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Lew's Model Boats - Wiesel part F
How to Update the Graupner Kit
Updated:
April 30, 2026
About
In modifying and Building the 1/40 scale model: Graupner kit 2145, you are about to enter the lot of work" zone. The best way to modify the Graupner kit is to have a set of builder plans. Lew did not have that option, so the next best way for someone a half a world away from where the real boats were located is to use photos, especially those taken from different angles.
Lew has tried to ease the pain by pointing out various errors and omissions, as well as poor quality such as the vacuum formed parts by making his research available on this site. He can email close-ups or sketches that he made if needed.
Observe the image below to view a larger version of the actual deck plan. This will assist you in determining where the model components should be located. A larger file is available from Lew via email.
Some of the steps Lew took to Improve the Graupner kit
The Shafts, Propellers, and Rudders
Wrong
Here is one major improvement in the look of Lew's Schnellboot:
The photo at the left is the way Lew first built the model according to the instructions: Three propeller shafts and three rudders.
The photo at the right shows the re-build of this area: Four shafts and two rudders. This was accomplished by purchasing new shafts and using smaller propellers and making new rudders. The bottom of the hull is changed significantly in the center skeg and the elimination of the rounded bilge and converting the edge to a hard chine.
Lew is working on changing the propeller sizes, pitch and shapes to increase speed. The diameter can not change much because of the closeness to the hull. However, the pitch can be increased drastically.
The photo at the left is the way Lew first built the model according to the instructions: Three propeller shafts and three rudders.
The photo at the right shows the re-build of this area: Four shafts and two rudders. This was accomplished by purchasing new shafts and using smaller propellers and making new rudders. The bottom of the hull is changed significantly in the center skeg and the elimination of the rounded bilge and converting the edge to a hard chine.
Lew is working on changing the propeller sizes, pitch and shapes to increase speed. The diameter can not change much because of the closeness to the hull. However, the pitch can be increased drastically.
Correct
Examples of Some Deck Items
A few examples of the wrong information and pieces from the kit manufacturer are the torpedo tubes and the torpedo tube racks. The photo at the below left shows both one built from the kit's instructions (left within the photo) then correct one (on the right within the photo) built using real photos and drawings.
The below (center photo) shows the torpedo tubes Lew built using the Graupner parts. The photo below (right photo) shows the final correct modeling of the torpedo tubes.
And the "Fix" list is much longer than this. Lew has compiled downloadable PDF's to help with many other fixes for the Graupner kit.
read on...
Five PDF documents are available for modifying the Graupner kit. Select those below to download.
Downloads
More
* The last documents (no. 3A and 3B above) are about 95% complete. Use photos as a reference to complete your model.)