1/144 Trumpeter Gato-1944

Just got this one to build up as SS238 Wahoo in the upcoming GB. Was wondering if anybody make any kind of a PE set for this kit, I looked on Eduard and they don’t show anything for her, but don’t know any other makers…

Also I noticed that the kit does not have the prop guards and was wondering if they were still in use, and they just missed it. If so and no PE will have to scale up from the 1/350 I have and scratch.

Thanks

Art

Art,

White Ensign makes a PE set for this model. I bought a set and for my kit and it is excellent.

Here is a link to White Ensign:

https://www.whiteensignmodels.com/p/WEM+1144+Gato+Class+Submarine+PE+14401/5128/#.VmuO8XpHarU

Squadron has it in stock but FreeTime Hobbies is out.

Steve

Check Gold Metal as well, they may have something. I’m jealous GH.

doc- Just what I was hoping for, reasonable price too. Ordered off the site, to toss in the box for later. Coming from Tom’s. Also wondering if the Squadron book on the Gato’s might be worthwhile for the build.

mc- don’t get jealous just yet, I’m all thumbs and not that experienced with PE, so we will have to see. Hopefully most of the errors will be buried in paint or white water…lol

You can also check out Nautilus Models as they do different Conning Towers for various Gatos…CHeers Mark

Not one specific for her in 1/144 and don’t know if one of the others would be closer (and most are sold out). Might have to grab the gun set though. Thanks.

Art,

The Squadron book cannot hurt, nice pictures. Never ask me if you should get a book because I always find a reason to add to my library!

I purchased the gun set and it is awesome. Little bit of cleanup but the detail is amazing. I have already put the 4" gun together and it looks sweet. Much better than the kit provided armament. The sub gb will be interesting since we are both building the same model as the Wahoo. I will try to build the monster 1/72 Gato also, but considering how slow I build… Well, we will see.

Steve

Since I’m fairly new to getting back to all of this (in the last year), and never much for anything than OOB, Yours will come out way better without a doubt.

I have an email into Nautilus since the site had not been updated in awhile, and they showed some Wahoo stuff coming. Will let you know what i hear.

Not much for scratch, so unless it comes pretty much ready to go from the AM, she will be OOB. Never did water either so will have to figure that out as well, but did run across a thread with a raft of links to other articles, etc., so will do some looking there as well.

Hope to end up putting her in the Vet’s home here, but might end up being a little big since the base of the dio will be around 3 feet long.

Let me know what you plan on for decals for her, if you are going to do your own for numbers, etc., might look to buying a set if you would be so inclined.

I had that kit in my hands,but got the Revell 1/144 U-Boat instead,will be checking in with interest on yours.

Hull and main deck are in 3 pieces. 2 hull halves joined on centerline of keel, and the first part of the main deck (back about 5 inches from the bow) and them the rest of the main deck. Have not opened the bags yet to see how tight the seams will end up being. That will have to wait til the build starts.

Pressure hull is included with main compartments but no other inner goodies. Could do a cut away but everything would have to be sctatched. All the freeing ports are already opened up on the hull sides.

Steve I don’t find it at Squadron!?

I ordered off the WE link,and is coming from Tom’s. Later saw out of stock, thinking it might have been the last one for awhile? Didn’t see it a Squadron either.

Toms?

Toms Model Works, shipped out of Southern CA.

Oh. I had looked there but didnt see it - did they just acquire the WE inventory and ship only when ordered thru WE site?

I just went over there too and not listed…I don’t know about him having their inventory, might have to order from WE page and see where it ships from. They do pay-pal and regular visa, visa/debit… jst like ebay.

Hokey,

Here is the link to Squadron:

http://www.squadron.com/1-144-White-Ensign-Gato-Class-Sub-Detail-Set-p/we14401.htm

I ordered mine from the White Ensign site.

Hope this helps,

Steve

the prop guards were a feature that was eliminated over time - they caused drag and noise. You can see the lack of guards in Wahoo’s later photos on her Navsource page - http://navsource.org/archives/08/08238.htm

Tracy- Thanks for the link, saved that to favorites. Wealth of pics for her, some have seen elsewhere but nice in one spot.

Thanks. Ya it reads outta stock. Poor website search process - Gato and White didn’t produce it on my end.