Scale: 1:50
Length: 1980 mm
Width: 170 mm
Weight: 35.3 / 38,6 lbs.

The new Engel kit contains a fibreglass hull of an even better quality than the old one was. The surface is smooth and free from scratches.
The timber holes are set about 1 mm into the hull so that it's much easier to make them look acurately compared to the former hull. The planking of the deck is engraved to the upper hull and better made than it could be done by hand. The conning tower is made from resin parts so as are the fittings. The kit includes a 4''50 gun, two 20 mm Oerlikon Anti-Aircraft guns and a 40 mm Bofors. The fittings are detailed enough for the most model builders and are close to the originals, those who want super-scaled guns will probably find diverse photo etched details on the market to improve them.
The piston tank system is still the good old and reliable "System Preisenhammer". The Gato Class kit is equipped with two 750ml-tanks which allow the boat to have an impressive look on the surface as well as a good dive performance.
Also the drives are the well known ones from the old kit, they have enough power to make the boat move quickly enough for the average sub model skipper.

My personal opinion of the kit is that Engel has done a real good job. On one hand he is very close to the original SS-212 fleetsub and on the other hand he leaves open to the model builder to give the boat an individual style.

model built by Gerhard Gasch
photos by Gerhard Gasch, Matthias Ahrens

For further information visit Engel-Modellbau, the company offers good service in delivering kits or parts and in answering emails, too.