Revell 05180 German Submarine Type IX C (U-505) "Platinum Edition" 1:72

800 parts. Nearly 42 inches long. And considerably more detail than most submarines would care to reveal.

Revell's Type IX C U-505 Platinum Edition is a massive 1:72 scale reproduction of one of World War II's most remarkable submarines. At 41.9 inches long, it's a substantial undertaking even before you open the box and discover the 800 individual parts waiting inside.

But the real attraction is what makes this a Platinum Edition.

Revell has gone well beyond the usual injection-molded plastic kit, adding precision photo-etched metal components, metal gun barrels, and a self-adhesive wooden deck for a level of detail normally associated with ambitious aftermarket upgrades.

The hull features finely reproduced rivets, weld seams, flooding openings, and torpedo doors that can be displayed open or closed. The conning tower incorporates detailed platforms, antenna equipment, and anti-aircraft armament.

Retractable periscopes, movable rudders, and carefully reproduced deck fittings complete a model that rewards close inspection.

And at this size, there's plenty to inspect.

A Submarine With an Extraordinary History

Launched in 1941, U-505 served in the Atlantic during World War II. On June 4, 1944, an American hunter-killer task group captured her off the coast of West Africa.

Capturing an enemy submarine at sea, rather than sinking it, was an extraordinary achievement. The Americans secured the vessel along with valuable intelligence material, and the entire operation was initially kept secret.

Today, U-505 survives at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, where visitors can see the actual submarine.

Not many model kits allow you to visit the real thing afterward.

The Platinum Edition Special

800 parts for an exceptionally detailed building experience

Photo-etched metal parts for fine structural details

Self-adhesive wooden deck for a realistic appearance

Metal gun barrels for improved scale accuracy

Detailed hull with rivets, weld seams, flooding slots, and openings

Bow and stern torpedo doors with open or closed display options

Movable rudders and diving planes

Retractable periscopes and detailed antenna equipment

Detailed conning tower with multiple platforms and fittings

Twin 20 mm anti-aircraft guns and 37 mm anti-aircraft cannon

Thread for reproducing antenna rigging

Display stand included

Built for Experienced Modelers

Revell rates this kit Skill Level 5, its highest difficulty category.

With 800 components and a combination of plastic, metal, and wood, this is a project for builders who enjoy careful assembly, precision painting, and advanced detailing.

The finished submarine measures almost three and a half feet long, making it an impressive centerpiece for a naval modeling collection.

You'll need patience, a reasonably large workbench, and eventually somewhere to display it.

The submarine, unfortunately, does not fold.

Kit Specifications

Manufacturer: Revell

Kit Number: 05180

Subject: German Type IX C Submarine (U-505)

Edition: Platinum Edition

Scale: 1:72

Parts: 800

Completed Length: 41.9" (106.3 cm)

Completed Width: 3.7" (9.5 cm)

Completed Height: 8.9" (22.5 cm)

Skill Level: 5 – Advanced

Recommended Age: 13+

Construction: Plastic model kit with photo-etched metal, metal barrels, and wooden deck

Paint and glue sold separately.

One of Revell's most ambitious submarine kits, combining tremendous size, historical significance, and premium detailing.