I don't have much space to accomodate a newly built model. Over the past few years, I've been building a lot of models as gifts. My Dad's best friend had quite an experience in WWII. I'm building ships and planes that relate to his experience.
He was a missionary kid in Africa during WWII, and he and his family were returning to the US aboard a freighter that was sunk by a U-boat in 1942. They survived on a raft along with about 18 seamen for 3 weeks, when they were spotted by a PBY and picked up by a British destroyer.
In the late 70's he researched the whole thing, and was able to pinpoint the very U-boat that sunk him. In the early 80s he decided to contact the crew of the U-boat out of interest. He had no war animosities or vindictive motives. He went to one of the U-boats reunions and became quite friendly with some of the crew. The radioman came to the US some time later as a guest of my Dad's friend, and the first thing he said to me in relation to being on a U-boat was "60 men, one toilet."
The U-boat was the U-66 which was rammed and sunk by the U.S.S. Buckley, but over half the crew survived. I was lucky enough to find a kit for the Buckley which I built for him. The type IXc U-66 is next, then the PBY, and then the British Destroyer.
DJ