Project Gato: 1/72 scale fleet boat

Onkel Neal · 10-19-08, 10:47 PM

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

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??

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. (I even toyed around with the idea of a Model Showcase, but I decided I better leave that business to the SubCommittee.

) 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

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

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:

With a note: Every sub needs a good crew. Happy birthday, Bill.
Wow, Bill!

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.

Ok, now I'm ready to glue stuff and cut stuff. And then the next day another box arrived in the post:

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!!

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

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

Neal

10-19-08, 10:47 PM	#1
Onkel Neal Born to Run Silent Join Date: Jan 1997 Location: Cougar Trap, Texas Posts: 21,383 Downloads: 541 Uploads: 224	Project Gato: 1/72 scale fleet boat As I mentioned in Bill's 1/72 scale Gato thread, Dan surprised me with this large scale model on my birthday last week. 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?? 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. (I even toyed around with the idea of a Model Showcase, but I decided I better leave that business to the SubCommittee. ) 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 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 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: With a note: Every sub needs a good crew. Happy birthday, Bill. Wow, Bill! 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. Ok, now I'm ready to glue stuff and cut stuff. And then the next day another box arrived in the post: 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!! 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 So, stayed tuned and witness the sheer incompetence and audacity as I roll up my sleeves and bring this baby to life. Neal Last edited by Onkel Neal; 10-19-08 at 11:10 PM.