Project Gato: 1/72 scale fleet boat

[Onkel Neal]

As I mentioned in Bill's 1/72 scale Gato thread, Dan surprised me with this large scale model on my birthday last week.

http://www.subsim.com/models/images/gato_11.jpg

I had been looking at the big Gato and U-boat models since this time last year, hesitant to pull the trigger and buy it because... well, would it actually get built? With my schedule and time demands? And my untapped reserves of laziness and world class procrastination?? :88)

It's been a while since I worked on a scale model, about 12 years to be exact. When I finished my U-99 1/125 Type VIIB U-boat, Subsim was still in its infancy. (http://www.cavalla.org/subs.html) (I even toyed around with the idea of a Model Showcase (http://www.cavalla.org/showcase.html), but I decided I better leave that business to the SubCommittee (http://www.subcommittee.com.). :lol: ) After finishing the U-boat, I started on the Lionfish...but never finished it. Naturally, I bought several other sub models in a frenzy, but, ahhh... yeah. Can't even find them now :oops:

Ok, so now I'm back in the model building biz, and since the model is BIG, I figure it will be easier to work on. At least the pieces should be easier to see! And since this model was a gift, I am even more compelled to work on it. So, here are the contents of the box

http://www.subsim.com/models/images/gato_12.jpg

http://www.subsim.com/models/images/gato_13.jpg

http://www.subsim.com/models/images/gato_14.jpg


As Bill thoughtfully pointed out, there are a slew of aftermarket parts to make it look even better, and I may buy some of them and see how it goes... but I have to warn you now, I am not a world-class modeller, not at all, so don't expect this build thread to show me moving the anchor 3mm forward or massive surgery with a Dremel tool. I'll leave that to the pros (Siara); no, this thread is the well-intention and charming amateur model build.

It was only a couple days after laying the parts out and then a box arrived in the post. I opened it and found this inside:
http://www.subsim.com/models/images/gato_15.jpg

With a note: Every sub needs a good crew. Happy birthday, Bill.
Wow, Bill! :o Thanks!! Man, what a nice surprise!! That was so cool of you.

Ok, so now the must-do-a-good-job factor had increased!! So naturally, I ran out and bought all the stuff and tools.
http://www.subsim.com/models/images/gato_17.jpg


Ok, now I'm ready to glue stuff and cut stuff. And then the next day another box arrived in the post:
http://www.subsim.com/models/images/gato_16.jpg

Holy cow! A really nice airbrush kit. What, I'm 49 and here is my first airbrush. I look through the packing slip and the customer ID is BarthR. Rick, StdDev, you old dog!! :o Thanks, man. I was blushing like a schoolgirl. Putting paint on with this tool will rock. Thanks!

So, this week I am going to prep my skills by first repairing my old U-99. It took a lot of depth charges over the years without a scratch but the senoritas who clean my house gave it a helluva beating with a featherduster :x

http://www.subsim.com/models/images/gato_18.jpg


So, stayed tuned and witness the sheer incompetence and audacity as I roll up my sleeves and bring this baby to life. :)

Neal

[Ivan Putski]

Neal, that is a very nice kit, I`ve been looking into it myself, and all the after market parts available for it. Still have`nt finished my 1/72nd scale Type VII U-Boat, but when I do. my next project will be the Gato. You`ll love using the airbrush. Puts:up:

[Siara]

Im sitting comfortably in my front row seat, and watching this beast taking shape.
Im sure its going to look nice when finished. :up:
Have fun building it Neal.
Im hoping for lots of pictures, and frequent updates.

PS: Im moving this weekend, so my project is still on hold.:damn:

[HunterICX]

Looking forward to the build of the Gato :up:

Nice Airbrush!, I'm going to get one soon as well.

HunterICX

[Herr_Pete]

Looks like your all kitted out and ready to batter into the Gato now:p
I have been looking at it for a we while now and I just can't decide. I feel I will buy it and start it and then i'll just have the can't be assed modelling feeling lol
Good luck with your build and I can't wait to see the finished product:up:

Pete

[Bill Nichols]

http://www.subsim.com/models/images/gato_15.jpg

Very happy to hear that your crew has made it to the construction site. And, that airbrush is really nice. Now, you're triply-obligated to build that monster!

:sunny:

[elanaiba]

So will the crew supervise all construction ?

[Syxx_Killer]

I've been waiting for a build thread of the Gato to come along! Good luck with the build! Seeing threads like this make me want to start building models again. Maybe someday... :88)

Btw, the Gato on that model box looks just like the Gato in stock SH4! :hmm::lol:

[perdu]

don't you have to much pressure after siara's work??? :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

[Onkel Neal]

Ha ha, heck no! I'm building a tool shed, Siara builds pyramids. No pressure at all! :lol:

[Task Force]

Hope you have lots of time neal, Im gona have to make rails for my subs foward AA gun.:lol: Those plastic ones break easy.;) Be careful to put the rudder in right (trust me).;) This model seems to have lots of small pices.:lol:

[Task Force]

I just realised you have the same U 99 model im putting together.:rotfl:The cats pushed it off a table when they were trying to get off after we came home.

[Sailor Steve]

Tell. The. Story.

Tell. The. Story.

You know which one...:rotfl:

[ajrimmer42]

Good luck and have fun building it mate, not much beats making a huge model kit!

[Siara]

Good luck and have fun building it mate, not much beats making a huge model kit!

Winning the Sheffield darby for one....:up:

PS: It was crazy game for sure. R U wednesday or UTD?

[Task Force]

Ya talking about the story about U 99s downfall.:rotfl: My sub.:lol:

[perdu]

no pressure is cool ^^!

i must confess that... i have to go back to modeling ^^! having a 1/35 tamiya bismarck to do and the revell VIIC... with the CMK interriors kits.... but i need to train before starting a so huge piece of work

[Task Force]

1/35, that sounds big.:yep:

[Siara]

1/35, that sounds big.:yep:

Typo i suspect. More like 1/350.:hmm:

[Task Force]

How big would that be, I pass math with a D.:lol:

[Siara]

How big would that be, I pass math with a D.:lol:

714.2857142857143 cm- in other words over 7 metres.

[Task Force]

HOLY ******* THATS A HUGE MODEL!!!!!:huh:

[gandalf71]

HOLY ******* THATS A HUGE MODEL!!!!!:huh:

I would suggest to go for an 1:10 scale instead ...but you can be sure that this will cause major discussions with your girlfriend :rotfl:

http://www.yamato-museum.com/en/collection/collection01.html

Looking forward to see the progress of Neal´s Gato! :up:

Cheers,
Michael

[perdu]

1/35, that sounds big.:yep:

Typo i suspect. More like 1/350.:hmm:

yes ^^!
imagine the price of the shelf to expose it....
and the one of the cleaning agains dust ^^!

[Onkel Neal]

So will the crew supervise all construction ?

Well, at first they didn't show much interest in the sub's construction, they seemed to spend too much time drinking in the bar and chasing the dolls. But I had a talk them them and reminded them that the Japanese are not known for their hospitality towards prisioners. The crew is doing much better now, they are on site every day and are even directing some of the work.

[Kpt. Lehmann]

Hey! I know that table! its right next to the Lehmann-proof door! :rotfl:

Cool model!

[Onkel Neal]

Ok, I've gotten Kretschmer's boat stitched back together.
http://www.subsim.com/models/images/gato_19.jpg





As you can see, I have a slight gap between the conning tower and the hull. How would you handle that, Siara? Putty, sand, and paint? I need to do some touch up paint on the glued spots, so I may try that.
http://www.subsim.com/models/images/gato_20.jpg
My paint job of the wooden slats inside the tower doesn't look so hot at this magnification, either :oops: Oh, and I guess the railing on the deck was lost forever :o



Last, I'll try to find some small plastic "beads" and string the cables fore and aft. I want to try and end up with something that looks like this:
http://www.modelingmadness.com/reviews/misc/jamisonu99b.jpg



That's it, tomorrow I am off to the best model shop in Houston to get paint, thinner, and any advice and specialty stuff I need for the Gato :rock:

[Siara]

As you can see, I have a slight gap between the conning tower and the hull. How would you handle that, Siara? Putty, sand, and paint? I need to do some touch up paint on the glued spots, so I may try that.




White filler by Squadron should do the job.
http://img511.imageshack.us/img511/1052/puttywun9.jpg

Leave it to cure for couple of days, as it likes to sink sometimes. If so fill it smooth again using green filler by Squadron.
http://img184.imageshack.us/img184/8936/puttygun9.jpg

To finish it off before painting use MR: Surfacer:
http://img390.imageshack.us/img390/9083/mrsurfux7.jpg

:up:

[Task Force]

OOoooah, Aaaaah. Model stuff.:lol:

[Onkel Neal]

As you can see, I have a slight gap between the conning tower and the hull. How would you handle that, Siara? Putty, sand, and paint? I need to do some touch up paint on the glued spots, so I may try that.



White filler by Squadron should do the job.

Leave it to cure for couple of days, as it likes to sink sometimes. If so fill it smooth again using green filler by Squadron.

To finish it off before painting use MR: Surfacer:

:up:

So He says, so it shall be done :)
(forgot to ask about the Mr. Surfacer, may have to order it.)
http://www.subsim.com/models/images/gato_23.jpg

[Siara]

Mr Surfacer- good stuff. Comes in 3 grades- 500, 1000, 1200. Realy makes the diference before applaying the paint. Some modellers use it dilluted and sprayed instead of the primer. It leaves superb surface for painting. Any imperfections will stand up like the sore thumb. I can not recommend it enough.:up:

PS: Most online hobby shops stock it.
Unfortunately here in england its not easy to get hold of, but i manage. Last time it was shipped to me from Hong Kong.:o

[HunterICX]

PS: Most online hobby shops stock it.
Unfortunately here in england its not easy to get hold of, but i manage. Last time it was shipped to me from Hong Kong.:o

:ofor 1 bottle of that stuff?
you gotta be joking :doh:

HunterICX

[Siara]

PS: Most online hobby shops stock it.
Unfortunately here in england its not easy to get hold of, but i manage. Last time it was shipped to me from Hong Kong.:o
:ofor 1 bottle of that stuff?
you gotta be joking :doh:

HunterICX

Amongst other stuff obviously. Besides who said it was 1 bottle?;)
I did find the shop in Brighton /London Road M23/ with good selection of Gunze products few months ago, and sometimes i shop there when i pass it.


One day i got Koki solder paste /1 tube/ shipped from Poland. Paste was 8£, and shipping costs 16£.:lol:
Hobby can be expensive sometimes.

[ajrimmer42]

Good luck and have fun building it mate, not much beats making a huge model kit!
Winning the Sheffield darby for one....:up:

PS: It was crazy game for sure. R U wednesday or UTD?

heh, SUFC if I had to choose, but I can't stand football. lol

[Onkel Neal]

Ok, I've completed the U-99 restoration!
http://www.subsim.com/models/images/gato_24.jpg

http://www.subsim.com/models/images/gato_25.jpg


While my daughter and I were putting away the Halloween decorations in the attic, I managed to find my old model cache
http://www.subsim.com/models/images/gato_27.jpg


I had gotten this far on the ol' Lionfish before I retired from modeling.
http://www.subsim.com/models/images/gato_28.jpg

What do you think? Should I complete this as practice before starting Dan's model?

.

[nikimcbee]

wow, you look overwhelmed with projects. You know, I have a free plane ticket on Southwest airlines if you need any help.:hmm:

[Onkel Neal]

Yeah, I never have a shortage of things to do. :p

[mookiemookie]

That's it, tomorrow I am off to the best model shop in Houston to get paint, thinner, and any advice and specialty stuff I need for the Gato :rock:

I was thinking about getting back into modelling. What store is this?

[Onkel Neal]

G & G Model Shop, http://gandgmodelshop.com/
They gal working there was friendly and attentive, they have tons of stuff, supplies, and models, and dedicated parking slots! Great place :up:

In Rice Village, off of Kirby and Rice Blvd, on Time Blvd.
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&time=&date=&ttype=&q=2522+Times+Blvd.+Houston,+TX&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=48.688845,81.738281&ie=UTF8&z=17&om=1

[Kpt. Lehmann]

BUMP!!!

GIT BIZZY NEAL!!!! Ya SLACKER!!! :stare: ;)

:arrgh!:

[elanaiba]

Yeah why am I not seeing any progress :nope:

Don't get me mad or I'll fly back and eat your cookies!

[HunterICX]

:D Dont think he'll like that...

http://img520.imageshack.us/img520/4714/arnold500x398vh9.jpg

but you're right, Neal any progess on that Gato?

HunterICX

[elanaiba]

Well thats the idea, you don't threaten people to do something they'll actually like/enjoy.

Doh...:stare:

[Onkel Neal]

I haven't done any actual work on the models as of late, but... I have set up a nice table and workspace so I don't have my dining room table covered with stuff now :up:
http://www.subsim.com/meet08/PB280731.JPG

[elanaiba]

Your cookies are safe... for now!

P.S. That table definetly needs a cat.

[Task Force]

Your cookies are safe... for now!

P.S. That table definetly needs a cat.

Oah god... I know about the cat part.:shifty:

[Syxx_Killer]

Your cookies are safe... for now!

P.S. That table definetly needs a cat.
Oah god... I know about the cat part.:shifty:

As do I! Most of my models were destroyed by cats... :damn:

[Siara]

Your cookies are safe... for now!

P.S. That table definetly needs a cat.
Oah god... I know about the cat part.:shifty:
As do I! Most of my models were destroyed by cats... :damn:

Shoot the cat, or get the acrylic case.:hmm:

[Syxx_Killer]

Your cookies are safe... for now!

P.S. That table definetly needs a cat.
Oah god... I know about the cat part.:shifty:
As do I! Most of my models were destroyed by cats... :damn:
Shoot the cat, or get the acrylic case.:hmm:

No need to shoot the cats or get the case. I threw most of them away back at the beginning of the year. :oops::lol: I want to start building them again sometime, though.

On a different note: Yay! I am now an Ocean Warrior! :rock:

[nikimcbee]

Progress report?

[LobsterBoy]

I just received one of these beautiful 1:72 Gato models for Christmas.

I'll be watching this thread with interest, but I've got a 1:350 Titanic to build for my wife before embarking on this project.

[Siara]

More, and more people reach for the kit, so maybe this site can help spice up the trend:

http://ibs.eastcoastarmory.com/Csets2.htm

:up:

[Task Force]

More, and more people reach for the kit, so maybe this site can help spice up the trend:

http://ibs.eastcoastarmory.com/Csets2.htm

:up:

They also have the modified conning tower/sail for the guppy class subs.:yep: Great link.:D

[LobsterBoy]

The links are all helpful, especially since I haven't decided which way to go with it yet. Do I do one of the four it provides decals for in the box? Do I do a famous boat like Wahoo, or Harder, or maybe Barb? Maybe a Balao like Bowfin since I toured her almost two years ago and have some good pictures.

The only after market parts I know I'll be getting right now is that bridge crew. The vessel is nothing without the crew.

[nikimcbee]

Progress report?
bump

[Onkel Neal]

It's gonna be a surprise. :smug:

[Onkel Neal]

....and we're back!

So, as some of you know, I "retired" 2 years back. I've set up my hobby table (again) and I'm back into it.

For real!

I've mostly completed two warm-up models this month, I'm working on a Dragon models Ohio class (which is OOP and impossible to get nowadays, so I'm glad I bought it when it came out in ~2010 :) )

Warm up model#1: HobbyBoss 1/350 Virginia class
https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/picture.php?albumid=1389&pictureid=12469

https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/picture.php?albumid=1389&pictureid=12470

Warm up model #2: AFV Club 1/350 Type XXI

https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/picture.php?albumid=1389&pictureid=12471

https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/picture.php?albumid=1389&pictureid=12472


Warm up #3 model: Dragon 1/350 Ohio class, which I aim to get fancy and set up an LED-lighted missile firing... stay tuned and see how that turns out :haha: Did I mention this model is as scarce as hen's teeth?

https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/picture.php?albumid=1389&pictureid=12474

https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/picture.php?albumid=1389&pictureid=12475

I should have the wiring, resistors and other things I need to move forward soon. More on the Ohio model build here. (https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?p=2803828#post2803828)

Then, I'll tackle the Gato. :shucks:

[mapuc]

Thank you Neal for presenting a great thing-Use of a card box as a room to use when you use your airbrush.

They can be bought-But why buy one when you can make one yourself

The models look great.

I'm more into boat-Well right now I'm trying to build a motorcycle US Touring Bike 1:8.

Markus

[ET2SN]

I'm working on a Dragon models Ohio class (which is OOP and impossible to get nowadays, so I'm glad I bought it when it came out in ~2010 :) )



Um, if you track down an accurate bow dome in resin or plastic, let me know. :har:

I've got one about 25% done sitting on the shelf. :D

One huge thing about those Dragon kits, they nailed the decals for the (waterline) draft markers. If you bought the Dragon "combo kit" of the Ohio and a 688, trash the 688 plastic (it looks more like a Seawolf without the ducted fan) and save the decals for the Hobby Boss "3-in-1" 688 (which is available again).

Dragon also did a version of an SSGN Ohio. Same kit but they also included two dry deck shelters (which were basically impossible to find). It took years before the DDS's were available in other kits (ie, the Micro-Mir 637's).

Otherwise, I have no idea what you're talking about.. :har:

:Kaleun_Cheers:

[Onkel Neal]

Yeah, when I first stared putting the Ohio together, I did it with the attitude "I can always buy another one or a couple more if I mess up". :k_confused:

[Jeff-Groves]

Nice!
Now that I'm retired I plan to build a small Air Brush station.
I've got some plans and rough parts list so it vents out side.

[Onkel Neal]

Thank you Neal for presenting a great thing-Use of a card box as a room to use when you use your airbrush.

They can be bought-But why buy one when you can make one yourself

The models look great.

I'm more into boat-Well right now I'm trying to build a motorcycle US Touring Bike 1:8.

Markus


Yeah, I like the cheapo approach on some things. :) It works, what can I say.

Nice!
Now that I'm retired I plan to build a small Air Brush station.
I've got some plans and rough parts list so it vents out side.


Post some pics when you start on it, I may copy your idea.

Looking fwd to seeing your bike build.

[mapuc]

Yeah, I like the cheapo approach on some things. :) It works, what can I say.




Post some pics when you start on it, I may copy your idea.

Looking fwd to seeing your bike build.

I'm waiting for the spare parts from Revell Germany. Before I can continue my
build.

Here's a picture of the bike and how far I have come in building progress


Markus