Kit Search: Tench-class submarine

Tench class is externally identical to the Gato and Balao, with the exception of the deck gun, it's a 5"/25 on a Tench, and 3"/50 on Gatos and Balaos.

The Revell Lionfish is still a great kit, affordable, and of decent size. You'll want to get the Nautilus resin detail set for it, since you'll more than likely need to update the sail.

http://nautilusmodels.com/

Good luck,

Jeff Herne

You'll have to determine what time period he served, if it's post-war, she may have been Guppied, which means you'll have to build a streamlined sail.

Jeff

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I just completed a Tench-Guppy II, using the Lionfish/Growler kit. If there's anything I can help with, just ask, here, or contact me by Email at << mkeatingss@cox.net >>.
The main difference between the Gatos, Balaos and Tenchs was a thicker hull and the tank layout. Neither show up on the model. But keep in mind, also, that there is a small difference in length, Gato 307', Balao 311.7'. Tench 311.8' and the Tenchs were .1 feet wider in the beam than the Gato or Balao boats. That's a maximum of 0.3 inches in 1:192 scale, or 0.8 inches in 1:72 scale.
The 3"50cal, designed for these boats, was usually replaced with a 5"/25cal or a 4"/50cal, during construction.
If you're interested in subs, I highly recommend the "United States Naval Submarine Force Information Book" by Jim Christley, published by Graphic Enterprises of Marblehead in Marblehead, MA.
This information is brought to you by Plastic Modelers For A 1:72 Gato/Balao/Tench Kit (me). To join, you must write Revell, requesting the kit. And continuing to do so every six month until Revell a) Produces the model, b) Goes out of business, or c) Sends two large, Mafia goons to break your knees.
Mike

Thanks guys, that is a ton of help. Mike, I appreciate the offer -- I'll take you up on it when I get the build going.

He was on the Trutta post-war (late 50s/early 60s I think), so I'd need to update it.

Loyd

That's great, Loyd. She was one of the Conch Squadron (Subron 12) out of Key West, FL. She was Tench Class, Tench Varient, with a Portsmouth sail. Just like Quillback (SS-424) [the boat I qualified on] and Tirante (SS-420). The Tirante's Ship's Plans (circa 1970) are Available from Floating drydock. To all intents an purposes, there will be few modifications necessary, to build Trutta.
Check the Submarine section of Navsource.com, for pictures of Trutta.
I believe that there's a guy, that was on the Trutta, in the early 60s, in my Sub Vets chapter, here in Phoenix. If you want, I can ask around and, if there is, I can try to put him in contact with you. Who knows, he could be an old buddy of your father's.
DBF!!!
Mike

I just remembered something else.
There's a guy in Virginia Beach that was a Fire Controlman, on the Trutta, back in the 60s. He built a R/C model of her eight, or ten, years ago. You can reach him thrue his web site.<< http://www.vabiz.com/d&e/ >>
As you'll see, at his site, he produces model kits and hardware for R/C subs. They aint cheap, but they're top of the line. And, his after market support is unsurpassed.
He also produces models for Hollywood. If you've seen "Crimson Tide", you've seen some of his work.
Mike

The Trutta spent most of her life as a Guppy llA. This involves the Change in Sail design as well as major freewater/deck and bow changes. Also had design changes to bow planes. Most of these are easy to do in 1/350 scale. I think the Turkish Navy may still be operating her. I did a Guppyll using Yankee modelworks 1/350 Balao kit with little problem using plans available on the Guppy website and photos I have at home.
Try this sourse it's wonderful for SS Modelers. www.navsourse.org/archives/subidx.htm There is also a Guppy website called
guppysubmarinetribute.homestead.com You can find several great submarine info sites out there.

QUOTE: Originally posted by mkeatingss This information is brought to you by Plastic Modelers For A 1:72 Gato/Balao/Tench Kit (me). To join, you must write Revell, requesting the kit. And continuing to do so every six month until Revell a) Produces the model, b) Goes out of business, or c) Sends two large, Mafia goons to break your knees. Mike

that got me laughing, mike

The web site for Tribute to Guppys is:
<< http://guppysubmarinetribute.homestead.com/Tribute.html >>

As far as the sail goes, I have a layout for the Protsmouth sail on Autocad. I'll try to get a plot, in scale. Then I'll scan it with a steel rule and email it, if you want. Just cut out the parts, assemble them and cover with thin plastic or printer quality, photographic paper.
This will probably take awhile, as I'll have to first plot it out in several scales. In case anyone else needs one.
I also have the EB and North Atlantic sails.
Mike