German submarine U-Boot VIIC U-96 COBI 4857 - World War II 1:300

U-BOOT VIIC U-96 Model | COBI 4857

A model kit of the legendary submarine from the 7th Naval Flotilla of the Kriegsmarine during the Atlantic battles. The model features two rotating propellers and adjustable rudders. An antenna wire from the S 406 K radio station runs from the bow across the bridge to the stern. The sword emblem, carried by the submarine of the famous captain Heinrich Lehmann-Willenbrock, is visible on both sides of the bridge. The assembled model can be safely stored in a stable display stand with a description.

Did you know:

Construction of the submarine began on September 16, 1939, at the Germaniawerft shipyard in dock No. 601. Work progressed very quickly, and it was commissioned into service in September 1940. Type VIIC submarines were intended to replace older and smaller interwar types. The vessel's technology was extraordinary at the time of its creation. The over 67-meter-long submarine was powered by two powerful F46 diesel engines designed specifically for submarines of this class. For submerged travel, two double-acting AEG electric motors with 550 kW output were used. Interestingly, some parts of the electrical installation were added to the submarine only after its first mission, as suppliers failed to prepare all components on time. Captain Willenbrock himself noted in the logbook that "never before seen" faults appeared on the submarine. He likely meant fuel vapor leaks into all compartments of the submarine. The risk of ignition was high, and the captain ordered a quick surfacing. The submarine's spaces were ventilated, but the vessel had to return to the dock for replacement of faulty seals. The submarine was literally filled with technology at the expense of crew space. The crew had to endure very cramped conditions, which caused significant tension.

The 7th Flotilla submarine carried out a total of eleven combat missions, during which it attacked Allied supply routes. Its last operation ended on January 3, 1943, with berthing in present-day Kaliningrad, where it served as a training ship. It was ultimately sunk on March 30, 1945, by an American bombing group off Wilhelmshaven.

It also left a deep mark in culture thanks to the film Das Boot based on the novel of the same name by war correspondent Lothar-Günther Buchheim. It briefly appeared in Steven Spielberg's film Raiders of the Lost Ark.

Technical Specifications:

• dimensions: length 67.10 m, width 4.74 m, draft 4.17 m
• displacement 769 tons
• fuel tank volume 90 tons of diesel
• propulsion unit 2x Germaniawerft F46 diesel engines with total output of 2,400 kW, for submerged movement 2x AEG electric motors with total output of 550 kW
• maximum speed 32.8 km/h on surface and 14.1 km/h submerged
• maximum diving depth 230 m
• armament 1x deck gun SK/C 35 caliber 88 mm, 1x anti-aircraft gun C/30 caliber 20 mm, and 5 torpedo tubes 530 mm
• radio station S 406 K
• crew 4 officers + 56 crew members

From the Memories of Radioman Werner Herrmann:

"In that damned darkness, we sailed right into the center of the convoy. The captain maneuvered wildly between ships and mines while the enemy fired at us with everything they had. Fortunately, it was so dark that aiming was difficult. Every explosion shook us badly. My heart was pounding, and my hands were shaking so much that I couldn't decode the incoming message. I tried to steady my trembling hand, but it was no use..."

About the COBI Kit:

• COBI kit 4857 is made of 162 high-quality ABS parts
• collection World War II 1:300
• pad printed - no stickers
• faithful reproduction
• made in the EU
• compatible with other brick brands