More random stuff - I was a huge U-Boat nut as a kid. I built models and read about the patrols, and in later years, became friends with Erich Topp and Otto Kretchsmer. Back a few years ago, I had the opportunity to purchase the replica used in the filming of U-571. At the time, it was being offered for sale for $100,000USD which was cheap, considering it cost over $1 million to build in Malta in 1999.
By the time it was put on the market, the wood decks were rotted and it needed restoration. I was working on a deal with a museum in Malta to act as curators and provide tours of the restored movie prop.
At 200 feet long and 600 tons, finding and securing a berth were even more important than the purchase price, since most berths charge $10 - $20 per month per foot of boat length.
Our proposal was to purchase the boat, create a non-profit to restore it and have the museum supervise tours of it. The agreement also provided a clause that it would be available for future film projects.
Before we could secure a berth and arrangement, the owner's were approached by a company who wanted to renovate it for use in the movie Ghost Boat.
I have a bunch of photos taken on board in February 2016 that I can post later from my PC.
So, while we missed this opportunity, I have kept in touch with people and what's going on with the replica.
Recently, it was renovated again and transported by barge to St. Naziere France - to the still standing U-Boat pens - for use in an upcoming film.
Here's some photos of the recent transportation work sent to me from one of my contacts:
I have a lot of photos from the build snd movie production that have never, ever been posted anywhere on the web.
I also have the photos taken onboard before the renovation.
I will post more later...