Mike, apparently this system will not allow me to use your email address directly. I sent you the following but it was rejected:
Really appreciate your sharing your thoughts on my very special project.
To date, I have obtained a lasercut wood plaque of the GATO Class "TunnyModelProject.jpg attachment.
Understanding the changes "Gato-Tunny.jpg" attachment you see that the external picture is relatively clear, if not simple. I was thinking of modifying the already mounted lasercut first as an approach to the actual project.
Forming the hull is the major blockage. Basically my knowledge. As you can see in the "HullPlans.jpg" attachment, the forms are all contained in the single multiple depiction in the lower left. I have expanded them and show
various cross sections to the right. This is a poor picture; however, it represents the drawings I have which are all to scale. As you know, cutting the horizontal and vertical blocks is simple. It's that darn hull. I haven't yet given up the carving for the mold / frame construction you have suggested.
It's interesting to see what the general public believe the GatoClass-2.gif attachment looks like. The SSG conversion removed an engine, expanded the pump room to include Missile Control Center and added an extra JP-2 fuel tank along with hanger and missile rails plus launcher. The first of my models will be just the SSG Tunny with hangar door closed; however, it will also include modifications that I, as Assistant Engineer, Ensign, personally installed. The second model will have the hangar door open with one missile on launch rail with exhaust diffuser raised; and, the second missile visible upside down in the hangar. Of course I will have the Trounce Radar mast raised and I'm particularly sensitive to the Plexiglas dome on the bridge. I have a scar on my scalp to insure I don't forget that feature.
Really appreciate the comeback, Ed. I look forward to hearing from you.
By the way, if you are interested, I have put together some stories depicting what it was like onboard Tunny during her 'North Pacific Patrols'. Such patrols were lovingly called North Pacific Yacht Club members and later
became the first of the Strategic Nuclear Deterrent Patrols. These patrols resulted in their own patrol pin and have been attributed only to the Nuclear Powered Ballistic Missile firing submarines, the SSBNs. That is the reason for the book REGULUS, The Forgotten Weapon.
Your emails to me are coming through 5X5.
JimL (submariner)