The U-96 is one of the few submarines of World War II that has gone down in history not only as a combat unit, but also as the subject of a book and film, thus moving from the pages of history into pop culture. Today you can place its brick-built interpretation on your shelf as a collector's model, carrying with it a story about people, symbols and the realities of naval warfare.

The U-96 model in 1:300 scale is a proposition for collectors, history enthusiasts and fans of the cult novel and film "Das Boot".

A ship known from history… and from the pages of a book

The U-96 was a German Type VIIC submarine that entered service in 1940. During its active career, it carried out 11 combat patrols, participating in operations in the Atlantic against Allied shipping. From April 1, 1943, it served as a training unit. What distinguished the U-96 from many other submarines of that period was the fact that no crew member died during its entire service – a rarity in the realities of submarine warfare.



However, the U-96 gained true immortality thanks to Lothar-Günther Buchheim, who described his experiences from a voyage on this submarine in the novel "Das Boot". Its film adaptation became one of the most important and realistic war films in the history of cinema, depicting war from the perspective of people trapped in a steel hull beneath the ocean's surface.

Symbol and its meaning

The model reproduces the characteristic markings of the ship, including the symbol placed on the conning tower of U-96. These types of emblems, such as the laughing sawfish (the symbol of the 9th U-boat Flotilla), served as identification marks for the crew, building the unit's identity and emphasizing its distinctiveness within the fleet.

In the COBI set, these markings are purely historical and collectible, representing a faithful reproduction of the realities of the era. This is also an example of a new direction in COBI's offer, where increasing emphasis is placed on authentic details and symbols known from both archives and popular culture.

Why is U-96 worth having in your collection?

- Compact 1:300 scale model - The set faithfully reproduces the characteristic silhouette and proportions of one of the most famous submarines of World War II, while maintaining a compact, collectible format.
- High-quality workmanship - Precisely fitted elements and refined details make the model look like a miniature of a real U-boat.
- Collectible format - U-96 perfectly complements the COBI series of ships in 1:300 scale, alongside models such as ORP Orzeł, ORP Sęp and U-47, creating a coherent and impressive collection.
- Stand with a collector's plaque - An elegant stand with the ship's name and scale designation allows you to effectively display the model in a display case, on a shelf or on a desk.
- Durable prints – All markings are made using durable printing techniques, guaranteeing an excellent appearance of the model even after many years.
- Age: 7+ – The set is suitable for both younger and more experienced builders. It's a great option for beginners and adult collectors.
- Realistic detail reproduction – The hull lines, conning tower and technical details give the construction depth and realism that every fan of naval warfare will appreciate.
- Clear building instructions – The assembly process is intuitive and satisfying, ideal for both young enthusiasts and experienced modelers.
- Perfect for display – Once assembled, the model looks great on a shelf, desk or in a display case. It's a small but incredibly impressive miniature of a legendary vessel.
- Expand your fleet – Check out other COBI sets and expand your collection of historical ships. The 1:300 scale models offer a completely new perspective on naval warfare. Compare them with 1:700 scale ships and further enhance your collection.

The U-96 is a tangible trace of history that, thanks to literature and film, has become part of world pop culture. Its brick version allows you to look at this story from a distance, as a testament to the era, technology and the fate of people trapped beneath the ocean's surface.

Place the U-96 on your shelf and let one of the most famous stories of naval warfare, known from books and the screen, find its place in your collection.

- 162 high-quality elements
- Manufactured in the EU by a company with over 35 years of tradition
- Meets safety standards for children's products
- Fully compatible with other brands of building blocks
- Clear and intuitive instructions based on illustrations and step-by-step instructions
- Scale 1:300
- Model dimensions: 225 mm x 40 mm x 70 mm