammiraglio Saint-Bon. While it was common for captains to rotate on German U-boats, the British vessel was commanded throughout its entire service by Lieutenant Commander Malcolm David Wanklyn. The captain became a British legend. On December 11, 1941, the BBC broadcast the news of his Victoria Cross award. Journalists flocked to the captain's family to take photographs of his wife and son. However, the news article never appeared in any newspaper because the British Secret Service blocked the publication due to concerns about leaking confidential information.

The submarine set sail for its final patrol on April 6, 1942. This was the last time Captain Wanklyn responded to radio dispatches. British Naval Command sent a message with orders on April 12, but it is uncertain if the submarine received it. The Upholder likely struck a mine on April 13, 1942, approximately 24 kilometers off Tripoli. The captain and his crew became legends and national heroes.

Technical Parameters:

• Dimensions: length 58.22 m, width 4.90 m, draft 4.62 m
• Displacement: 730 tons
• Fuel tank capacity: 38 tons of diesel
• Power unit: 2x Paxman Ricardo diesel-electric generators + electric motors with a total output of 615 kW
• Maximum speed: 20.8 km/h on the surface and 19.0 km/h submerged
• Maximum diving depth: 91 m
• Armament: 1x 76 mm QF deck gun and 6x 533 mm torpedo tubes
• Radio station: Marconi CR100
• Crew: 27–37 people

Admiral John David Elliott Fieldhouse on HMS UPHOLDER:

"I cannot do better than repeat the unique message after the sinking of HMS Upholder on April 14, 1942: 'The ship and her company are gone, but the example and the inspiration remain.'"

About COBI Building Sets:

• The COBI 4862 set is made of 140 high-quality ABS parts
• Number of figures: 0
• World War II Collection 1:300 scale
• Pad printed - no stickers
• Authentic design
• Manufactured in the EU
• Compatible with other building set brands