German miniature submarine of the Molch type from the WWII period 1:72 ICM S019

Plastic model kit: German miniature submarine type Molch from WWII 1:72 ICM S019

The plastic model kit: German miniature submarine type Molch from World War II in 1:72 scale by ICM (S019) is an excellent proposition for enthusiasts of naval history and modeling. This detailed set allows for the recreation of one of the lesser-known but fascinating elements of German maritime strategy during World War II.

Model features:

• Scale: 1:72
• Manufacturer: ICM
• Catalog number: S019

Markings:

• Miniature submarine "Molch", training unit of the "K" formation (K-Verbände), 1944
• Miniature submarine "Molch", "K" formation (K-Verbände), North Sea, 1945
• Miniature submarine "Molch", "K" formation (K-Verbände), North Sea, 1945
• Miniature submarine "Molch", Military History Museum in Johannesburg, 2000s

History and construction: Molch, which means "newt" or "salamander" in German, was the first miniature submarine created by the Kriegsmarine of the Third Reich. Designed for operations in coastal waters, the Molch was equipped with a single electric motor, which limited its combat capabilities. It could dive to a depth of 60 meters and reach a maximum speed of 5 knots while submerged. The hull consisted of three sections, with space for one crew member in the central part.

The Molch was based on torpedo technology and carried two externally mounted G7e torpedoes on either side of the unit. Completely electric, it was designed for coastal operations with a range of 64 km at a speed of 5 knots. The front of the boat housed a large battery, behind which was the operator's position, followed by the electric motor. The complicated system of tanks made control during combat operations difficult.

The first Molch units were delivered on June 12, 1944, and were built by AG Weser in Bremen. They were first used in the Mediterranean against the Allied operation "Dragoon" in 1944. The submarines were part of the K-Verband 411 flotilla. On the night of September 25, they attacked Allied battleships, losing ten out of twelve units in the flotilla. Soon after, the remaining two were sunk by Allied artillery fire off the coast of Sanremo. Other Molch flotillas were sent to the Netherlands in December 1944, but also did not achieve success. From January to April 1945, the Molch and Biber boats participated in 102 missions, losing seventy units and sinking only seven small ships. Due to the ineffectiveness of the Molch in combat operations, they were later used as training units for more advanced miniature submarines.

Assembly and painting kit. Does not include paints or glue. To assemble, separately sold modeling tools are needed (including cutters, files, tweezers), paints, brushes, and plastic model glue (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement). The photo shows a professionally assembled and painted model.