I have been thinking about this for years. An actual full scale, fully functional Type XXIII.

When I was a kid, I was so sad to see an old movie of the British sinking U Boats. In particular was U-2324. I remember watching her rolling in the waves as the British fired round after round and I recall thinking what a waste of such a historic boat.

I built all the U-Boat models, but Type XXIII was my favorite. Not a single Type XXIII exists today.

Many years ago I began to wonder if it would be possible to duplicate a Type XXIII from original plans in the interest of creating a living, breathing museum. As opposed to the Wilhelm Bauer, a vessel that could travel around the globe, visiting ports along the way as a window into history.

I remember that many companies provided parts to restore U-505 free of charge. Perhaps these firms would contribute to the only Type XXIII in existence, even if it was only a replica.

I have made parts for smaller, personal submarines, so I know the task would be daunting, but not impossible.

I'm quite the dreamer of course, but it's still something I think about often.