Mikromir 144043 - 1:144 French Gymnote Q1 All-Electric Submarine

Plastic model kit of the French Gymnote submarine in 1:144 scale

Mikromir 144043 is a self-assembly kit reproducing the French Gymnote (Q1) submarine — one of the world's first all-electric submarines and the first workable submarine armed with torpedoes.

The model is produced using short-run injection technology, supplemented with photo-etched parts. The kit also includes a display stand.

What's in the box:

• Plastic sprues with the full hull
• Photo-etched fret
• Display stand
• Assembly instructions with a painting option

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:144
• Catalogue number: 144043
• Manufacturer: Mikromir
• Assembled length: approx. 12.4 cm
• Difficulty level: beginner/intermediate

Note: This kit does not include glue, paint or modelling tools. The model is intended for self-assembly.

Building the model:

This small model with a simple hull is accessible even to less experienced modellers, although working with the small photo-etched parts requires precision. The model can be displayed on the included stand.

Early submarines were usually painted in dark, uniform hull colours. Details are best emphasised with a wash, and the whole sealed with a matt or satin varnish.

Required tools:

• Modelling nippers for removing parts from the sprues
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sanding paper for cleaning up sprue-gate marks
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Brushes in various sizes
• Modelling paints (acrylic or enamel)
• Modelling wash to emphasise details and recesses

About the ship – Gymnote (Q1):

The Gymnote (Q1) is a French submarine launched in 1888, regarded as one of the world's first all-electric submarines and the first workable submarine of its class armed with torpedoes. Propulsion was provided by an electric motor powered by numerous battery cells.

The vessel was fitted among other things with a periscope and a gyrocompass, and its design — begun by Dupuy de Lôme and completed by Gustave Zédé — was an important step in the development of undersea weapons.

Original specifications (Gymnote Q1):

• Length: approx. 17.8 m
• Propulsion: electric motor powered by battery cells
• Armament: two 355 mm torpedoes
• Equipment: periscope, gyrocompass
• Class: early submarine
• Launched: 1888

About the manufacturer – Mikromir:

Mikromir is a manufacturer of plastic model kits known for unusual naval, aviation and armour subjects often overlooked by the larger makers. The company reaches for pioneering designs, prototypes and rare vessels from various eras, offering them in short-run injection technology, usually supplemented with photo-etched parts. Mikromir kits are appreciated by modellers looking for original, historically interesting subjects. Because of the nature of the tooling, some of the models are aimed at more experienced modellers.