Special Navy – 72007 – Kriegsfischkutter “WWII German Patrol and Minesweeper Ship”

Description:

Unassembled plastic model kit in 1/72 scale of a German WWII Kriegsfischkutter Patrol and Minesweeper Ship.

The Kriegsfischkutter (KFK), which translates to “War Fishing Cutter,” was a type of German auxiliary naval vessel developed during World War II for coastal patrol, convoy escort, and minesweeping duties. Designed to resemble civilian fishing trawlers, the KFK was based on a robust wooden hull design that could be quickly built in small shipyards across occupied Europe and Germany. This approach allowed the Kriegsmarine to rapidly expand its fleet without overburdening major naval shipyards. Although it maintained the look of a fishing vessel, the KFK was a fully militarized ship, equipped with depth charges, machine guns, and in some cases light cannons.

Over 600 KFKs were built during the war, serving in the Baltic Sea, North Sea, and Atlantic coastlines, as well as in the Mediterranean. Their wooden construction made them particularly useful for minesweeping operations, as they were less likely to trigger magnetic naval mines. They also served in anti-submarine warfare, coastal defense, and reconnaissance. Despite their modest size and firepower, the KFKs played a vital role in maintaining maritime security for German coastal operations, especially as larger naval assets became increasingly stretched or unavailable later in the war.

For modelers, the Kriegsfischkutter offers a unique and lesser-known subject that stands out from the usual steel warships. Its utilitarian appearance, combined with the contrast between its civilian form and military function, makes it an appealing addition to WWII naval collections—particularly in coastal or harbor diorama settings.

This is a new tool kit in 2025, and never tooled before in 1/72 scale and plastic injected, despite of being one of the most important vessels of the Kriegsmarine by its number built and role in every theater of the war.

The kit features a classic two valves hull and include display stand parts.

The brand (Special Navy) has already developed extra detail sets, sell separately, such paint mask, which in our opinion should have been included here, 3D printed deep charges (kit include 6 hard plastic multi part charges) and probably soon other after market products will appear to enhance the base model. For example metal tubes for the gun or machine guns would have been great. Note that kit doesn’t include any PE (photo-etched) detail part.