I’m primarily an armor modeller so I’m having a tough time getting going on this, but I really want to build a model of the USS Flasher (ss 249) for my grandfather who served on it in WWII. I’m looking for any information I can find on this ship right now, and I’m not sure how different the Flasher would be from any other Gato class sub. Revell-Monogram makes a surprisingly inexpensive USS Lionfish, another Gato class sub, but I’m not sure how much modification would be required to convert it to a Flasher (or to make it really authentic for that matter). I’d also like to attempt a larger scale (scratchbuilt) so I’ll need detailed specs. Any ideas or help would be GREATLY appreciated.
Hi gnsnow,
I am also getting into buiding subs… i found one sit that is good, they also have a forum there also http://www.subcommittee.com/
Also , the easiest way is to use a good search engine… I use Google …
I f i come across anything for SS 249, i will post it here, or e-mail ya!!1
Good Luck!!!
Ron
OK. I did find out a lot of information. Apparently (please correct me if I’m wrong) Gato class subs all share the same hull and vary primarily in the conning tower (still not sure about decks). I’ve seen a 1/96 scale kit (the scale I want to work in) from Scale Shipyard that’s an open hull and basic conning only, but they’re back ordered 10 to 14 weeks right now. I could find a way to scratchbuild one in that time (and even have time to screw up a few). I’m considering using a scratchbuilding method I read about using florist’s foam sanded to shape, then laminated and hollowed out. Any suggestions?
BTW - I still need to find some detailed specs of SS 249, the best resources are out of print. I’d be willing to compensate anyone who can help me.
Thanks again,
Gary Snow
gnsnow@hotmail.com
If I remember correctly, Nautilus Models makes resin conning towers for the Revell Lionfish/Flasher kit. Check them out at www.nautilusmodels.com. I think they also make photetched details for them too.
The Balao and Gato class fleet boats were very similar. I think i have a ship modelling magazine with an article about these boats, i’ll look and get back.
If you have plans you could build a “bread and butter” hull construction which uses horizontal laminations of wood.
You are correct that the major differences between boats is sail and topside configuration. During WW 2 the skippers had a lot of lattitude in what they could do to change the boats. One thing you should be aware of is that the sail area changed considerably from patrol to patrol. Experience showed that removing parts of the sail superstructure helped reduce likeliehood of detection on the surface. Deck gun configuration was also constantly changing. One statement I recall reading was the hope by one crewman that the CO wouldn’t be able to get a 5" gun installed because he’d want to use it instead of torpedos.
Try looking in your search engine for the specific boat. There are lots of pages for individual boats. Alot of them have crew lists and you may be able to contact someone who rode the boat to get specific information for a specific time period you are interested in.
I rode a nuc, and the site for my boat has the WW 2 boat and the nuc version in the same site.
Good Luck
DAS
To Gnsnow:
I don’t know where you’re located, but the actual conning tower of the USS Flasher is on display as a memorial in Connecticut in the Groton/New London area. It’s quite impressive.
SS 249 Flasher commissioned at 25-Sep-43 Electric Boat
There are some fotos of Gato class USS COD 1:96 kit, good details.
http://www.fineartmodels.com/ships.htm
Inside YAHOO searching for " gato class " i have found a lot of sites with
good fotos and information.
Try this one:
http://users.skynet.be/RonSubCovers/Dieselsub/Class%20Gato%201941.htm
Great site.
Here is one foto of SS 249 Flasher:
http://uboat.net/allies/warships/ship/2995.html
Site main page:
http://uboat.net/
The Scale Shipyard has hulls in 1/48 and 1/72 scale. Here’s a link.
http://members.aol.com/ssyweb/SSYMain.htm
Here’s a link with a photo of a 1/72 scale boat.
http://www.gatosubs.com/kitscalshgato.htm
I would love to see somebody like Amati make a Gato boat. They did such a good job on the type VII U Boat.
Dave
Here’s an article on how to build the 1/72 boat