HobbyBoss 1/350 German Type 212 Submarine

The German Type 212 class, also Italian Todaro class, is a highly advanced design of non-nuclear submarine (U-boat) developed by Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft AG (HDW) and Fincantieri S.p.a. for the German and Italian Navy. It features diesel propulsion and an additional air-independent propulsion (AIP) system using Siemens proton exchange membrane (PEM) hydrogen fuel cells. The submarine can operate at high speed on diesel power or switch to the AIP system for silent slow cruising, staying submerged for up to three weeks without surfacing and with no exhaust heat. The system is also said to be vibration-free, extremely quiet and virtually undetectable.

Type 212 is the first of the only two fuel cell propulsion system equipped submarines ready for series production by 2007, the other being the Project 677 Lada class submarine designed by Russian Rubin Design Bureau.

Currently, there are four German and two Italian Type 212 boats in service.

THE KIT

This new submarine kit from Hobby Boss is, as are just about all modern submarines, a pretty simple kit. The basic hull is divided top and bottom with the top section containing the conning tower. The rear section has a couple of options. One is for either a six or seven blade propeller. The other is to have that propeller done in photo etch.

Speaking of photo etch, this medium is used for not only the optional props, but also for the fin bracing and splash shield atop the conning tower and a pair of cleats used to tie up the boat. The upper conning tower has two possible options. One is all closed up as it would be running under water. The other is to have all the periscopes and antennas up. The kit also comes with a nice display stand and an etched name plate to add to it.

The boat is to be painted with a dark grey upper and black lower surface. Markings are provided to do any one of the four German boats now in service. The white lettering is very difficult to see against the background of the decal sheet so take care when cutting them free. 

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, this is a very nice kit of a modern, though small by US standards, attack submarine. The low parts count and good fit should make for a pleasant and trouble-free build.

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