Bronco Models 1/35 German Seehund Type XXVIIB/B5 Midget Submarine Kit First Look
By Michael Benolkin
| Date of Review | August 2010 | Manufacturer | Bronco Models |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | German Seehund Type XXVIIB/B5 Midget Submarine | Scale | 1/35 |
| Kit Number | 35053 | Primary Media | Styrene |
| Pros | Nicely detailed kit | Cons | Nothing noted |
| Skill Level | Experienced | MSRP (USD) | $56.98 |
First Look
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After the German Navy salvaged two British X-class midget submarines, the Germans embarked on the development of their own X-class - the Type XXVII. The first type was the Type XXVIIA Hecht which was designed with the same mission as the X-class - to deploy explosive charges near its prey and then escape. Unlike the X-class, the Hecht was only electric powered and had a range under 70 nm.
The Type XXVIIB Seehund was developed whilst the Hecht was still under development, designed for greater range, dual powered (diesel/electric) and could carry two externally-mounted torpedoes. Even with a range of over four times the Hecht, the Seehund could still only venture 120nm from port, toss off its torpedoes, then motor back home for reload/refuel. The Seehund had a two-man crew, was about 40 feet long, and only 285 were built before war's end.
Bronco Models has released a new-tool kit of this unique German midget submarine. The kit is molded in gray styrene and presented on four parts trees. Two of the parts trees are centered on the torpedoes, one tree on the hull halves, and the final tree containing the various details and fittings on the main hull. Assembly is simple, straightforward, and quick. You'll probably spend more time painting the model than assembling it.
This kit is molded in 1/35 scale, so the vast number of figure kits, vehicle kits and diorama accessories will go a long way for the AMS modeler to turn this simple beauty into an interesting diorama. Whether you're posing the sub dockside for reload or on trusses for inspection or land storage, you can have any number of German or Allied spectators looking over this subject.
Bronco Models continues to turn out some impressive models and this one is no exception. This project will be an easy project for the average modeler and a source for some creativity for the AMS modeler..
This kit is highly recommended!
My sincere thanks to Stevens International for this review sample!