Military Model Scene

There is a very nice 1/35 kit of the British X-Craft miniature submarine by Merit Models.  Famous for the attack on the Tirpitz in particular, these were also used to help mark the approaches to the beaches on D-Day among the many other clandestine tasks they were used for during WW2.  Their first use involved 6 boats, only two of which actually reached the Tirpitz.  20 of the X-Craft built during WW2 and they carried a crew of 4 (Commander, pilot, engineers and specialist diver).  Armament was 2 side-charges, each with 2 tons of amatol explosive in each one.  The idea was to drop the two charges underneath the target and then allow the submarine itself to escape.
The kit itself is nicely done in a grey plastic.  The two halves of the hull also include the upper decking, which is moulded integrally with the starboard half of the hull. The engraved panel detail is neatly done and the kit is not really a complex one.  The two hatches can be fitted open or closed, though with so little freeboard above the water I guess they were only left open for a minimum time even when surfaced.  The control rods are there for the top and bottom sections of the rudder as well as the horizontal diving plane.  There are also a few small details for the keel which are provided in etch brass.  The side pods are separate parts and there are small detail fittings to go in various places around the boat.  On the top deck there are handholds and the periscope mast so it would I think look good with a standing crew figure holding on while on the surface, perhaps watching t landing craft head in towards the beaches at Normandy.  Options allow for the periscope and the air intake mast to be erected or lowered depending on your choice.  A small display base and nameplate is included.  The colour scheme is a single colour of overall black.  Transfers provide a couple of choices for White Ensign which will do well to be put around a piece of lead foil so you can get support for it and some bend.

There isn't a lot you can do to improve the kit though there is an etch detailing set for it available from Eduard that can add some even finer details.
Good as a display piece by itself, but this will do well in a diorama, and it is also big enough for a motor and radio control gear to be put inside it so you could use it in a boating pond as well.
Merit models are imported to the UK by Pocketbond.

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Robin