This is Italeri’s 1:35 “Biber” (Beaver) mini-sub.
This was a very simple, straightforward kit with good fit, and a very modest parts count. Italeri gives you a photo-etch fret, a small sheet of pre-cut acetate for the windows, and a small decal sheet with markings for three units (one including a choice of four hull numbers). There are also two standing crew figures in formal uniforms, which would be suitable for posing next to the sub as seen in the box art, but not seated in it. I think the kit makes good use of photo-etch, mostly for the small angle brackets which brace the torpedoes to the sides of the hull.
This was built OOB. In the last photos I placed it on Italeri’s dock set with their “Maiale” manned torpedo. It may not be a historically realistic scene, but I think they go well together!
Probably not, but I had a good time with it anyway. And I wanted a strong contrast between the torpedoes which would be one-use, and the sub which would be multi-use, at least in theory.
