1:56 DAS BOOT U96 - Brick System

REV850960

If you’re looking for a model building project that combines history, film culture, and craftsmanship, then the submarine “Das Boot” from the Revell Brick System might be just right for you.

This monumental construction with its 6,483 parts is far more than just another interlocking brick building kit.

It’s a tribute to one of the most significant German films of all time and simultaneously a detailed replica of a fascinating chapter in naval history.

The original, the U-96, was a German submarine Type VII C that was deployed between 1940 and 1945 during World War II. This boat class formed the backbone of the German submarine force and was known for its robust construction and operational capability under extreme conditions. The U-96 itself completed eleven war patrols and sank numerous Allied ships before being destroyed by a bombing raid in Wilhelmshaven in March 1945.
What truly made the U-96 immortal, however, was not its military record but its literary and cinematic treatment. Lothar-Günther Buchheim, who himself served as a war correspondent on several submarine missions, including on the U-96, wrote his autobiographically influenced novel “Das Boot” in 1973.

The Revell Brick System Building Kit in Detail

But now to the actual highlight for all model builders among you: the Revell Brick System building kit of the U-96. With a scale of 1:56 and a finished length of an impressive 120 centimeters, this model is a real eye-catcher. The 6,483 interlocking bricks are high-quality processed and precisely manufactured, ensuring stability and easy handling.

Particularly noteworthy is that all parts are already printed. So you don’t have to apply stickers or paint afterwards, which makes the build significantly more pleasant. The multi-colored bricks enable a realistic representation, and the illustrated assembly instructions guide you step by step through the construction. Calculate about 16 to 25 hours of pure building time, depending on how familiar you are with interlocking bricks.

A real highlight is the fact that the submarine is not only detailed on the outside but also the interior has been lovingly replicated. The side panels can be opened so you can look into the various areas of the boat. From the command post to the torpedo rooms to small details like the two toilets, everything is present. The gray cover plates on the deck can be removed or replaced as needed, depending on whether you want to show the interior or not.

The model is modularly constructed. You can disassemble it into six to seven individual sections, making both transport and presentation more flexible. Each section can be displayed on its own, or you can assemble everything into a complete boat. The included display stand ensures a worthy presentation of your masterpiece.

Functional Details and Play Value

Even though it’s primarily a display model, some movable elements have been incorporated. The torpedo hatches can be opened, various doors are functional, and you’ll even find movable wheels on the locking mechanisms. With a weight of about five to six kilograms, the finished model is quite manageable, though not exactly lightweight.
As a special extra, the set includes an authentic reproduction of the famous film poster in A3 format. This makes the package a complete collector’s item and perfectly rounds off the overall experience. The official licensing through “Das Boot” guarantees authenticity and makes the model a must-have for fans of the film.

Who Is This Model Suitable For?

With an age recommendation from 18 years, this building kit is clearly aimed at adult model builders and ambitious hobbyists. The sheer number of parts and the complexity of the construction require patience, spatial imagination, and a certain frustration tolerance, especially when it comes to distinguishing between the many gray bricks.
For submarine enthusiasts, this model is an absolute dream. You can watch the film or series during the build and really immerse yourself in the atmosphere. Fans of interlocking bricks looking for a new challenge will find a project here that is both technically demanding and aesthetically impressive.

For history enthusiasts, the build also offers special appeal. While you assemble the model, you learn about the functionality and construction of a World War II submarine. The detailed replica makes clear how cramped and functional these vessels were designed.