Verlinden 1/35 Scale "Biber" German WWII Mini Submarine
The Biber – A World War II Miniature Diorama
The German *Biber* was a one-man midget submarine developed in 1944 for attacks against Allied shipping.
Armed with two externally mounted torpedoes, this tiny vessel represented Germany’s desperate attempt to counter Allied naval superiority during the final years of World War II.
This 1:35-scale Verlinden Productions model was commissioned by a gentleman fascinated by German submarines.
My goal was to go beyond building the submarine itself and create a complete, convincing scene around it.
The diorama brings the setting to life through carefully crafted cobblestone paving, weathered stone dock walls, rust-stained fittings, aged wooden details, and realistically textured harbor water.
The addition of German personnel studying their maps, stacked supply crates, dockside equipment, and a period-style streetlamp gives the scene depth and a sense of activity.
The wooden display base and clear protective cover complete the presentation.
For me, the real challenge was transforming a scale model into a miniature historical setting, where the textures, weathering, accessories, and composition work together to tell a story.
Every detail contributes to the atmosphere, making the Biber more than a submarine model—it becomes a small scene from a turbulent chapter of naval history.
The Wiesel is Back: Sea Trial at Lake Seminole Park (Florida, USA)
Had a nice run with the Schnellboot Wiesel at the June 21,2026 meet of the Suncoast Scale Model Boat Club. First time back in the water after 15+ years in my display case. I was hoping for a little more speed but the boat ran well and looked good cutting the water. But then, don't all of the Schnellboot look good? Only issue was me letting it drift into some weeds while setting up my camera on the tripod. Most of the video was recorded at about 30 meters away but the decent zoom on the camera brought the boat in close. I hope you enjoy the video.
At the last SSMBC (Seminole, Florida, U.S.A.) Jim brought his RC scale model of the "Blue Devil" (WWII Fletcher Class destroyer) to the SSMBC meet. Having taken a video of it I decided to have some fun and edit it and add some sound effects to represent it looking for a German U-Boat. About 2-1/2 minutes long). Sound layers added: Water, engine, sonar, alarm, and voice. Lew
The sound track makes all the difference, it adds a sense of realism and character. The back end looks rather low in the water, and you don't want the crew to get wet feet when firing the depth charges.
We had pretty good weather for this meet of the Suncoast Scale Model Boat Club. The temperature was 84F instead of the usual 90-92F for this time of the year. No rain, clear skies and a light breeze. The photos show the variety of boats (leaning a little heavy on the tugs) present at the meet. Lew SSMBC Event Coordinator
Had a nice meet today, albeit a little cool. (Nice break.) Got some photos I am posting here. (The close-up photos of the American Scout are posted in the Media Gallery.)
It is taking a lot of work (like building another medium size detailed RC scale model boat), but I am getting the new site running. It is not complete but the basics are in place.
The opening video is also on YouTube with the link below. Short and to the point, it has model boat videos in it if you are interested.
Suncoast Scale Model Boat Club meet on April 19, 2024
A light turn out and heavier that normal winds limited the number of boats in the water at this meet. Got some video and for the boats that did not "go for it" I have some video of them on the tables. On top of that we had to make two "rescues".
Stunning weather most model boaters would be jealous of. Warm, but not hot! Very gentle breeze. No rain! But not many showed up. Wait 'till the summer comes" No complaints about it being too hot for model boats!
Anyway, I wanted to get back to my trawler with another video. This time on board with my old GoPro. Had some issues with the battery packs slipping inside the hull. I'm going to remove the one for the lighting as I don't use them anyway. Then I will add some fixed ballast in the bottom. The video with the camera (and waterproof housing) on the top of the pilot house made the boat heel quite a bit. Going to try for some more on board videos in the near future on my other boats.
Got the 4 minute YouTube link here:
I hope you enjoy it!
Lew! This is great!!!
When you have a moment can you post a picture of the rudder and prop set-up you've used Elena? Or is it in your harbor or build blog? I have a trawler in my future.
Many thanks!
👍
Nothing fancy about the prop and rudder. The rudder pivot axis is about 35% back from the leading edge. This way the rudder forces more of the prop back wash to the side to help the boat turn sharper.
Suncoast Scale Model Boat Club - March 1, 2026 meet
SSMBC - although a little windy, only four members showed up. The wonderful temperature and no rain was great. I decide to run my trawler, "Elena", which has not seen the pond in over five years. It handled the wind quite well and is perhaps my best operating boat for rough conditions. I know there is a limit with that much above the deck to catch the wind, but I must admit this was a very good run with a little challenge!
Ronald, the reason I built this boat with the nets up is I wanted it to show it in action. The net is loaded with fish and two men are working to bring the catch aboard. See photos.
Lew
Yes Dave, is was the Helen kit. I bought it (2016?) partially built (up to the deck) but had to rip it apart to get the big dead battery out.
Worst part was the entire hull was covered in masking tape for many years. What a pain it was to remove it. In the long run it worked out.
I renamed it "Elena" after my wife. It sits in our front room and is the first model one sees in our home. Still uses the old FM radio. Runs perfect as I have alluded to.
Lew
Finally our first meet of 2026! Very unusual weather for us, like the rest of the country. Normally we might miss 1 or 2 weekends during the winter season but this was our first meet since December.
This would have been a great perfect day was hampered by wind, a little much for many smaller boats. Also a lot of dead fish around the pond, probably caused by a lack of oxygen because of a lack of rain. We are in the middle of a drought, but it is supposed to rain tonight.
Absolutely stunning weather for this meet. It just doesn't get any better than this. After a long hot summer, the perfect day. No sweating, no rain, no clouds, no wind, just a gentle breeze. No bugs, snakes, gators, tourists.
Boats ran well, No need to have a rescue or get the long pole out. Perfect for scale model boaters (except for the guy that forgot his batteries.)
Hei Lew!
What a pond! We would love to have something like that, but the local council is thwarting our plans.
We wanted a little more inflow water, but even rainwater was not allowed. It could have been taken from the neighbouring houses at little expense and with little effort.
Let's see what happens...
There used to be three ponds for the mill further down. Unfortunately, the mills burned down completely in 1915. Oh well...
Greetings from Switzerland
Michel-C.
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I have only just stumbled upon this.
Your superb attention to detail makes a very impressive diorama of an unusual subject that looks really good in 1/35 scale.
The figure painting is good too , something my son is good at, but I never mastered.
Thanks for sharing your pictures with us.
Bob.