| HISTORY |
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According to the German language
version of Wikipedia, "The German Kriegsfischkutter (KFK for short)
were boats according to a design for small auxiliary warships of the German
Navy in the Second World War. They were deployed in the outpost and security
service on the coasts, in submarine hunting flotillas and in the post-war
period for mine clearance and fishing."
For more on the history on
German
Kriegsfischkutters, check out this blog post from the website
"Inch High Guy" here.
There is also some information on these boats on Revell's blog, here.
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| The
Special Navy Kriegsfischkutter
A look at Scalemates shows that this newly released
(2025) kit is not the first model of a Kriegsfischkutter. Previous
releases vary from 1/700 from HP models, to 1/350 From ICM and 1/144 from
Revell, among others. This does, however, appear to be the first
1/72 injection molded kit of this interesting little "War Trawler".
The model comes in a large box with art work of a Kriegsfischkutter working
close to shore along some German occupied land. Inside the box are
ten sprues, decals and instructions. All the parts, with the exception
of Sprue A - the hull - are sealed in a plastic bag. |
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| SPRUE
A - THE HULL |
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| This sprue contains the two sides
of the hull. The hull seems to scale out spot on in both length and
beam. These were wooden boats, and the outside of the hull reflects
that, with engraved planking detail. The planking above the level
of the main deck, on both the outside and inside of the hull, is of a different
pattern. These same bulkheads have open scuppers, while the hawseholes
are curiously molded closed. There is also a recessed line on the inside
of the hull, for those who may wish to waterline their model. |
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| SPRUE
B - DECK |
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| This sprue is the one piece main deck.
It has individual planking detail, which has a wood grain like pattern
on the deck. There is raised details include, to facilitate the placement
of the deckhouse, hatches, depth charges on other equipment. |
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| SPRUE
C |
| This sprue has various
small deck hatches. There is nice planking detail on the parts. |
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| SPRUE
D |
| Here we find the
larger pilothouse parts, more hatch covers, a square raft and ships wheel. |
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| SPRUE
E |
| The gun platform
attached to the pilothouse, rails, another raft, and winch parts are on
this sprue. |
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| SPRUE
F |
| The main/bow gun
platform, rubber, props, more rails and depth charge racks are here. |
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| SPRUE
G |
| The stand for the
model, along with a nameplate, are on this sprue. |
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| SPRUE
H |
| Here you'll find
paravanes, weapons, depth charges. |
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| SPRUE
I |
| These are the clear
parts for the pilot house windows. |
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| SPRUE
J |
| This sprue has the
small focsle deck, the mast and stanchions for railings. |
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| DECALS |
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| There is a small decal sheet included
with the kit, consisting the Kriegsmarine ensign, minus the swastika.
There are also hull numbers and some smaller decals included on the sheet.
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| INSTRUCTIONS |
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| The instructions are a large, 20 page
color booklet, printed on glossy stock. Along with a history of the
Kriegsfischkutter, included are a parts manifest and exploded view diagrams
spanning seventy-eight (yes, 78) steps. The last page has a small
color painting diagram. You'll have to pay attention as you go along
in regards to painting - those are called out in the instructions as a
letter next to a small paint drop. |
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| CONCLUSIONS |
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| This is a nicely molded and interesting
model. It's large scale may be welcome to older modelers, or modelers
who don't usually build ships, but want to do something nautical. I've
seen a few of these being built on various online forums, and they look
pretty nice when completed. Special Navy also advertises for masks
and other accessories in the instructions, so super detailers will have
an opportunity to dress this kit up. Recommended, especially for
those looking for something a little different on their workbench.
This Special Navy's 1:72 Kriegsfischkutter WW2
German Patrol and Minesweeper Ship, kit number SPN72007. It retails
for $92.99 USD, and is available through Squadron
Hobbies, who I'd like to thank for this review sample. |
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