Italeri
1/35 Schnellboot S-26/S-38


 

Reviewed by Martin J Quinn
April 2024
Italeri Models has released a new version of Germany's feared S-class torpedo boats. This release (No 5625) allows the modeler to build either S-26 or S-38, with one version having mines, the other depth charges.  According to Italeri's website: 

Between the two wars several Navies undertook development programs to implement flotillas of motor torpedo boats capable of carrying out patrol and attack missions. The new engine technologies, compared to First World War versions, provided greater performance and operational efficiency. During the 1930s the German Kriegsmarine developed the famous S-class motor torpedo boats. Between 1939 and 1940 the S-26 series was built and characterised by a forecastle integrated with two 533 mm torpedo tubes. The aesthetic features of the bow were maintained and further improved in subsequent versions. The S38 was one of the most celebrated Schnellboot versions, with almost 100 units produced. They were 35 meters long with a full load displacement of over 100 tons. With its Daimler Benz 12-cylinder engines it was able to reach a maximum speed of 39.5 knots.
Schnellboot S-26/S-38
The Schnellboot S-26/S-38 is a very large kit, and comes in a BIG BOX.  Upon opening the box you'll find the two hull halves laid upon the rest of the sprues - all of which are enclosed in plastic bags - and a smaller box.  Within the smaller box are the decals, photo-etch, clear parts for the windows, netting, screws and thread. 

SPURE A - HULL
 
The 2-part hull is considered Sprue A.  Being 1/35, its BIG.  What detail there is, is good, but mostly it's a blank canvas.  Regarding the detail, there is some nice rivet detail, and the exhausts look good, though they are molded solid, and not open. 

SPRUE B - AFT DECK
The largest of the two decks - that which lays from the pilot house to the stern - is a separate piece that is considered Sprue B.  Overall, detail is good, though there are some slight model lines forward, close to where the pilot house will sit. 

SPRUE C
Here you'll find the foredeck, the raised deck that goes over the longer, aft deck, struts and shafts and the remaining parts for the hull.  The foredeck has some nice riveting detail, while the deckhouse has hatches for what I presume is the engine room.  The parts for the hull include the "end cap" for aft end of the boat, and an insert that goes on the underside of the hull.  This part has the openings for the rudders and supports for the propeller shafts. 

SPRUE D (X2)
This is the largest sprue in the kit.  The torpedoes (2 halves for each), supports to brace the inside of the hull, parts of the stand, the outboard props, jack-staff, stanchions for the uncovered version of the railings, and other assorted parts are here.   The depth charges have nice details on the the end caps.  I did notice a little bit of flash on the props, where the prop would attach to the shaft.

SPRUE E
There are more parts for the stand, a life ring, the tubes for the bow torpedoes (which are mostly internal), a machine gun and other parts.  Overall, detail is good. 

SPRUE F
The parts for the boat cabin are on this sprue, as well as some decking, doors and large vents.  Again, overall detail is good, especially on the cabin bulkheads.

SPRUE G
Here we have what I think is a binnacle, more parts for the torpedo tubes and deck, the gun for the bow gun tub, rails, ships wheel and the centerline prop. 

SPRUE H
The smallest sprue, with a three part raft, ring for the forward gun and the aft machine gun. 

SPRUE L (X2)
The two part mines, optional canvas covered railings and other small parts are here.  The mines have good detail and the "canvas" has texture to it.  The chains on the railings are especially well done for injection molded plastic. 

CLEAR SHEET
There is a small sheet of thin, clear plastic, which has the windows for the pilot house. 

PHOTO-ETCH
A small photo-etch set, with relief etching, in included.   Among the parts on the fret are parts for the outside of the pilothouse widows. Given the scale of the model, the photo-etch is on the thicker side. 

DECAL
There is one small decal sheet included.  There are decals for the stand, alternate markings for the different versions offered in the box, dials for the gauges on the instrument panel and the Kriegsmarine ensign, minus the swastika. 

MISCELLANEOUS PARTS
A small plastic bag with thread and screws round out the box.   The thread - in two colors - is for the rigging.  The screws are used to secure the internal support to the hull. 

INSTRUCTIONS
A large 70 page booklet, printed on heavy glossy paper is included. It contains a parts manifest and exploded views, outlining the assembly.  They look compressive and pretty easy to follow. 

The last two pages of the instructions include some color profiles of the two different boats you can build. The camouflage pattern on S-38 is quite striking. 
CONCLUSIONS

This is a BIG model. It has a lot of nice detail, and has - other than paint - everything you need to build it right in the box.  It should provide modelers many hours of enjoyment building time. The only nitpicks I have are some minor mold seams and flash on a few parts, but those look easy enough to clean up.  If you want to crew your S-boat, Italeri does offer a set of crew figures separately. 

I think fans of larger scales and costal forces will enjoy this model. It will pair nicely with some of Italeri's earlier coastal forces releases, and should be a nice palette for weathering.  Recommended.

Italeri Models is imported into the USA by MRC, who I'd like to thank for this review sample.  This kit is your local hobby shop or favorite online retailer now! This is kit number 5625, 1/35 Schnellboot S-26/S-38.  It retails for $310.99.