This kit is a big step up from the many 1/400 Mirage submarine kits I’ve built. It’s a nice crisp molding, but what sets it apart is the photoetch included in the kit that really dresses up the finished product. I hope we see more of these 1/350 sub kits from Mirage. 
Very cool!!!
Nice job! I have a question about the splash shield mounted on the deck in front of the gun.
Is it molded on or is it an optional part?
I’m curious about this kit being a step up from the 1/400 U-Boats by Mirage. Is the 1/350 kit much better? If so, how so?
Thanks!
Bill Morrison
Splash shield was molded on, if I recall correctly.
I liked it better a) because I think the larger scale works better for U-Boats; b) because the tooling was better detailed than at least some of the 1/400 kits from Mirage that I’ve built and c) because of the included photo-etch. None of the 1/400 U-Boats I built had any PE included in the kit.
Very nice work. I really like your weathering.
Paul,
Thank you! I have built several of the 1/400 Type IX boats from Mirage. I love the variety of variants they offer of both the Type IX and VII as well as the Type II boats. But, you are right about the lack of photoetch parts. However, in the past, I have ordered the photoetch sets that enabled me to build five boats at a time . I have seen decent boats built from the 1/400 series.
That said, your beautiful model inspired me to visit my LCS today where I bought a Mirage 1/350 Type IXC.
Bill
Bill, you may want to look at Bronco’s, AFV Club’s, and Hobbyboss’ 1/350 subs, if you have not done so already. They also all come with PE frets. I just built the Bronco Type IXC a few weeks ago here as U-505 on her final war patrol. A nice little kit as well.
Thanks! I have many of the subs from those companies. They are excellent for their size. I have also seen some excellent models made from the Mirage 1/400 boats as well. Let’s face it; it is a great time to be a ship modeler!
Bill
Oh yes it is a great time for ship modelers. I only dabble in ships compared to armor and aircraft, but the choices and kits keep on improving. I wonder what’s next?
I really like your weathering on this one,looks great.
This is a really nice build, the weathering looks awesome. Is this the Mirage U-176 or the U-511?
Groot
It’s the U-176 kit.
Paul,
Did you add any after-market products besides the photo-etch included with the kit? Also, you did a nice job on the base. Finally, what did you use for the rigging? Again, Bravo-Zulu on a very beautiful model!
Bill
Just the PE that came in the kit - no aftermarket products were added. The rigging is just stretched sprue. Weathering was done with some washes from Games Workshop, as well as oil paints thinned with turpentine.