ICM 1/72 scale U-Boat type ‘Molch’ plastic model kit review
Simple, well-molded build of a unique SUBject
Kit:S.019
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Scale:1/72
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Price:$33
Manufacturer:ICM (Sample courtesy of manufacturer)
Pros:
Low parts count; straightforward build; unique subject matter
Cons:
The base is a bit narrow
Comments:
Injection-molded plastic (gray, clear); 34 parts; decals
The Molch was a one-man, midget submarine mass-produced for a special sabotage formation during World War II. Submarine engineers in late-war Germany created the Molch while trying to come up with something stealthy enough to be used by minimally trained crews to stem the turning tide of the war. The result was catastrophic for the special sabotage units.
The ICM 1/72 scale U-Boat type “Molch” plastic model kit includes two different hatches, an interior for the pilot, and markings for one training, two operational, and one museum piece.
Because I chose to model an operational submarine, I painted the interior pieces and the inner walls of the hull first and then painted the outer hull Tamiya German Gray (No. XF-63). I glued the small windows in place and then assembled and installed the interior. The hull seams were very close, so no undue sanding or filling was required.
Then I glued the periscope and hull halves together. I followed by assembling the propeller and painting it Tamiya Medium Gray (No. XF-20).
I checked the alignment of the torpedo rails and stabilizer after I glued them in place. With that complete, I glued the torpedoes together. The seams on these parts were just as good as the hull. I painted the warhead Tamiya NATO Black (No. XF-69) and the body Tamiya Chrome Silver (No. X-11). I shaded the torpedo with a light spray of NATO Black to show some tarnish starting. As an added touch, I painted the propellers, contact fuses, and base Revell Metallic Brass (No. 36192).
I used poster putty to mask the Tamiya German Gray and the windows and then airbrushed Tamiya Medium Gray over the hull and masks. After the paint dried, I removed the putty.
Final assembly involved installing the torpedoes and base to the submarine. The decals went down without assistance.
It took me eight hours to build this little gem. With only 34 parts, the ICM 1/72 scale U-Boat type “Molch” plastic model kit is a simple build that comes together nicely when painted.