Calling all Gato-class (SS-212) fans

[calic]

I didn't see if anyone answered Wildspears question of what Anti-fouling paint was used. I always thought that Anti-fouling Red was used. Please correct me if I am wrong. I know Testors makes an anti-fouling red paint. hope this helps you out wildspear

[calic]

Could someone tell me please how did cigarette deck get it's name on US subs. I have never found any information on why they nicknamed it this. Only information I find on it is where they were located.

[aurora-7]

I didn't see if anyone answered Wildspears question of what Anti-fouling paint was used. I always thought that Anti-fouling Red was used. Please correct me if I am wrong. I know Testors makes an anti-fouling red paint. hope this helps you out wildspear

I know early war subs used black. An authority on WWII subs (and a Navsource contributor) told me it was a resin based substance so a satin finish black paint would replicate that well.

[Hippy Ed]

Just received a 1/144 Trumpeter USS Gato recently. The 1941 version
What I wish to know is, What subs can I build her as?!? It is to my understanding that my options are limited with this kit due to the limber holes (? they the same as flood holes??)
Been at least 25 yrs since I've built a sub and am mostly an aircraft, PT Boat Aircraft carrier guy. So, any input would be appreciated!
And John@WEM... I'll be hittin yer site for some goodies too

[Tom Dougherty]

The kit depicts an "as built" early Gato, with Electric Boat limber holes. If you accept the kit parts and limber hole pattern, you are limited to a relative handful of submarines built by EB just before and early in the war. You can expand your range into Balaos built by either EB or Manitowoc by using these aftermarket resin kits from Iron Bottom Sound:
http://ibs.eastcoastarmory.com/Csets3.htm. These are all specific for the Trumpeter kit.

Additional conversion kits from Nautilus Models: http://nautilusmodels.com/Gato/144Gato.htm permit you to build either pre-Gato Tambor class in 1943 fitting, or USS Haddo (Gato class) in late 1942. They also make a photoetch set for the kit.

[Tom Dougherty]

Could someone tell me please how did cigarette deck get it's name on US subs. I have never found any information on why they nicknamed it this. Only information I find on it is where they were located.

The aft gun deck was used by the crew (are you ready for this...) to smoke cigarettes (and get fresh air)! When the submarine surfaced (usually at night) to recharge batteries, crew members came up on deck in limited numbers for a cigarette break. If the submarine had been running underwater long, the depleted oxygen content made it difficult to keep cigarettes lit. Often after long submergence, the diesels were started and the bridge hatch left open "to take a suction through the boat" and essentially change the stale, depleted air for fresh air. If only the main air induction valve was opened, the air took longer to change, as the air induction line ran directly aft into the two engine rooms.

[Hippy Ed]

Thanks Tom, I knew I was limited "oob" Now it's onto researrching which sub ta build

[sgtryan13]

My suggestion would be to ask Mario Grima of Iron Bottom Sound. He is very knowledgable on these subs and was a great help in my build of the USS Sennet. You can find him listed in this forum as well.

[Hippy Ed]

Ok Thanks for the idea. I'll try to locate him.

[wildspear]

Mario is a great one to ask and his products are top rate. Also go to http://www.models.rokket.biz, great site about gato's and "Rokket" is anothergreat person to talk subs with

[Hippy Ed]

Ok I shot Mario an email and he gave me some good ideas to kick around on which sub to build. I'm kinda leaning towards the USS Grunion but, am also looking for others with an intriguing story... Darter perhaps...

[Hippy Ed]

Ok, Spent a good portion of my time surfin' thru Navsource & other sites
and have found a few subs that are quite intriguing... Would these be buildable from the kit I have?
USS Darte (SS-227) at the time of her grounding
USS Grunion (SS-216) as lost 31 July 1942
USS Tullibee (SS-284) lost 36 MAR 44
USS Tang (SS-307) lost 24OCT 1944 also rescued fliers off an OS2U near Truk 1 MAY 44

USS Baya (SS-318) Jan 1944

Tia,
Eddie

[Hippy Ed]

Ok, after having contacted Mario I now have a better understanding as to what subs I can build. The Darter, Tang and Tullibe would be better with the 1944 version of the Gato. So, I am contemplating building 1 of 3 subs...
Grunion, Baya or Bullhead...
What y'all think I should build? I can order the Balao set from IBS for about $40 and do up the Baya. The Grunion has an interesting story behind it's loss and then being found by the captain's sons. Decisons... decisons...

[sgtryan13]

I think the IBS conversion sets are awesome, and give you a sub that is more unique than the 100's of OOB builds out there. Just my 2 cents worth.

[Hippy Ed]

I think the IBS conversion sets are awesome, and give you a sub that is more unique than the 100's of OOB builds out there. Just my 2 cents worth.

Yea, I been looking over the IBS site and am impressed with what I have seen.
Btw, Thanks for steerin' me towards Mario for advice. He's quite helpful
My thoughts are beginning to lean towards the USS Baya...

[hpennell]

How about U.S.S. Wahoo ?. Capt. Morton was one of the few commanders at the time to take big risks in the the early years of the war, essentially taking a meek (passive) force and turning it into an aggressive hard hitting force. Capt. O'Kane from U.S.S. Tang wrote a great book about his experiance on the Wahoo.

Regards, Hans

[Hippy Ed]

How about U.S.S. Wahoo ?. Capt. Morton was one of the few commanders at the time to take big risks in the the early years of the war, essentially taking a meek (passive) force and turning it into an aggressive hard hitting force. Capt. O'Kane from U.S.S. Tang wrote a great book about his experiance on the Wahoo.

Regards, Hans

Hmmm, I'll have to look into this... I have been told I am limited to the boats I can build and not being a sub guy, I'm askin' for opinions on what I can build from the 1941 Gato.

Early Gato vs. late Gato I guess that is what it boils down to.
The research continues...

Eddie

[Tracy White]

You won't be able to do Wahoo as lost for sure, but perhaps as launched.

[Hippy Ed]

You won't be able to do Wahoo as lost for sure, but perhaps as launched.

Ok Tracy, since you opened the door... Why can't I build the Wahoo at the time of her loss? And, is this typical of all early Gatos? Please explain the differences.
Thanks,
Eddie

[Tracy White]

Well, I'm not a Gato expert, which is why I didn't speak up before... I figured there would be someone better who could help list the boats you could do.

Wahoo at the time of her loss had been modified away from the 1941 as launched configuration... the big ones I Know about deal with the sail... look at your kit's sail and compare it to the 4th photo on this Navsource page. If you can get a conversion sail that's one thing, but I don't know about any differences in the limber holes at all... that may be an issue for you as well.

I'm doing the 72nd Revell kit and had looked at Grunion, Wahoo, Tang, and finally settled on Barb. So I have a *little* familiarity with those hulls.