the 1/72 revell gato

mkeatingss

Member since
November 2004
From: Chandler,AZ

Posted by mkeatingss on Tuesday, April 4, 2006 12:57 PM

Nope, I rode three of the old Conch boats out of Key west, 63 - 73. But I've got a set of Bang's Ship's Drawings.

I got to hand Amberjack over to the Brazilians and was part of the turn over crew, in 73.

Mike K.

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DBFSS385

Member since
September 2003
From: Connecticut

Posted by DBFSS385 on Sunday, April 2, 2006 7:28 PM

Yo Mike when were you on the Bang? I was aboard her in 71 up to the Spanish handover...I didn't qual on her but spent some time mess crankin and doing topsides etc..

Be Well/DBF Walt

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mkeatingss

Member since
November 2004
From: Chandler,AZ

Posted by mkeatingss on Sunday, April 2, 2006 11:13 AM

You're right, "Banger", this is going to be great. However, modifications are going to be flying hot and heavy.

I plan the build two versions of this thing. The first will be a Guppy IIA, Tench. When that's done, I plan to do the same boat "as built", making use of the left over 40 mm and 5" guns from the first kit.

As for the differences between the Balaos, Gatos and Tenches, no big deal. Just keep the guys with calipers, micrometers and tape measures away from your model. Limber holes will be tedious, but no big deal.

And, at least there are good ship's plans of Bang, out there. I'm going nuts, researching and trying to remember, my boat.

Mike K.

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DBFSS385

Member since
September 2003
From: Connecticut

Posted by DBFSS385 on Saturday, April 1, 2006 12:57 PM

I also eagerly await this kit . But meanwhile Trumpeter is supposed to be releasing a Gato Boat in 1/144 scale.. They have plans for two styles the early EB Sail configuration and the later more widely seen and recognized Mare Island Sail which will make conversions to a Balao class a little easier.

I don't think in 1/72 scale any conversion to Balao from Gato would be possible without a major rework on a expensive kit.. I think it's about time a good Fleet boat is released in Plastic. Not all us Submarine modelers build Nazi Submarines.

Now we need a few RN WW2 era Boats in plastic and a nice I 400 IJN Boat..

Keep them coming I'll make room.

Be Well/DBF Walt