Type IX U-boats - reference photos

[JWLaRue]

..okay, let's start another section on references. This time for the Type IX class of U-boats.

What follows are nine scans of the Fritz Kohl plans for this class. These were originally scanned at a much higher resolution, but have been reduced to fit the upload limits of ImageShack.

[gerwalk]

U-124

U-214 “Edelweiss”
Type IXb

I’m trying to figure out the paint scheme and configuration of this boat during its career. I was gathering photos and data in order to do so. I’m posting this here to share my findings and to ask for help on this particular subject.

I will follow a chronological order but in many cases I’m not sure about the actual date of the photos.

These are supposedly from U-124 but I couldn’t date them yet. Judging from the presence of the net cutter I think they are from early war operations. The boat was commissioned on 11th Jun 1940. Looks like overall light grey:

http://img243.imageshack.us/my.php?imag ... xbsux6.jpg

http://img180.imageshack.us/my.php?imag ... 443ul5.jpg
Dark (black) net cutter(?)

http://img456.imageshack.us/my.php?imag ... 140vj8.jpg

Heavily weathered hull and lifesavers from victims on the side of conning tower (?)

I couldn’t find a reference on this photo but judging from the number of pennants (11 or 12?) it could be from the return from the fourth patrol (23.02.1941 - 01.05.1941)
http://img165.imageshack.us/my.php?imag ... 643ej3.jpg

Famous photo of U-124 returning to Lorient. The references I’ve found indicates “fall 1941”. The number of pennants (6) and the presence of the frog emblem are consistent with the return from the sixth patrol (16.09.1941 - 01.10.1941), the first with Johann Mohr in command (that explains the frog emblem)
http://img275.imageshack.us/my.php?imag ... entew9.jpg

A number of details can be obtained from this photo]http://img276.imageshack.us/my.php?imag ... issxp0.jpg[/url]

This photo shows the starboard side of the CT. The edelweiss emblem is also painted on a background color different from the CT paint. In this case the background looks darker than the CT. I’m not sure if this photo is from the same time from the photo above.


Return from the seventh patrol (30.10.1941 - 29.12.1941).
Two pennants]http://img242.imageshack.us/my.php?imag ... to2gy8.jpg[/url]
http://img285.imageshack.us/my.php?imag ... hocwg5.jpg

1. The sail looks lighter than in the photo from the sixth patrol.
2. The paint looks weathered.
3. Compass casing painted black (dark grey?)
4. Central deflector painted black (dark grey?)
5. No frog emblem and no background color for the edelweiss (?)

This photo seems to be from that patrol too (rendezvous with Phyton, Nov. 1941?)]http://img440.imageshack.us/my.php?imag ... hontv9.jpg[/url]

Note the absence of the net cutter

Again no date associated to this photo but it could be from the same time as the previous one]http://img254.imageshack.us/my.php?imag ... rewxe6.jpg[/url]

I don’t thing that the different shades are camouflage but corrosion and weathered paint.
Not sure what is the function of the extension of the hand rail.

This photo shows the starboard side of the sail. The color scheme is similar to the one on the previous photos. I can't figure out the actual number of pennants (seems higher than four) Again]http://img154.imageshack.us/my.php?imag ... 587gf2.jpg[/url]

Well these are the most significant photos I’ve found and my personal interpretation on them. If you have any comments, corrections or additional info please post them here

[JWLaRue]

Hi Pablo,

I would say that

Hi Pablo,

I would say that those photos that show mission-specific details like the pennants and scavenged items like the life rings are the best way to date a given photo.....you've definitely done that very nicely!

You've also seeing the challenge we have in trying to date most of the photos that are available.

Even though I haven't printed out the photos with the edelweis on the tower, I'm wondering if a side-by-side comparision of them could show some sort of order based on age, weathering, and re-painting (changes). It would be an interesting exercise.

-Jeff

[gerwalk]

Hi Pablo,

I would say that

Hi Pablo,

I would say that those photos that show mission-specific details like the pennants and scavenged items like the life rings are the best way to date a given photo.....you've definitely done that very nicely!

You've also seeing the challenge we have in trying to date most of the photos that are available.

Even though I haven't printed out the photos with the edelweis on the tower, I'm wondering if a side-by-side comparision of them could show some sort of order based on age, weathering, and re-painting (changes). It would be an interesting exercise.

-Jeff

Jeff,
this is my first attempt on doing such a research on u-boats. It's quite a challenge to date those photos. Found this one browsing in subsim forums][/url]

This one is clearly dated: 11.3.42
That means U-124 eighth patrol. (the cruiser is Admiral Scheer)

[raalst]

found this one, not sure

found this one, not sure how long it will be available

[anonymous]

Here some more

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o205/gantu/u-889-capture1.jpg
http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o205/gantu/zgesch1e.jpg
http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o205/gantu/u166conningtower.jpg
http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o20

Here some more








Gantu

[JWLaRue]

I especially like the one

I especially like the one with the raised schnorkel!

-Jeff

[pier 72]

Type IX D2 Uboats???

High guys. I'm currently building an Engel 1:45 scale Type IX D2 Uboat and I'm after some photos of these boats so that I can decide on a configuration and pendant number. Any advice?

This is the Type VIIC/41 I've finished with Engel Ballast tank and APC, U-1008

[/url]

[mylo]

Pier,

What a great looking

Pier,

What a great looking VIIc/41. What scale is it ? 1/32 ?

Mylo.......lover of all things U-Boat.

[pier 72]

Thank you. I'm rather proud

Thank you. I'm rather proud of that one.
It's a Robbe, 1:40 scale U47 kit that I converted with a new coning tower & decks from Dream Arts in Germany.

[mylo]

TARGET VESSEL 12' O CLOCK

TARGET VESSEL 12' O CLOCK !!! ....RANGE.....3 metres. (2nd photo).

Mylo

[pier 72]

Type IX

Mylo,

Here's a look at how my Type IX D2 (now named U-861) is looking at the moment. The ballast tanks should be arriving this week.

[mylo]

Thanks for the pics.

Are

Thanks for the pics.

Are those two boats the same scale ?

Fantastic !!

Get that IX in the water for some pics.

Mylo

[pier 72]

Type IX D2

Mylo,

Not quite the same scale.
The one in front, U-861 (Type IX D2) is 1:45 scale.
The one behind it, U-1008 (Type VIIC/41) is 1:40 scale.
Not much scale difference to the eye as the Type IXs were a fair bit bigger than the Type VIIs. I am trying to locate crew figures for the Type IX though. Would you know where I might find 1:45 or 1:48 scale German tank crew or naval figures, at all??????

I fitted the deck rails & stanchions today.

Can't get her wet until I fit the ballast tanks and electronics. They should arrive later this week...............hopefully!!!!!!!!!!

[pier 72]

Type IX D2 detailing

Here, I've glued down a few thin plastic strips to simulate the large, timber deck hatches that run along the top edges of the sub.


Almost complete........


Gluing is complete.........


Now I'll paint them all black then lightly brush over a timber colour......