Focke-Achgellis "Bachsteltze" U-Boat kite platform & winch info needed

Modeling Subjects Ships
1

[banghead]I/ve tried to find some info, pix, drawings, etc. that detail the platform and winch used for this U-Boat manned-kite.

There’s lot’s of info on the kite, itself, but I’ve only been able to find one photo (from U-Boat net) showing a starboard-quarter view of the kite sitting on its platform. That doesn’t provide much help as to the size, shape, etc.of the platform. I’ve seen photos of the kite stowed away, but nothing on the winch which was used.

These contraptions were employed on Type IX boats. The platform was fastened to and extended above the aft rails of the “Wintergarten,” with the winch placed somewhere on the conning tower deck. Anyone know if these were permananent installations or just brought out when using the kite[?]

Photos of the kite in flight aren’t detailed enough to show the actual path of the line from the winch to the kite (it appears that it would easily run afowl of the platform or be at an extremely steep angle).

[X-)]Sub Committee and U-Boat net sites just don’t seem to have this info. Any help would most certainly be appreciated[bow] and result in one [censored] of a strange diorama[:O].

“Should we prosper it shall be as is our custom…by Miracle!”[4:-)]

2

azrog,

The Squadron/Signal publication “U-boats in action” by Robert C. Stern, and illustrated by Don Greer, has some information on the Focke-Achgelis Fa 330, and has a drawing of it. I don’t see any drawings of the winch however. The book gives about a small paragraph of info on the rotor kite. It isn’t much but the drawing is fairly good for showing detail.
If your’e into U-boats the book is worth buying.

Dave

3

Go to the U boat net and go to forums there is a chap there called rainer brums who is ex U boat crew he has forgotten more things than I know about U Boats! E mail him through one of the forums modeling or technical queries HE WILL DEF. know hope this is of use
Nick
PS I am sure I saw one in Hobby Heaven as a kit when over in the states you could try and get in touch with them think I am right

4

Kath:

Thanks for the referral. [bow][bow][bow] Rainer was of considerable assistance.

“Should we prosper it shall be as is our custom…by Miracle!”[4:-)]

5

Rainer is a great guy, very helpful in all of my U-boat projects.

Jeff Herne