Submarine models · Compare UK prices
Submarine Models & Kits
Explore submarine model kits from WW2 German U-boats and Japan’s I-400 to nuclear-powered boats and modern Type 212 subjects. Compare Revell, Tamiya, Zvezda and HobbyBoss kits by era, submarine class, scale and build demands.
Choose traditional plastic model kits, UGEARS wooden mechanisms, Metal Time metal model kits or a ready-built miniature RC submarine.
Featured build · Tamiya I-400 Special Edition, 1:350
Featured submarine model kits
Three contrasting naval subjects: a large German Type VIIC/41, Japan’s aircraft-carrying I-400 and the real USS Nautilus. Compare their scales and construction ratings before choosing a display project.
Best for a large U-boat display
Expert · Plastic · 1:72
1:72 scale · About 93.4cm long
Best for an aircraft-carrying submarine
Challenging · Plastic · 1:350
1:350 scale · Japanese WW2 subject
Best for a simpler historical submarine kit
Easy · Plastic · 1:305
30 parts · 1:305 scale · About 30cm long
German U-boat models
Compare the Type VII and long-range Type IX families in Revell’s range. These WW2 subjects span 1:144 and 1:72, with different hull lengths, supplied editions and construction demands.
Best for a large U-boat display
Expert · Plastic · 1:72
1:72 scale · About 93.4cm long
Revell’s Type VIIC/41 is a substantial 1:72 display project. Its long hull, conning tower and fine deck fittings demand a clear workspace and patient handling. The Expert construction rating reflects the extended assembly rather than simply the subject’s size.
Best for a mid-sized long-range U-boat
Challenging · Plastic · 1:144
1:144 scale · About 53.1cm long
The Type IX C/40 adds a different U-boat family to a German naval collection. Revell’s 1:144 U190 is smaller than a 1:72 version, but still needs a substantial display shelf and careful alignment of hull and deck details.
Best for an extended detailing project
Expert · Plastic · 1:72
1:72 scale · Over a metre long
This Platinum Edition Type IX is a large 1:72 construction project for an experienced modeller. Compare the exact edition and supplied detailing parts before ordering. The long hull and fine fittings need time, handling space and a suitable display area.
Compact submarine model kits
A midget submarine at 1:72, a full-sized U-boat at 1:350 and USS Nautilus at 1:305 can all offer manageable display dimensions. Compare the subject as well as the scale, and distinguish a Model Set from the standalone kit.
Best for a compact midget-submarine subject
Intermediate · Plastic · 1:72
1:72 scale · WW2 midget submarine
The Molch shows why scale alone cannot predict a model’s size. This small WW2 submarine is a compact 1:72 subject, unlike the long Type VII and Type IX boats in the same scale. It is supplied as a traditional plastic kit.
Best for a small U-boat with supplies
Challenging · Plastic · 1:350
1:350 scale · Paint, brush and glue included
This Model Set packages a compact 1:350 Type VIIC/41 with basic paints, a brush and glue. It is a small-scale version of a full-sized U-boat, rather than a midget submarine. Check code 65154 when comparing supplied contents.
Best for a simpler historical submarine kit
Easy · Plastic · 1:305
30 parts · 1:305 scale · About 30cm long
Revell’s 30-part Nautilus is rated Easy and represents the real US nuclear-powered submarine. At 1:305 it offers a compact traditional plastic project. It is a different subject from the fictional Nautilus-inspired mechanical models below.
Post-war submarine models
Compare the real USS Nautilus, a Delta IV ballistic-missile submarine and the modern German Type 212. These are different roles and propulsion types: Type 212 is non-nuclear, while Nautilus and Delta IV are nuclear-powered subjects.
Best for a simpler historical submarine kit
Easy · Plastic · 1:305
30 parts · 1:305 scale · About 30cm long
Revell’s 30-part Nautilus is rated Easy and represents the real US nuclear-powered submarine. At 1:305 it offers a compact traditional plastic project. It is a different subject from the fictional Nautilus-inspired mechanical models below.
Best for a ballistic-missile submarine
Intermediate · Plastic · 1:350
1:350 scale · About 48.6cm long
Zvezda’s Delfin represents Tula, a Delta IV-class nuclear-powered ballistic-missile submarine. At 1:350 the model remains about 48.6cm long, so it gives a clear contrast with the smaller Type 212 in the same scale.
Best for a compact modern naval model
Intermediate · Plastic · 1:350
1:350 scale · About 16.3cm long
The Type 212 is a modern non-nuclear German submarine, not a nuclear-powered boat. HobbyBoss’s 1:350 kit is much shorter than the Delta IV in the same scale. Its relatively compact hull still calls for careful handling of small fittings.
Wooden, metal and RC submarine models
For a different kind of project, compare a wooden surface-running mechanism, a decorative metal Nautilus and a ready-built miniature RC submarine. These are alternatives to historical naval scale kits, with different purposes and assembly methods.
Best for a wooden mechanical build
Easy · Wood · 1:48
200 wooden parts · Runs on a flat surface
UGEARS uses a rubber-band motor to move this imaginative wooden model across a flat surface, with moving propellers creating the appearance of propulsion. It is not a diving model. The stated 1:48 scale describes a fantasy design rather than a historical naval prototype.
Best for a metal mechanical submarine
Challenging · Metal
91 parts · Wind-up propeller mechanism
The Elusive Nautilus is a decorative metal construction model with an open body and wind-up mechanism. Its mechanical features provide a different project from a historical plastic submarine. It does not represent USS Nautilus SSN-571.
Best for a ready-built RC alternative
Ready-built RC
15cm long · Supplied assembled
This yellow miniature is supplied assembled for remote-controlled operation, rather than as a scale military construction kit. Compare its charging requirements, controller batteries and intended water use with the type of operating model you want.
Choosing a scale for submarine models
For the same boat, 1:72 is twice the length of 1:144. Across different boats, actual dimensions matter more: the large Delta IV and compact Type 212 are both available at 1:350.
| Scale | Subject | What to consider | Catalogue examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1:350 | WW2 and post-war naval submarines | Useful for comparing different submarine classes. Check the actual hull length: Type 212 is about 16.3cm, while Zvezda’s Delta IV is about 48.6cm. | Tamiya I-400 / Zvezda Delta IV / HobbyBoss Type 212 |
| 1:144 | Mid-sized U-boat displays | Smaller than 1:72 for the same boat, but long hulls can still need a broad shelf. Compare the subject and supplied kit edition. | Revell U190 / Das Boot Collector’s Edition |
| 1:72 | Large U-boats and midget submarines | A full-sized U-boat can approach or exceed a metre in model form. A Molch remains much smaller, despite sharing the scale. | Revell Type VIIC/41 / Revell Type IX Platinum / Revell Molch |
| 1:305 | USS Nautilus display kit | An individual scale used by Revell’s Nautilus kit. It will not show the same relative dimensions as a fleet built entirely at 1:350. | Revell USS Nautilus |
| 1:48 | Fantasy wooden mechanism | UGEARS states this scale for its imaginative design. It should not be treated as a scale replica of a historical submarine. | UGEARS Steampunk Submarine |
No reliable scale is stated for the Elusive Nautilus or the miniature RC model. Compare their actual size and intended use instead.
1:350 submarine models
Compare three very different hulls in one scale: Japan’s WW2 I-400, the Soviet-designed Delta IV and the modern German Type 212. Shared scale makes their relative sizes meaningful, but the models represent different periods and roles.
Best for an aircraft-carrying submarine
Challenging · Plastic · 1:350
1:350 scale · Japanese WW2 subject
The I-400 offers an unusual Japanese submarine subject, with its aircraft hangar and Seiran floatplane equipment. Tamiya’s Special Edition is a conventional 1:350 plastic build for a patient modeller who enjoys small naval fittings.
Best for a ballistic-missile submarine
Intermediate · Plastic · 1:350
1:350 scale · About 48.6cm long
Zvezda’s Delfin represents Tula, a Delta IV-class nuclear-powered ballistic-missile submarine. At 1:350 the model remains about 48.6cm long, so it gives a clear contrast with the smaller Type 212 in the same scale.
Best for a compact modern naval model
Intermediate · Plastic · 1:350
1:350 scale · About 16.3cm long
The Type 212 is a modern non-nuclear German submarine, not a nuclear-powered boat. HobbyBoss’s 1:350 kit is much shorter than the Delta IV in the same scale. Its relatively compact hull still calls for careful handling of small fittings.
1:144 submarine models
Revell’s U190 and Das Boot set offer distinct U-boat projects at 1:144. This scale reduces the size of a given boat compared with 1:72, while still leaving long hulls and small fittings to assemble.
Best for a mid-sized long-range U-boat
Challenging · Plastic · 1:144
1:144 scale · About 53.1cm long
The Type IX C/40 adds a different U-boat family to a German naval collection. Revell’s 1:144 U190 is smaller than a 1:72 version, but still needs a substantial display shelf and careful alignment of hull and deck details.
Best for a film-themed U-boat gift set
Intermediate · Plastic · 1:144
1:144 scale · Paint, glue, brush and poster
The 40th-anniversary Das Boot set combines a 1:144 U-boat kit with basic finishing supplies and a reproduction film poster. Choose it for the film connection and bundled contents, and check the exact boat configuration if historical detail is your priority.
1:72 submarine models
The contrast is especially clear at 1:72: Type VII and Type IX boats are large display projects, while a Molch is much smaller. Choose by subject, supplied edition, construction rating and available space rather than scale alone.
Best for a large U-boat display
Expert · Plastic · 1:72
1:72 scale · About 93.4cm long
Revell’s Type VIIC/41 is a substantial 1:72 display project. Its long hull, conning tower and fine deck fittings demand a clear workspace and patient handling. The Expert construction rating reflects the extended assembly rather than simply the subject’s size.
Best for an extended detailing project
Expert · Plastic · 1:72
1:72 scale · Over a metre long
This Platinum Edition Type IX is a large 1:72 construction project for an experienced modeller. Compare the exact edition and supplied detailing parts before ordering. The long hull and fine fittings need time, handling space and a suitable display area.
Best for a compact midget-submarine subject
Intermediate · Plastic · 1:72
1:72 scale · WW2 midget submarine
The Molch shows why scale alone cannot predict a model’s size. This small WW2 submarine is a compact 1:72 subject, unlike the long Type VII and Type IX boats in the same scale. It is supplied as a traditional plastic kit.
How to choose a submarine model
Choose the historical subject or imaginative design first, then compare the scale, edition, assembly method and display requirements.
Match the class and era
A Type VIIC/41, I-400 and Delta IV represent different submarine designs and roles. Check the class, boat number and configuration rather than choosing by the broad U-boat or nuclear-submarine label.
Check the supplied edition
The Revell 65154 Model Set includes basic finishing supplies, while Das Boot 05675 adds film-themed packaging and a poster. A Platinum Edition is a separate detailing package; compare the exact code and contents.
Compare the construction method
Plastic kits need careful gluing and finishing. UGEARS uses wooden gears and a rubber-band motor; Metal Time uses metal components and a wind-up mechanism. Our difficulty ratings describe building, rather than RC operation.
Measure the finished model
The 1:72 Type VIIC/41 is about 93.4cm long and the Type IX Platinum is over a metre. Compare those footprints with the compact Type 212 before ordering a shelf or display case.
Compare recommended submarine models
Compare the recommended models by represented era, scale and Model Steam construction rating. The ready-built RC submarine has no build rating. Each current price and Buy Now button refer to the same stored new-product offer.
| Model / brand | Era | Scale | Difficulty | Price | Buy now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revell 05163 Type VIIC/41 U-boat | WW2 | 1:72 | Expert | £88.06 | |
| Tamiya 25426 I-400 Special Edition | WW2 | 1:350 | Challenging | £133.16 | |
| Revell 05184 USS Nautilus | Cold War | 1:305 | Easy | £13.82 | |
| Revell 05167 Type IX C/40 U190 | WW2 | 1:144 | Challenging | £19.95 | |
| Revell 05180 Type IX Platinum Edition | WW2 | 1:72 | Expert | £146.99 | |
| Revell 05187 Type Molch | WW2 | 1:72 | Intermediate | £18.07 | |
| Revell 65154 Type VIIC/41 Model Set | WW2 | 1:350 | Challenging | £15.09 | |
| Zvezda 9062 Delfin / Delta IV Tula | Cold War / post-war | 1:350 | Intermediate | £25.78 | |
| HobbyBoss 83527 Type 212 | Modern | 1:350 | Intermediate | £13.00 | |
| UGEARS 70229 Steampunk Submarine | Fantasy | 1:48 | Easy | £21.02 | |
| Metal Time MT045 Elusive Nautilus | Fantasy | Not stated | Challenging | £58.80 | |
| Escomdp 3311-1 Mini RC Submarine | Non-historical | Not stated | Ready-built | £29.99 | |
| Revell 05675 Das Boot Collector’s Edition | WW2 / film-themed | 1:144 | Intermediate | £31.97 |
Submarine models by era and design
Separate historical naval subjects from fantasy mechanisms and RC miniatures. A familiar name can refer to very different models.
Second World War submarines
German U-boats, the Molch and Japanese I-400 cover different wartime roles. Compare the class and configuration when assembling a historical fleet.
Cold War nuclear submarines
USS Nautilus represents the pioneering US nuclear-powered boat, while Delfin / Delta IV represents a later Soviet-designed ballistic-missile submarine. They are different classes with very different hull sizes.
Modern non-nuclear submarines
HobbyBoss Type 212 depicts a German non-nuclear design with air-independent propulsion. A modern submarine is not automatically nuclear-powered.
Fantasy and mechanical designs
UGEARS Steampunk Submarine and Metal Time Elusive Nautilus are imaginative mechanical builds. They belong to a different collecting theme from historically scaled naval kits.
Browse all submarine models
Browse the current submarine range by subject, country, era, scale, material and brand. Compare historical plastic kits with imaginative mechanical builds and a ready-built RC alternative. Use the numbered pages to see the full selection.
Submarine model FAQs
Which submarine kit offers a simpler introduction?
Revell 05184 USS Nautilus has 30 parts and an Easy construction rating. It is a conventional plastic kit that needs assembly and finishing. Do not confuse it with the large Expert-rated 1:72 U-boats.
How big is a 1:72 submarine model?
The answer depends on the real boat. Revell’s Type VIIC/41 is about 93.4cm long, while the Type IX Platinum is over a metre. A Molch midget submarine is far smaller at the same scale.
Is the Type 212 nuclear-powered?
No. The HobbyBoss Type 212 represents a German non-nuclear submarine with an air-independent propulsion system. Delta IV and USS Nautilus represent nuclear-powered subjects. These are static model kits, not powered replicas.
What makes the I-400 different from a U-boat?
Tamiya’s I-400 represents a Japanese WW2 submarine designed to carry aircraft, with a large hangar and associated launching equipment. It is a different design and role from the German Type VII and Type IX boats.
Does a Model Set include paint and glue?
The Revell 65154 Type VIIC/41 Model Set includes basic paints, a brush and glue. The Das Boot 05675 set also includes finishing supplies and a reproduction film poster. Check the exact code and contents rather than assuming all editions are supplied alike.
Are USS Nautilus and Elusive Nautilus the same subject?
No. Revell’s USS Nautilus represents the real US Navy submarine SSN-571. Metal Time’s Elusive Nautilus is an imaginative mechanical metal design with a wind-up propeller.
Does the UGEARS submarine run underwater?
No. UGEARS Steampunk Submarine moves across a flat surface on wheels, driven by a rubber-band mechanism. Its moving propellers create the impression of underwater propulsion. It is a wooden mechanical build rather than a diving model.
Which model is ready-built and remote-controlled?
Escomdp 3311-1 is supplied assembled as a miniature RC submarine, with steering, diving and surfacing functions. The historical plastic kits and wooden or metal mechanisms are different formats. Check the RC package’s charging and controller-battery requirements.
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