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 (Shoplink) 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 Legendary U-96 and Its 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. This work is still considered one of the most authentic and harrowing testimonies about life and death in the steel coffins beneath the water.
Wolfgang Petersen’s Cinematic Masterpiece
Wolfgang Petersen transformed Buchheim’s novel in 1981 into one of the most successful German films of all time. “Das Boot” was not only a box office hit but also became an international critical darling. The film received six Oscar nominations, including for Best Director and Best Picture, which was an extraordinary achievement for a non-English language film. 
The production was itself a technical masterpiece. Petersen had a full-scale submarine model built in the Bavaria Film Studios that enabled both interior and exterior shots. The claustrophobia, the stench, the confinement, and the constant threat were captured so realistically that many viewers reported after the screening that they literally felt short of breath. The authenticity went so far that the actors were actually not allowed to shower during the months-long filming to make the atmosphere even more intense.
Jürgen Prochnow, Herbert Grönemeyer, Klaus Wennemann, Martin Semmelrogge, Heinz Hoenig, Uwe Ochsenknecht, Jan Fedder, Claude Oliver Rudolph, Ralph Richter, and the other actors became stars through their roles. Particularly Herbert Grönemeyer, who before “Das Boot” was mainly known as a musician, showed an impressive acting performance as Lieutenant Werner. The iconic scene in which the boat slowly rises from the depths after an attack is one of the most unforgettable moments in German film history.
Life and Death in the Depths
What makes “Das Boot” so special is the unsparing depiction of daily life on a submarine. The cramped conditions forced the approximately fifty-man crew to live together in the tightest space. There was hardly any privacy, only two toilets for the entire crew, and the air was constantly permeated with the smell of diesel, sweat, and fear. The men often shared bunks in shifts, as there weren’t enough sleeping places for everyone.
The psychological strain was immense. Every sound could mean death if it was detected by the enemy. The depth charge attacks, portrayed so vividly in the film, were a torture for the crews of noise, shocks, and the agonizing uncertainty of whether the boat would withstand the pressure. Many submariners suffered from post-traumatic stress disorders, and the loss rate was frighteningly high. Of the approximately 40,000 German submariners, over 30,000 never returned.
Das Boot in Pop Culture
After the 1981 film, “Das Boot” was re-released multiple times. In 1997, a Director’s Cut version with an additional 65 minutes of material was released, and in 2004 an even longer version for television followed. The story was reinterpreted in 2018 as an eight-part series, with this version taking a somewhat different perspective and not achieving the same intensity as the original. 
The fascination with submarines and especially with “Das Boot” continues to this day. The original boat set from the film studios can be visited at Bavaria Filmpark and attracts thousands of visitors annually. References to the subject matter can also be found in video games like “Silent Hunter” or in novels by Alexander Fullerton. The cultural significance of “Das Boot” is undisputed; it stands as a memorial against war and as testimony to humanity’s ability to survive under the most extreme conditions.
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.
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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.
Tips for Successful Assembly
Before you start building, you should plan for sufficient space. Not only for the finished model but also as a work surface during assembly. It’s best to sort the bricks by colors and sizes in advance, which makes finding the right parts considerably easier. The assembly instructions are colored and detailed, but with the many gray parts, good lighting is essential.
Take your time and build in several stages. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Especially with such an extensive project, it’s important to take breaks in between so that the joy of building remains. The modular construction helps with this, as you have a sense of achievement after each completed section.
If you want to transport or relocate the model later, it’s advisable not to connect the individual sections too firmly. This way you can disassemble the boat into its individual parts again if needed without damaging anything.
Outlook on Further Brick System Models
Our Opportunities Project Manager Jan has already announced that further models in the Brick System will follow. These are to be presented at the Nuremberg Toy Fair in January. For model builders who would like an alternative to painting and gluing, the Brick System offers an exciting alternative, as the parts are already available in the right colors and printed.
Diving Into the World of Submarines and Interlocking Bricks
For about 16 to 25 hours of intensive building time, you get a display model that not only impresses visually but is also functionally well-thought-out. The ability to look inside the boat, the movable parts, and the modular construction make the model an interactive experience that goes far beyond simply snapping bricks together. 
Whether as an ambitious weekend project, as a shared hobby with your partner, or as a gift for a film and submarine fan, this building kit offers something for everyone. It connects history, culture, and craftsmanship in a way that is both educational and entertaining. And when you’re finished and the 120-centimeter-long, detail-rich model sits on your shelf, every time you look at it, you’ll have a piece of film history before your eyes.
So grab the 6,483 parts, make yourself comfortable, perhaps with the film in the background, and dive into the world of submarines. Happy (dive) sailing!
