Lew's Model Boats
is a non-commercial web site. Lew
is a model builder as well as a Civil War living
historian. Views on this web site are opinions of the
author and not driven by any commercial entity.
Opinions are welcome - by contacting Capt'n Lew.        |
| Java Script used on this site (set your browser to Allow Blocked Content). If drop buttons do not appear select the "Contact & Links" button for help. |
Lew's Model of the Schnellboot S32
Wiesel
Status:
This
"Wiesel" is still under construction.
Photos are being added or changed frequently, along with updates on modifying the kit. Below are some photos of "completed to date" items. Even some of these items built several years ago will be modified for correctness, in what seems to be a never ending battle to build an accurate model. The internet has greatly impacted the building of this model, now that photos of the actual Schnellboots are available.
Next I will be working on the deck and hull and building a display case. When this is done, I plan to go back and rebuild the guns, turrets, gun shields, and torpedo tube mounts.
UPDATE:
As of
9-28-08 the main superstructure
consisting if the Pilot House, Engine House,
and Radar Mast (photo above), as well as many other deck
components
are complete. I am working on a document to update the Graupner
kit which will be available on this web site. Anyone wishing
an advanced copy can email me. See "Update the Kit" on this
site. (No cost to my fellow modelers.)
Take note of the Radar mast (above the "Wiesel" nameplate). Wiring cables and conduit, dome suspension system, bolt heads, and even a ship's bell has been added. These have been completely overlooked by virtually all builders of the Graupner kit. The information to do this and the many other changes I have incorporated was taken from research and photographs of the actual ships. Keep in mind, this builder lives in Clearwater, Florida, USA.
Why model a Zobel Class boat?
Years ago I saw this model by Graupner in an issue of "Model Boats" and liked it! When the type 142a modernization came out in the model I "had to have it." I purchased the kit in London and had it shipped to Florida. Years later I decided to finish the kit, but now with the internet and photos of the original boat available, I found the kit had a lot of shortcomings, mainly missing details and being wrong in many places.
But what is the magnetism of the Zobel class boats?
The size of this model is about right in order to have a model that shows numerous details. If you want to build a model about 42-inches (107cm) long, is it better to build a battleship at a smaller scale (about 1:225) or a gunboat like the Wiesel (1:40)?
My preference is the smaller ship, the gunboat. The larger prototype (full sized ship) would have to sacrifice a lot of details (nuts, bolts, etc) whereas the gunboat can have these details to the enjoyment of the viewer. Think of even trying to have figures at 1:225 scale, about model railroad "Z" scale. Its just more realistic and allows the viewer to really look at the model.
Perhaps the most modeled smaller military craft are the WW-II U.S. "PT Boats." The Zobel boats are almost twice the length but still offer the viewer to look at a high speed military boat with torpedoes and open turret guns. The Zobel boats carried an abundance of communication antennas, radar systems, and a washing system for nuclear warfare fallout. The sleek hull contrasts with a odd shaped superstructure that was designed to allow deck space for four torpedo tubes in the early configuration.
Take note of the Radar mast (above the "Wiesel" nameplate). Wiring cables and conduit, dome suspension system, bolt heads, and even a ship's bell has been added. These have been completely overlooked by virtually all builders of the Graupner kit. The information to do this and the many other changes I have incorporated was taken from research and photographs of the actual ships. Keep in mind, this builder lives in Clearwater, Florida, USA.
Why model a Zobel Class boat?
Years ago I saw this model by Graupner in an issue of "Model Boats" and liked it! When the type 142a modernization came out in the model I "had to have it." I purchased the kit in London and had it shipped to Florida. Years later I decided to finish the kit, but now with the internet and photos of the original boat available, I found the kit had a lot of shortcomings, mainly missing details and being wrong in many places.
But what is the magnetism of the Zobel class boats?
The size of this model is about right in order to have a model that shows numerous details. If you want to build a model about 42-inches (107cm) long, is it better to build a battleship at a smaller scale (about 1:225) or a gunboat like the Wiesel (1:40)?
My preference is the smaller ship, the gunboat. The larger prototype (full sized ship) would have to sacrifice a lot of details (nuts, bolts, etc) whereas the gunboat can have these details to the enjoyment of the viewer. Think of even trying to have figures at 1:225 scale, about model railroad "Z" scale. Its just more realistic and allows the viewer to really look at the model.
Perhaps the most modeled smaller military craft are the WW-II U.S. "PT Boats." The Zobel boats are almost twice the length but still offer the viewer to look at a high speed military boat with torpedoes and open turret guns. The Zobel boats carried an abundance of communication antennas, radar systems, and a washing system for nuclear warfare fallout. The sleek hull contrasts with a odd shaped superstructure that was designed to allow deck space for four torpedo tubes in the early configuration.
"It's like a WW-II PT boat
being morphed
with a modern day gunboat."
This site page was updated Oct. 12, 2008
Copyright 2008 Lew's Model Boats - All rights reserved.