An old modle I was gifted, along with AMT’s USS Enterprise. I decided to build both at the same time and so far this si the faster build of the two. This is the first vessel/boat I’ve beuild since I was probably 8 so I am enjoying the build. Currently primed at this point, just waiting for it to dry and cure then I will be painting.
Darren, This is a great starter kit for a model Submarine. It is also a fun model to try scratch-building a bit of detail. Too bad there is no 1/240ish scale AM stuff for it.
It’s an easy kit to turn into the Balao class too as the Conning tower is already correct for the Balao.
You’re doing a nice job on the assembly. Check the WEB for some Camo painting ideas.
Here is one:
I wanted to suggest you might want to get another one of these inexpensive Lindberg kits to have some extra fun. The kits plastic top deck sits a bit Proud on the hull. On a real Sub it would appear flush, bow to stern. A simple “fix” could mean just adding some plastic sheet to the bow and stern to meet with the deck.
The deck and the Hull should meet with a more rounded edge too.
It’s probably a better kit for getting the painting sorted, and there are a number of interesting paint schemes with cool fades and the like.
It’ probably not a kit to get committed to trying to get the details right, that’s like to be more of a scratch re-build by the time a person was done.
Going to try to keep this as fun and not stress on accuracy. This si also a test on how Vallejo’s Model Air works on several different models. Just more practice for me on working on my technique.
I did check the primer, it looks pretty good, just sand it down a bit. As for the color scheme, I’ve had problems findng a good color scheme, but I will keep an eye out. I could also not be lazy and check out the instructions of other companies that make the a Gato class submarine and see what they use on their color call outs, but that wouldn’t be quite as fun.
Trumpeter has a callout for a grey and black scheme, most boats were done in allover black. Lot of builders favor nato black. By the time they got back from patrol, you can see alot of wear and tear in the paint work. Take a look at NavSource pics for weathering ideas.
Nino is right, the’scope shears are pure Balao, but the hulls of the Gatos and Balaos are virtually the same, just a little thicker pressure hull in the Balaos.
If you haven’t actually sanded it yet, be careful - I used Vallejo primer on a Revell U-boat last year, and sanded it down after waiting a day. It peeled like a layer of very peely stuff, and left a very visible hole showing the bare plastic. After leaving it for a few days (I gave it a week next time I used it) and sanding VERY gently, it was OK. Hope I’ve caught you in time, and I look forward to seeing your build - looking good so far.
FYI, Gold Metal Models has a 1/240 PE set intended for the old Revell Campbelltown destroyer.
Might be something in there you could use, if you’re interested.
That sub is fun. I have done all sorts of things with numerous editions of that kit. Now the last one was way better than most. I created an inner hull and found grating of a scale that was close so that became my deck and some plastic sheet artfully shaped became the pressure hull inside.
Then I proceeded to open one torpedo door as well as Cutting away all the plastic in the Limber holes. I used Brass for the posts for the Railing on the tower and Fine Wire for the rails. The guns got rebuilt with Brass components and the dive planes, rudder and props got redesigned and mounted.
You want to know what I like best about this kit? It’s from Lindberg and so it’s simple, fun, and fine looking when done. It won’t be confused for any other navy’s sub. plus, it’s a whole lot cheaper than other brands.
Slowly but surely, it’s coming along. I’m going to call the painting portion of this build done. Next up… putting on all “4” decals!, sealing it and then going to try my hand at weathering.
Nino,
Friend and I took the SS Badger across Lake Michigan a few years ago and took the full tour of the Cobia.
Good LORD, those must’ve been midgets in that crew. Lol; I about threw my back out getting through the compartment hatches. I can’t even imagine being in one of those for a 60-70 day patrol.
Looks kinda like an Unfinished Unterzeeboot ta me! And after reading Aurora’s, history, YES! Aurora! They acquired Varney’s old molds Before OLIN ( Lindberg) did! That’s the boat fer sure!
1911,The sound of a slide moving forward with a round. Oh Sorry, Straycat, I am a fan of that Pistol too(See Thread on Nicknames,Handles etc.) I have found some some supposedly 1/200 from Toms’ That would work. It is a little to small for what I bought it for!
Oh, NOTE: If you look closely, The Deck does NOT have Planks. It’s an illusion caused by the rows of freeing holes in them! Some were wood. I don’t believe the " Gato’s " Were!
20210313_180906 by Darren Keller, on Flickr
20210313_180930 by Darren Keller, on Flickr
20210313_180934 by Darren Keller, on Flickr
20210313_180939 by Darren Keller, on Flickr
20210313_180946 by Darren Keller, on Flickr
20210313_181008 by Darren Keller, on Flickr
20210313_181010 by Darren Keller, on Flickr
