Lego Mini-fig scale U-552 VIIC Uboat

XLjedi · 07-30-23, 08:02 PM

I'm sure folks will be quick to point out this is "Panlos" blocks and not official Lego, but everyone knows what Lego is, so I labeled it as such.

This kit just arrived at my house today. Includes Erich Topp and a full crew of 16 mini-figs (17 total). Over 6,000 pieces!

https://www.blockbrickworld.com/prod...iic-submarine/

I'm more the traditional Lego fan, however these Panlos blocks are a fraction of the price and nearly indistinguishable in feel and quality. I also know that I will never see Lego produce a VIIC, much less with a full minifig crew! I just could not resist.

This set would probably be like $1000+ if Lego did make it. It was only $136 before shipping.

There's a video review below, if you can get past the guy calling torpedos missiles (among other eye-rolling comments). In his defense though, he is pretty amusing to watch. It did seem odd that all the crew have black hair? I would've expected a few more blonds or light brown hair. I will probably pickup some different hair pieces to correct for that.

Super excited to put this one on the bookshelf behind my desk. One correction will need to be made though; the model includes a typo. Upon inspection of the pieces myself, the gold placard indicates the model is U-522 as opposed to U-552. I confirmed the hull number and details on the placard match the U-522, but that is obviously a mistake since this is a VIIC model and the U-522 was a type IXC sub. The poor soul who put the placard details on mistyped when he was looking up his data! Which is a bit of a shame. It is supposed to be Erich Topp's U-552. I will make my own placard sticker and correct for that glaring mistake!

Mork_417 · 07-31-23, 08:02 PM

Very interesting, will have to give that a watch.

I have three of the Cobi subs, U-48, ORP ORZEŁ, and the SS-306. However, these are all small compared to that massive 6200 piece monster.

I found a JMBrickland non-specific nuclear submarine to try, which should be here on Friday, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BYRW1PPV...roduct_details.
Figured if I don't like it, I could use the pieces in a scratch build later.

Please post pictures of your progress!

em2nought · 08-14-23, 06:00 PM

Twelve year old me would have been jonesing for this set of blocks. It could have taken on my Lindberg Blue Devil Fletcher class. I love the stubble on the commander's face.

XLjedi · 08-21-23, 06:04 PM

I'm afraid 12yr old me is still at the helm of this 53yr old frame.

Onkel Neal · 08-22-23, 06:46 AM

Very cool, looking fwd to seeing your build.

nikimcbee · 09-09-23, 01:58 AM

I remember back when I was a kid, and I had to design my lego u-boat with the old school, generic blocks.

I may have a picture someplace, but it would take some serious looking to find it. (if I have one)

07-30-23, 08:02 PM	#1
XLjedi Ace of the Deep Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Palm Beach, Florida Posts: 1,200 Downloads: 53 Uploads: 8	Lego Mini-fig scale U-552 VIIC Uboat I'm sure folks will be quick to point out this is "Panlos" blocks and not official Lego, but everyone knows what Lego is, so I labeled it as such. This kit just arrived at my house today. Includes Erich Topp and a full crew of 16 mini-figs (17 total). Over 6,000 pieces! https://www.blockbrickworld.com/prod...iic-submarine/ I'm more the traditional Lego fan, however these Panlos blocks are a fraction of the price and nearly indistinguishable in feel and quality. I also know that I will never see Lego produce a VIIC, much less with a full minifig crew! I just could not resist. This set would probably be like $1000+ if Lego did make it. It was only $136 before shipping. There's a video review below, if you can get past the guy calling torpedos missiles (among other eye-rolling comments). In his defense though, he is pretty amusing to watch. It did seem odd that all the crew have black hair? I would've expected a few more blonds or light brown hair. I will probably pickup some different hair pieces to correct for that. Super excited to put this one on the bookshelf behind my desk. One correction will need to be made though; the model includes a typo. Upon inspection of the pieces myself, the gold placard indicates the model is U-522 as opposed to U-552. I confirmed the hull number and details on the placard match the U-522, but that is obviously a mistake since this is a VIIC model and the U-522 was a type IXC sub. The poor soul who put the placard details on mistyped when he was looking up his data! Which is a bit of a shame. It is supposed to be Erich Topp's U-552. I will make my own placard sticker and correct for that glaring mistake! __________________ Last edited by XLjedi; 07-31-23 at 06:19 AM.

07-31-23, 08:02 PM	#2
Mork_417 Lieutenant Commander Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: DB-15 Posts: 849 Downloads: 263 Uploads: 0	Very interesting, will have to give that a watch. I have three of the Cobi subs, U-48, ORP ORZEŁ, and the SS-306. However, these are all small compared to that massive 6200 piece monster. I found a JMBrickland non-specific nuclear submarine to try, which should be here on Friday, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BYRW1PPV...roduct_details. Figured if I don't like it, I could use the pieces in a scratch build later. Please post pictures of your progress! __________________ Heading to AM49.(U-553)

08-14-23, 06:00 PM	#3
em2nought Ocean Warrior Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 3,269 Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	Twelve year old me would have been jonesing for this set of blocks. It could have taken on my Lindberg Blue Devil Fletcher class. I love the stubble on the commander's face. __________________ Looks like we need a Lemon Law for Presidents now! DNC sold us a dud, and they knew it.

08-21-23, 06:04 PM	#4
XLjedi Ace of the Deep Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Palm Beach, Florida Posts: 1,200 Downloads: 53 Uploads: 8	I'm afraid 12yr old me is still at the helm of this 53yr old frame. __________________

08-22-23, 06:46 AM	#5
Onkel Neal Born to Run Silent Join Date: Jan 1997 Location: Cougar Trap, Texas Posts: 21,284 Downloads: 534 Uploads: 224	Very cool, looking fwd to seeing your build. __________________ SUBSIM - 26 Years on the Web

09-09-23, 01:58 AM	#6
nikimcbee Fleet Admiral Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Patroling the Slot. Posts: 17,925 Downloads: 90 Uploads: 0	I remember back when I was a kid, and I had to design my lego u-boat with the old school, generic blocks. I may have a picture someplace, but it would take some serious looking to find it. (if I have one) __________________