Revell - German Submarine Type VII C-41 1:72 Scale

Revell German Submarine Type VII C/41 — 1:72 Scale Model Kit

Developed as an improved version of the widely produced Type VII C, the German Type VII C/41 U-boat incorporated structural refinements and enhanced anti-aircraft defenses to meet the changing demands of the Battle of the Atlantic.

Revell recreates this historic submarine as a highly detailed 1:72 scale plastic model kit, featuring 832 parts, a detailed hull, an Atlantic bow, a wooden-effect deck, a large winter garden on the conning tower, a movable snorkel mast, retractable periscopes, and detailed anti-aircraft weapons. With its impressive dimensions and extensive technical details, this kit offers a challenging building project for experienced modelers and naval history enthusiasts.

The German Submarine Type VII C/41

The Type VII C/41 was an improved development of the German Type VII C submarine, the most widely produced submarine class used by Germany during World War II. These vessels were designed primarily for operations against Allied merchant shipping and naval forces in the Atlantic.

By 1943, the strategic situation in the Battle of the Atlantic had changed considerably. Allied convoy protection, improved radar, long-range patrol aircraft, and specialized anti-submarine forces made submarine operations increasingly dangerous for German crews.

The Type VII C/41 incorporated structural improvements and modifications intended to improve operational capabilities. One important development was the use of stronger steel, which allowed the submarines to reach greater diving depths under appropriate operating conditions.

The C/41 variant also featured an enlarged conning tower platform known as the large winter garden, providing additional space for anti-aircraft weapons. The class represents an important stage in the evolution of German submarine design during the later years of the war.

Despite these improvements, the growing effectiveness of Allied anti-submarine warfare increasingly limited the effectiveness of German U-boat operations. The Type VII C/41 remains a significant subject for historians and collectors interested in the naval technology of World War II.

Impressive 1:72 Scale Dimensions

Revell's 1:72 scale reproduction captures the elongated shape and technical features of the Type VII C/41, providing enough room to represent its hull, conning tower, weapons, deck fittings, and other structural elements in detail.

Measuring approximately 93.4 cm (36.8 inches) long, the completed model makes a substantial display piece. Its long pressure hull, distinctive conning tower, bow, and stern create the recognizable profile of a World War II German submarine.

The large scale also allows modelers to work on smaller features, including the rivets, welded seams, flood openings, periscopes, and anti-aircraft weapons.

With its extensive parts count and detailed construction, this kit is particularly appealing to builders who enjoy large naval models and projects that reward careful assembly and painting.

Detailed Hull and Atlantic Bow

The submarine's hull was central to its performance, protecting the crew and machinery while allowing the vessel to operate both on the surface and underwater. Its exterior also incorporated openings and structural features necessary for controlling buoyancy and managing water flow.

Revell reproduces the Type VII C/41 with a highly detailed hull, including representations of rivets, welded seams, and flood openings. These details help recreate the industrial construction of the original submarine.

The kit also features an Atlantic bow, a modified bow design associated with the later development of the Type VII submarine family.

Careful assembly and painting can emphasize the hull's surface details and the contrast between the upper deck, lower hull, and surrounding structural elements.

Detailed Conning Tower and Large Winter Garden

The conning tower was one of the most recognizable parts of a German U-boat. It contained the bridge and observation positions used by the crew when operating on the surface.

On the Type VII C/41, the tower incorporated the large winter garden, an enlarged platform that accommodated additional anti-aircraft defenses.

Revell reproduces this distinctive configuration with a detailed conning tower and railing components, helping recreate the submarine's characteristic silhouette.

The tower's additional structures and weapon positions make it one of the most visually detailed areas of the completed model. Precise assembly and careful painting can further enhance the realism of this section.

Wooden-Effect Deck and Pressure Vessels

The deck of a submarine contained equipment and structural elements required for surface operations, maintenance, and access to various systems. On the Type VII C/41, the upper deck also incorporated external fittings associated with the submarine's operational configuration.

Revell includes a self-adhesive wooden-effect deck, designed to provide an authentic appearance without requiring every deck plank to be painted individually.

The kit also features representations of four pressure vessels mounted on the upper deck, adding further detail to the submarine's exterior.

Combined with the detailed hull and conning tower, these elements help create a convincing representation of the Type VII C/41 and give modelers opportunities to refine the finish of the completed vessel.

Anti-Aircraft Weapons and Defensive Armament

As Allied aircraft became an increasingly serious threat to German submarines operating on the surface, anti-aircraft defenses became an important feature of later U-boat configurations.

The Type VII C/41 incorporated an enlarged winter garden to accommodate additional weapons. Revell recreates this arrangement with a 20 mm twin anti-aircraft gun on a rotating mount and a highly detailed 3.7 cm anti-aircraft cannon.

These weapons add visual interest to the conning tower and help distinguish the C/41 variant from earlier submarine configurations.

Careful assembly of the weapon mounts, barrels, and supporting structures can significantly enhance the model's overall appearance.

Movable Snorkel Mast and Retractable Periscopes

One of the important developments in later submarine operations was the snorkel, a device that allowed a submerged submarine to draw in air for its diesel engines and discharge exhaust gases while operating at shallow depth.

The Type VII C/41 featured a snorkel mast that could be raised for use and lowered when not required. This equipment helped reduce the need for prolonged surface operation, although snorkel use still involved operational limitations.

Revell includes a movable snorkel mast, allowing builders to represent this feature in different positions.

The kit also includes periscopes that can be extended and retracted, adding another functional detail to the model.

Together, these components illustrate how submarine technology evolved in response to the changing tactical conditions of the Battle of the Atlantic.

Propellers, Steering System, and Additional Details

A submarine's ability to maneuver depended on its propulsion and steering systems. Propellers provided thrust, while the control surfaces helped the vessel change direction and manage its movement through the water.

Revell includes detailed representations of the ship's propellers and steering system, adding technical depth to the completed model.

Additional fittings, deck components, and structural details help reproduce the appearance of a working military submarine rather than a simplified representation.

With 832 parts, the kit offers numerous opportunities for careful assembly, surface finishing, and detailed painting. These elements make the model particularly suitable for enthusiasts who enjoy technically complex naval subjects.

Decals and Historical U-Boat Markings

Historical markings help identify individual submarines and their operational affiliations. Although the Type VII C/41 shared a common design, individual vessels served with different flotillas and operated from various bases during the later years of World War II.

Revell includes decals for several historical submarines, allowing builders to select from multiple finishing options.

The supplied decal options include U-997, U-995, U-295, U-324, U-307, U-1023, U-1002, and U-1105.

The kit also includes a paper flag board, rigging thread, photo-etched parts, and sturdy metal tubes to complement the plastic components.

Careful decal application and painting can help create a convincing historical presentation. Modelers may also choose to add subtle weathering to reproduce the effects of prolonged exposure to seawater and operational use.

The Type VII C/41 in the Battle of the Atlantic

The Battle of the Atlantic was one of the longest-running campaigns of World War II. German U-boats attempted to disrupt the supply routes connecting North America and Britain, targeting merchant shipping carrying food, fuel, equipment, and military supplies.

Early in the war, German submarines achieved considerable success against Allied shipping. However, improvements in convoy tactics, intelligence, radar, sonar, escort vessels, and long-range aircraft increasingly challenged U-boat operations.

By the time the Type VII C/41 entered service in significant numbers, the operational environment had become far more dangerous. Its improved structural features and additional anti-aircraft weapons reflected the German Navy's attempts to adapt to these changing conditions.

The snorkel was another important development in submarine warfare, reducing the need to operate fully surfaced when running diesel engines. Nevertheless, it did not eliminate the risks posed by Allied detection and anti-submarine forces.

The Type VII C/41 therefore represents both the engineering development of German submarines and the increasing technological pressure faced by U-boat crews during the final years of the Battle of the Atlantic.

Level 5 Model Kit

The Revell German Submarine Type VII C/41 is rated Level 5, making it best suited to experienced modelers who are comfortable with complex assembly, detailed painting, and the careful placement of small components.

The kit contains 832 parts and builds into a model approximately 93.4 cm long. Its large scale, detailed hull, conning tower, weapon systems, and movable components make it a demanding and rewarding project.

The package includes the unassembled plastic model kit, illustrated multilingual assembly instructions, decals, a paper flag board, rigging thread, photo-etched parts, metal tubes, and a self-adhesive wooden-effect deck.

The kit is recommended for modelers aged 13 and older. Paint, glue, and modeling tools may be required and should be purchased separately unless specifically included by the retailer.

A Historic Submarine for Your Collection

The Revell German Submarine Type VII C/41 1:72 Scale Model Kit combines historical significance with an extensive range of technical details, recreating one of the most important submarine designs used by Germany during World War II.

Its detailed hull, large winter garden, anti-aircraft weapons, movable snorkel mast, retractable periscopes, and wooden-effect deck make it an engaging project for experienced builders and collectors of historic military vessels.

Whether displayed alongside other World War II submarines, historic warships, or a collection of naval models, the Type VII C/41 offers an impressive combination of size, engineering detail, and historical interest.

Bring a significant chapter of submarine history to your collection with this detailed Revell model kit, recreating a vessel that reflects the technological developments and operational challenges of the Battle of the Atlantic.

Kit Features

• 1:72 scale

• Revell model kit, item number 051639090

• Level 5 difficulty rating

• Recommended for ages 13+

• 832 plastic parts

• German Submarine Type VII C/41 design

• Detailed hull with rivets, welded seams, and flood openings

• Atlantic bow

• Detailed conning tower with large winter garden

• Conning tower railing

• Self-adhesive wooden-effect deck

• Four pressure vessels represented on the upper deck

• Movable snorkel mast

• Retractable periscopes

• 20 mm twin anti-aircraft gun on a rotating mount

• Detailed 3.7 cm anti-aircraft cannon

• Detailed propellers and steering system

• Photo-etched parts included

• Metal tubes included

• Rigging thread included

• Decals for U-997, U-995, U-295, U-324, U-307, U-1023, U-1002, and U-1105

• Paper flag board included

• Illustrated, multilingual assembly instructions

• Finished length approximately 93.4 cm (36.8 inches)

Bring one of the most important submarine designs of World War II to your collection with the Revell German Submarine Type VII C/41 1:72 Scale Model Kit. Featuring 832 parts, a detailed hull, a large winter garden, anti-aircraft weapons, a movable