About
You will probably find more information on the Zobel Class "Schnellboots" (fast boats) on this site than anywhere in the world! Information here will help you modify your model extensively to look like the real boats of years ago. All the model information is based several years of investigating data on the type 142 and 142A Schnellboots. This was used to super detail Lew's 1/40 scale model kit produced by Graupner about 1972 - past 2000.
First Lew will go into specifics about the real boats, photos, specifications, history, etc. Then he will proceed onto modeling the model, pretty much on boats built from the Graupner 1/40 scale kits. No other manufacturers of models of this boat are known to exist.
More about names and numbers of the individual boats are here as you read on.
Above is Lew's Wiesel, P6093, a kit by Graupner, with extensive modifications. The model is 42 inches (1.067 meters) long at 1/40 scale.
Above is a photo of the Ozelot (P6101) placed into service on September 25, 1963. This was the last Zobel class boat built for Germany. In 1984 it was transferred to Turkey.
Boats of the Zobel Class
This site gives information on the ten Zobel class (type 142) fast patrol boats built in the early 1960's for the German Navy. Eight more boats based on the Zobel class schnellboot (fast boat) design were built for the Turkish Navy in the mid-1980's and became the "Kartal Class" patrol boats.
The purpose of this site is to be the most complete "one-stop" internet source of information on the type 142a Schnellboots as well as bringing forth information on how to modify and build the Graupner (TM) model kit so as to achieve a more realistic look to the model.
This is all based on experience gained in building the Graupner Wiesel #2145 kit and the disappointment with the results. That was followed by extensive research, photos, data, communications with museums and other Zobel class model builders. After all of this research and documentation, Lew believes that this is the most comprehensive one stop site for this information.
The purpose of this site is to be the most complete "one-stop" internet source of information on the type 142a Schnellboots as well as bringing forth information on how to modify and build the Graupner (TM) model kit so as to achieve a more realistic look to the model.
This is all based on experience gained in building the Graupner Wiesel #2145 kit and the disappointment with the results. That was followed by extensive research, photos, data, communications with museums and other Zobel class model builders. After all of this research and documentation, Lew believes that this is the most comprehensive one stop site for this information.
Above: all ten Zobel Class Type 142 Schnellboots Moored Together.
Identifying the Zobel Class Schnellboots
Each of the boats had different designations. The large "P" numbers were NATO assigned. The German Navy identified the boats by their hull "S-__" number followed by their name. The photo at the right shows the NATO assigned number on the vessel's superstructure as well as on the transom. The boat's name was located on a board on each side of the engine house. (Right)
Each of the boats were named after a different small furred animal. Each of the boats had an emblem (badge) that had a drawing of the animal. This emblem was located on both sides of the bow. (Right)
The boats had a crest of the sponsoring town ("Godparent") which appeared on both sides of the radar mast. The crest shown on the left is that of the city of Ratingen, sponsor of the Wiesel. (Right)
Another badge (photo at left), that of the 7. Schnellbootgeschwader (7th Fast Attack Craft Squadron based at Kiel on the Black Sea) was located on the pilot house under the forward (starboard) windshield panel (visible on the real photos page on this site). The black crest cross on a white background is the cross of the Knights of the Teutonic Order. Es symbolisiert bleibende Werte wie Ritterlichkeit, Gerechtigkeit und Tapferkeit. It symbolizes enduring values of chivalry, justice and courage. (Right)
Evolution of the Zobel Class "Schnellboots"
The Federal Republic of Germany's ten Zobel class (type 142) fast torpedo patrol boats ("Schnellboots") were the last generation descendant of the WW-II German S-Boat.
The type 142 construction followed the post WW-II Jaguar class (type 140) and Seeadler class (type 141) Schnellboots of the 1950's. All have a similar hull design, four engines driving four propellers, two rudders, and carried two 40mm Bofors guns in single mounts.
These ten type 142 boats were built in 1961-63 for West Germanys navy (Bundesmarine) and modified in the early 1970's. The following were built by Lurssen Werft, Bremen, Germany: Zobel; Wiesel; Oselot; Nerz; Gepard; Frettchen; Dachs. The following were built by Kroger Werf, Rendsburg, Germany: Puma; Hyane; Hermelin.
On April 1, 1961, the 7th Speedboat squadron was placed with the 105 Command Navy based in Kiel and was organized as a fast speedboat wing of the Federal Marine. Acht Monate später, am 12.12.1961, wurde der "Zobel" als erstes Boot in Dienst gestellt. On December 12, 1961 the first type 142 boat arrived and was put into service in service. The other boats followed quickly until the deployment phase was completed with the commissioning of "Ozelot" on October 25, 1963. And the preparation phase was completed.
Lacking sufficient deck space for surface to surface missiles, this class was replaced in the early/mid 1980's by the larger type 143 Albatros class and 143a Gepard class Schnellboots.
All of the Zobel class Schnellboots were decommissioned. Starting in 1982, six of decommissioned boats were transferred to Turkey, for spare parts (not commissioned) for the Turkish Kartal (below) class patrol boats. One of the Original Zobel Class boats flew the Honduras flag (Nerz) and two were sold to private owners (Zobel and Hermelin).
The type 142 construction followed the post WW-II Jaguar class (type 140) and Seeadler class (type 141) Schnellboots of the 1950's. All have a similar hull design, four engines driving four propellers, two rudders, and carried two 40mm Bofors guns in single mounts.
These ten type 142 boats were built in 1961-63 for West Germanys navy (Bundesmarine) and modified in the early 1970's. The following were built by Lurssen Werft, Bremen, Germany: Zobel; Wiesel; Oselot; Nerz; Gepard; Frettchen; Dachs. The following were built by Kroger Werf, Rendsburg, Germany: Puma; Hyane; Hermelin.
On April 1, 1961, the 7th Speedboat squadron was placed with the 105 Command Navy based in Kiel and was organized as a fast speedboat wing of the Federal Marine. Acht Monate später, am 12.12.1961, wurde der "Zobel" als erstes Boot in Dienst gestellt. On December 12, 1961 the first type 142 boat arrived and was put into service in service. The other boats followed quickly until the deployment phase was completed with the commissioning of "Ozelot" on October 25, 1963. And the preparation phase was completed.
Lacking sufficient deck space for surface to surface missiles, this class was replaced in the early/mid 1980's by the larger type 143 Albatros class and 143a Gepard class Schnellboots.
All of the Zobel class Schnellboots were decommissioned. Starting in 1982, six of decommissioned boats were transferred to Turkey, for spare parts (not commissioned) for the Turkish Kartal (below) class patrol boats. One of the Original Zobel Class boats flew the Honduras flag (Nerz) and two were sold to private owners (Zobel and Hermelin).
Specifications for Type 142 (original) Schnellboots
The ten Zobel class boats were built in the early 1960's and could operate in sea state 5 (maximum) water.
General: Displacement was 190 tons (standard) up to maximum of 225 tons. Length was 139'4" with a beam of 22'9" and draft of 9'9" and could reach a speed of 42 knots. Range was 500 miles at top speed. The crew consisted of 4 officers, 17 NCOs, and 18 seamen (39 total).
Hull: The hull was three layers of Mahogany - diagonal - glued on the steel and light-metal keel and frames consisting of eleven compartments. The superstructure was aluminum.
Engines/drive: Four Mercedes-Benz MB-518C 20 cylinder diesel engines with over 3000 HP (2200 KW) each, driving a planetary reduction gear. Two of the engines were modified and ran in reverse rotation. There were four drive shafts and four 1.15 meter (45.24 inches) propellers.
Weapons: Four forward facing (15 degrees off the boat's axis) 533mm diameter torpedoes mounted in single tubes, and two single barrel 40mm Bofors L/70 guns in open turrets (maximum of 27 rounds in each turret). Magazines stored up to 270 rounds of 40mm ammunition. The aft deck could be also used for laying mines.
Radar: (No info on early type)
Electrical (power generation): Two diesel generators rated at 96 HP/70 KW/65 kVA.
General: Displacement was 190 tons (standard) up to maximum of 225 tons. Length was 139'4" with a beam of 22'9" and draft of 9'9" and could reach a speed of 42 knots. Range was 500 miles at top speed. The crew consisted of 4 officers, 17 NCOs, and 18 seamen (39 total).
Hull: The hull was three layers of Mahogany - diagonal - glued on the steel and light-metal keel and frames consisting of eleven compartments. The superstructure was aluminum.
Engines/drive: Four Mercedes-Benz MB-518C 20 cylinder diesel engines with over 3000 HP (2200 KW) each, driving a planetary reduction gear. Two of the engines were modified and ran in reverse rotation. There were four drive shafts and four 1.15 meter (45.24 inches) propellers.
Weapons: Four forward facing (15 degrees off the boat's axis) 533mm diameter torpedoes mounted in single tubes, and two single barrel 40mm Bofors L/70 guns in open turrets (maximum of 27 rounds in each turret). Magazines stored up to 270 rounds of 40mm ammunition. The aft deck could be also used for laying mines.
Radar: (No info on early type)
Electrical (power generation): Two diesel generators rated at 96 HP/70 KW/65 kVA.
Specifications for Type 142A (upgraded) Schnellboots
By the early 1970's all ten boats were modified and the "a" suffix was added to the type number. (Photo, next right.)
The most noticeable modification was the addition of the new weapons fire-control system (sensors in the new large dome on the mast) from Hollandse Signaalapparaten (Nederland). Known as the HSA WM20, these Zobel class boats were the first to use this new integrated weapons system. The WM20 had a range of 20 nautical miles.
The model 3RM20 sensor (Surface Search, Range Information, Bearing Information, IFF Information) had a maximum range of 40 miles and allowed computer control of the two deck guns (visual/EO sensor) and the two wire-guided 21-inch 15nm/anti-ship torpedoes. The DM2A1 Seehecht torpedoes were fired over the stern and had a cruising speed of 23 knots and a maximum speed of 35 knots.
The WM-20 radar (Air Search, Range Information, Bearing Information, Altitude Information, IFF Information) can track one air and three surface targets simultaneously. It provided Surface Search, Range Information, Bearing Information, IFF Information Radar. The ORG7/3 (Surface Search, Bearing Information, IFF Information, Classification) was visual/EEO.
Communication Systems:
The most noticeable modification was the addition of the new weapons fire-control system (sensors in the new large dome on the mast) from Hollandse Signaalapparaten (Nederland). Known as the HSA WM20, these Zobel class boats were the first to use this new integrated weapons system. The WM20 had a range of 20 nautical miles.
The model 3RM20 sensor (Surface Search, Range Information, Bearing Information, IFF Information) had a maximum range of 40 miles and allowed computer control of the two deck guns (visual/EO sensor) and the two wire-guided 21-inch 15nm/anti-ship torpedoes. The DM2A1 Seehecht torpedoes were fired over the stern and had a cruising speed of 23 knots and a maximum speed of 35 knots.
The WM-20 radar (Air Search, Range Information, Bearing Information, Altitude Information, IFF Information) can track one air and three surface targets simultaneously. It provided Surface Search, Range Information, Bearing Information, IFF Information Radar. The ORG7/3 (Surface Search, Bearing Information, IFF Information, Classification) was visual/EEO.
Communication Systems:
Electrical (power generation) was changed to two Diesel generators with over 123 HP/91 KW/100 kVA and a gas turbine generator producing 65 kVA.
After the upgrade modifications the additional weight (now 235 tons) decreased the top speed to 37knots (42.6 MPH).
General Information:
After the upgrade modifications the additional weight (now 235 tons) decreased the top speed to 37knots (42.6 MPH).
General Information:
* The Puma was scrapped due to damage.
Kartal Class (Zobel class boats built in Germany for Turkey)
Nine new Kartal Class boats were built in Germany by Lürssen Werft using the Zobel Class Type 142a design. These Kartal class boats (TCG's) were armed as follows: two (4) AGM-119 Penguin anti-ship missiles, two 21 inch G-7A torpedo tubes (facing forward), two 40mm/90 Bofors AA, and four mines (optional). Top speed is 42 knots. The latest information on them is all eight were/are still afloat under the Turkish flag. Posted in 2005: "...no modernization was planned for Kartal class so far. It is more likely that these boats shall be used until they die for natural reasons." The Kartal class, was until 2016 the oldest class of Fast Attack Craft (FAC) of Turkish Navy (Turk Deniz Kuvvetleri), when the last active boat in the class, was retired.
Commissioned between 1977-1988, the following lists the numbers, names, and call signs: P321, Denizkusu, TBNF; P322, Atmaca, TBNE; P323, Sahin, TBND; P324, Kartal, TBNC; P325, Meltem, (lost in a collision with a Russian ship, salvaged and scrapped); P326, Pelikan, TBNJ; P327, Albatros, TBNK; P328, Simsek, TBNI; and P329, Kasirga, TBNH.
Commissioned between 1977-1988, the following lists the numbers, names, and call signs: P321, Denizkusu, TBNF; P322, Atmaca, TBNE; P323, Sahin, TBND; P324, Kartal, TBNC; P325, Meltem, (lost in a collision with a Russian ship, salvaged and scrapped); P326, Pelikan, TBNJ; P327, Albatros, TBNK; P328, Simsek, TBNI; and P329, Kasirga, TBNH.
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