If you haven't already - take a look at this XXIII

[Kazzer]

The Alanger XXIII is a 1:72 scale U boat that would appear to be perfect for our Mini 1.25" Sub-driver systems. What I like about it, is the scale, as it looks so tiny against a Revell Gato or Type VII.

The instructions are here It take the same prop as the VII and we have a few models in stock.

I'd appreciate your views on this boat. More details can be seen here


I can see the rudder mechanism being a real challenge.

[Outrider]

Type XXIII - Choices, Choices

Mike,

I think the Type XXIII is a great subject in 1:72, since there are two good kits to choose from. (And happily, you stock them both!)

Here's a review of the Alanger Type XXIII:

http://www.modelwarships.com/reviews/ships/dkm/u-boat/72-typexxii-alanger/pacfront-review.html

Here's another review:

http://modelshipwrights.kitmaker.net/modules.php?op=modload&name=Reviews&file=index&req=showcontent&id=3414

The same gentleman also looked at the Special Navy Version:

http://modelshipwrights.kitmaker.net/modules.php?op=modload&name=Reviews&file=index&req=showcontent&id=3682

Here's another Special Navy Review:

http://www.ipmsusa2.org/Reviews/Kits/Ships/mpm_72_uboat/mpm_72_uboat.htm

Which one to go with? The Alanger kit is $45 and the Special Navy is $82. In either case, the real money is in the subdriver and the electronics. The Special Navy kit has the edge in scale accuracy, but the Alanger version seems like it's sufficiently accurate to build up into a satisfactory working model. (It's hard to count rivets when you're submerging at speed!)

My vote is with whichever kit the Wizard would be able to "fit" most easily. My guess is that he'd prefer the Special Navy version for its superior accuracy and because the sail isn't molded to the hull, as it is in the Alanger kit. I also think it will be challenging to get the rudder and the rear dive planes to work in either kit, but I am merely mortal. That said, I've got an even more challenging project at this scale (Fine Molds Japanese Ko-hyoteki), so I hope the 1:72 Type XXIII proves a tamable beast.

I'm sure somebody will also notice that the Type XXIII Unterseeboot is a good candidate for torpedoes--a cheap date, since it only has two tubes.