by Ralf Roggeveen
1/350 UB-1 (U-boat Laboratorium)
The UB coastal class of U-boat was a design for a small (14 man) submarine dating from 1914. In the First World War several were transported by rail to Antwerp in occupied Belgium and down to Pola, Adriatic headquarters of the Austro-Hungarian navy. Some fought under the Hapsburg and Ottoman Turkish ensigns, and at least one was operated by another German ally, Bulgaria. It was armed with two 457mm/18 inch torpedoes and could reach a surface speed of 6.5 knots (5.5 submerged).
This stunning model by U-boat laboratorium of St Petersberg is only 8cm or just over 3 inches long. Hull and conning tower are superbly moulded as one piece and there are separate resin torpedo tube covers to attach. All other rails, the propellor, rudders, tripod MG and radio cables are included as photoetch. The periscope is moulded brass rod of the finest quality, though I had to use the flat PE aerial mast (part 19), sadly not getting the more solid (part 26) version. Only cables and the flag had to be added. I made my own base, but you can buy one specially produced for this model from the manufacturer.
This is presented as the type original UB-1 which fought in the Adriatic theatre until wrecked and scrapped. It might be more accurate to paint her without a waterline, simply in overall grey. Probably the most difficult assembly job is positioning the elliptical conning tower rail; note also that a tiny surface steering column and wheel are provided. In one picture it’s interesting to put the model beside U-35 to the same scale. U-boat laboratorium have set a standard which other resin/photoetch manufacturers will find hard to match; highly recommended.
