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THE U-BOAT BUILD LIST - April 10 2023 blog update

This is my current build list for this UBoat project. It is a work in progress and may change as I learn more.
Here I will explain each build as an overview and then provide a link to the detailed post under my 'Silent running' section.


list 24112022.jpg
 
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Research on Type 9C U-516.
In researching the Lisahally surrender diorama, I came across a great photo of another boat there, U-516.
In an earlier post (April) this particular boat was going to be my original choice for the main subject with the other boats around it, however, after 'diving in deeper I realised I could not identify the features of the surrounding boats as well as the group further down the pier with U-802, so these became the focus. However, my research on U-516 led me down the 'rabbit hole' once again, highlighting some very interesting unique details with this particular sub.
As a result of my research, I contacted the author of the 'Wolfpack articles, Dougie Martindale, owner of Accurate Model Parts and put my observations on this boat's deck pattern in some email discussions with him, as through previous emails he had mentioned he was working on a new article on the Type 9 U-Boats, which resulted in him including my info in his latest document (172 pages). I also got a special thanks in the acknowledgement section.
To say I was pretty happy to have my research on U-516 included and then get acknowledged is an understatement. Mr Martindale is one of the leading experts in the world on U-Boat details for modelers and his research on the Wolfpack articles has spanned more than 10 years. He sent me his new Type 9 document direct by email a few days ago and it is the definitive document for type 9 U-boat detail modelling. I think I have done well for a tank diorama/ artist guy to get in a U-Boat book and this certainly bodes well for my own projects motivations.

U-516. Type 9C details
I had previously purchased a U-516 PE deck from RC Subs and had planned to model this sub in its 1945 condition at surrender but will now put this on a stand with all the extra modifications. In looking at the details further, I noticed the PE AFT deck pattern did not match the photos and realised it had retained the original' slotted deck.
U516 sharper.jpg

I will list below what I have found and match to photos I have attached.

- Launched Dec 1941 - well within the 'slotted deck' period as an early type 9C.
- Constructed by Deutsche Werft AG, Hamburg in their second batch of 12 boats (507-518) 1939-1941.
*first batch included U-505 in 1939 - I will come back to this.
shipyard DW AG Hamberg.JPGU516 history.JPG
- The 1945 version has had the tower upgraded to Turm 4, the deck modified to a Fast Dive config. and a snorkel fitted. The deck appears to be planked all the way to the triangular steel section at the front, unlike U-190 the only other slotted deck Type 9 upgraded to a FDD. U-190 has a section left slotted just prior to the steel triangle.
u516 IMAGE 3.jpg
- Fitting of the Fast Dive Deck (FDD) has resulted in the forward section replaced from 'Slotted' to 'Plank'.
- Applying the thinking of shipyards not replacing the entire deck pattern for snorkels and such, I figured the rear deck , behind the tower, would not have been been changed unnecessarily.
PE PATTERN U505.jpgPE U505.jpg
PE U516.jpgPE U516b.jpg
- The final aspect that has 'clinched it' for me is the deck rails between the torpedo storage covers and the centre hatch pattern on the rear deck, which differs a lot from the later 'planked' pattern.
u516 IMAGE 1.jpg

This image above clearly shows the rails and the spacers between the hatches as for an early slotted deck pattern(see PE for U-505).
u516 IMAGE 4.jpgu516 IMAGE 4a.jpg
This image shows the distinct pattern of 2 slots in the decking, next to the centre mounted slotted hatch and can be seen as well as the slotted directly aft - these do not appear on a 'planked 'deck pattern (see PE images and 868 image below).
u868 image 5.jpg
-The lifeboat hatch covers may well be the later version and I will be modeling the deck detail like this.
In the initial photo you can also see that the original slotted pattern deck is retained right along the side of the tower as well like on U-190 below....
1.JPG
So this all amounts to a very unique boat with a forward FDD and planked construction back to the tower, with an early slotted aft deck section.

The other reason for this interest being the RC Subs PE for U-516 has a late model 'planked' rear deck configuration, which I think should be in the earlier U-505 config.[which I also have the PE deck for - see images for RC Subs and compare].
I plan to mix the two PE sets to create a more accurate model as I have not used the rear PE deck on U-505. I can then cut out the Life raft container doors and use the late versions from the u-516 PE.
I have based the pattern conclusions on photos and the PE patterns from RC Subs as I feel he provides an accurate set but has just missed this peculiar aspect of the boat.
 
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*U-Boat build list updated. Just click on the image at the very top of the page for the final list.
I know it's long and it seems 'undoable' but I am actually quite committed to this project in interest/passion , willingness to complete and financially, having purchased all the neccessary models and extras. Research in detail is probably 75% and I have already started planning out the article / book layout in parts.
* As an update to this U-516 research, I was given a mention in Dougie Martindale's publication on the Type 9 U-boat for my technical discussions and help on U-516. I highly recommend this free download as it's the most highly detailed and accurate technical study of the Type 9 done to date and is made for uboat modellers. Every technical detail change on the external features of Type 9A,B and C's is discussed and studied - a must have if you want to nodel any of the type 9's correctly and accurately.
It's been my Bible for my builds and will be heavily referenced in the Uboat model book.
You can get it it here:

AMP - Accurate Model Parts

Scale Model Parts
amp.rokket.biz
THIS SITE IS NOW DEFUNCT BUT THE SAME LIST CAN BE SOURCED HERE :
Just scroll down the page until you get to this
doc_cov_type_IX_mods.jpg
 
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Now why couldn't I find pics like this when I was doing my gun deck? Sheesh! My searching techniques need some fine tuning, I recon.
 
The idea in more detail- I have been working further on planing the finer details of each part of my U-Boat model book. These are my thoughts below............
The intent is to offer a concise reference source for U-Boat modellers that has detailed info on variations of builds per type and year, technical illustrations (to make it clear) and interesting subjects, that provide a broad range of varied details as the war progressed, plus color profiles, all matched with finished models as examples for other modellers.
I also want to throw in some fold-out art works of Uboats as well, for a special limited edition that encompasses all the parts in one volume.
The Idea
Intro
- U9 1915 (1 build) part of part 1
  1. 39 - 41(inclusive) - The Early Years (4 builds - 1 Diorama, 4 on stands)
  2. 42 - 43 (Part 1) - The Game Changes (3 builds - 1 diorama, 2on stands)
  3. 43 - 44 (Part 2) - On the Defensive(4 builds - all on stands)
  4. 44 - 45 - New Weapons(5 builds - 2 dioramas, 3 on stands)
  5. 1945 (Part 1) - The Fall (6 builds - 1 large diorama, 3 on stands)
  6. ),1945 (Part 2) - The End Twighlight of the Gods (5 builds- 2 Dioramas, 2 on stands)
A one stop shop but with the dryness of a technical document balanced with an artistic touch.

I have begun to incorporate my work here into my website (3DBATTLEART) with Part 1 of the journey completed. This is basically my First 2 U-Boat models completed and the creative idea behind what led me to the major project I am attempting now. Much of part 1 is my Completed build of the Type 7C/41 that I have listed here but if you interested in following along you can read the blog post here:

I am currently working on Part 2 which is dealing with the research, creation of the idea and the materials (models) needed. This should be completed in the next week or so. I plan to lay the whole project out as it develops through my blog on threedbattleart.com but will still be posting my progress here on each build under silent running.
 
That's a pretty extensive info site ya got there Ian, thanks for the link! Good idea on the book, btw. I would love to get my hands on a copy when ready.
 
That's a pretty extensive info site ya got there Ian, thanks for the link! Good idea on the book, btw. I would love to get my hands on a copy when ready.
Thanks Steve, I am trying to use my website more, as I have been ignoring it over the last year. I hope I can make some major progress on this project this year. I just got another early 7C off Ebay at a good price, so that just about completes everything I needed. Just need another 9C/40 for a late war 9D2 but that can wait until I spot a good deal as it will be one of my last builds. :hmm:
By the time this is all done I won't be building another sub again I think.
This first dio (U-505) has been too long in the making but has been my fact finder on all the PE, brass & plastic stuff. The final learning will be on the experimental ocean approach. This dio should teach me all I need to know about every factor involved in building and painting the subjects for this project, so that should mean much quicker times ahead.
I also picked the hardest dio to do first up - Trial by Fire! :blink
 
I understand what you're saying, Ian. I'm scaling back on the size of my dios, they take way longer than I ever expect and I like to avoid subject burn-out. The only reason I finish them is because I'm anal retentive and hate something left undone.

Ruck On, I say, Ruck On!
 
Very cool Ian. I am finding this so interesting. I can't wait for when you publish the book, will definately be in for one.
James
 
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