1:35 SCHNELLBOOT IS THE BIGGEST PLASTIC KIT IN THE WORLD, SAYS ITALERI

The general enormousness of this metre-long kit makes SMN disinclined to argue with that claim! And it certainly leaves 1:72 offerings from Revell and Airfix far behind in its wake.

The World War 2 Schnellboot (the name means ‘fast boat’, also known to Allied forces, as an ‘enemy’ or E-boat) is becoming widely available, at a typical price around £90.00 GBP ($143 USD). This is a fairly gulp-making outlay, but does seem fair value for such a huge kit. There’s a good review of the mighty craft from Kyle Bodily here.

Meantime in the UK, work has already started on restoring the S130 (bottom picture), reckoned to be the last surviving Schnellboot. As planned, it’s a full-on restoration to German Navy operational spec, including engines and armament.

You can follow the progress of the restoration company, Roving Commissions, here.

Model stores and online sellers that stock the Schnellboot, include Model Hobbies here.