I am wanting to build a Tambor class submarine. Specifically the USS Tautog ss 199. My daughters grandfather served on that sub during World War II. Is there any way to convert the Gato claas to a Tambor class.
Any help ot=r suggestions will be appreciated.
Thanks
Does your daughter know anything of WWII-era submarines? Would she know the difference between a Gato/Balao and a Tambor? When during WWII was he on the Tautog?
To get to a Tambor from a Gato remove 4.5 scale feet from the length. Change the pressure hull plating thickness to allow for only 250 ft diving depth vs Gato :-]
US Fleet submarines evolved over the course of the war. Their conning towers were cut down to minimize detection. Armaments changed too as mission changed. Hull numbers were often painted over.
Go NAVSOURCE’s page on the Tautog at http://www.navsource.org/archives/08/08199.htm
One in particular shows a post-1943 Tautog with the cut-down conning tower, aft deck gun, and expanded gun working circle.
Nautilus Models offers a 1:144 scale conversion to make a Tambor/Thresher see:
http://nautilusmodels.com/Gato/144Gato.htm
Page down to Thresher SS-200. It includes the tower, gun, working circle expansions and engine mufflers
If you cut down the length, the major problem I see is aligning the limber holes (and they varied shipyard - to shipyard). That is a problem you don’t want to begin
Geez, this sounds like my dilemma with my USS Missouri build - trying to backdate a cheapie 1980s-era model into a reasonably-accurate 1950s Korea-era. I decided that what they didn’t know, wouldn’t hurt them, and Close enough is good enough.
It’s going to be a submarine. It’s going to be painted (probably) black. As Ed pointed out, EVERY WWII US sub was constantly modified. I’d concentrate on making as clean a build as you can, work on a decent finish, and otherwise go, Close enough is good enough.
Was just looking at her, and some of her Gato sisters. As built she shows a portside anchor recess just in front of the forward plane. Also one on starboardside. Most Gatos didn’t have that feature. No idea if removed during the refits or not
Since the pressure hull is pretty much covered by the outer hull, containing fuel and ballast tanks, I wouldn’t worry about it. As to the 4.5 ft length difference, you would notice it in 1/144 or larger, if looking for it. 3/8" in 1/144, and 3/4" in 1/72 if you decide to go with the big Revell kit. And the 1/72 is 54" long, hard to see a 3/4" difference there. If you do shorten, think about how and where to make the cuts. Very little would match up without having to fair it in.