Model Fleet

A Little RESPECT for the LINDBERG GATO

Posted by Matty on April 17, 2009, 21:56:37
4.235.200.147

This is the current incarnation of the Lindberg 1/240-ish scale "SS Gato" kit:

Few uninformed observers would realize how ancient this mold really is; having made its debut, IIRC, as the "USN Fleet Submarine" kit, over 50 years ago.

And fewer still might appreciate - given a price typically under $5 for this latest boxing, with its emminently toy-like presentation - just how good is the mold which it contains. In fact, the fundamentals of the mold still hold up well today as a depiction of a WWII-era USN fleet boat. True, the kit's detail parts leave much to be desired, but the sail - actually depicting a Balao, not Gato class - remains not unacceptable; moreover, it's the hull - especially for a sub model - which can make all the difference.

Let's say, for example, you've got a Revell "Nautilus" model that you're bashing into, oh let's say, a USN S-boat, and so you can spare its sail:

Click on Image to Enlarge Just lop off the Revell sail (top), and slap it onto the Lindberg hull (bottom). And - just to show what would be possible, with a bit more work - tape on a scaled printout of the Tench-class forward casing. as shown. (You could never do this on any hull that wasn't essentially the correct shape, to begin with.) The hull mold does have a curiously upturned aft tip. But otherwise, what you've got here is Instant Cold War Guppy boat!

Who wants to see that again?

Ouch!

Total assembly time thus far: 3.5 minutes ...*

Cheers,

-Matty

* This build idea dedicated to Johnny Bange.

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Re: A Little RESPECT for the LINDBERG GATO

Posted by Siragos on June 28, 2009, 14:39:13, in reply to "A Little RESPECT for the LINDBERG GATO"
65.184.147.184

the price of the kits make then an excellent source of parts for other models

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YES - and vice-versa, I think!

Posted by Matty on June 28, 2009, 15:50:51, in reply to "Re: A Little RESPECT for the LINDBERG GATO"
4.254.132.133

I hate to see what looks like a mostly-decent hull (just like on the Revell Yorktown-class kits) - and even passable sail - go to waste. Seems to me just a few key detail parts/upgrades could really make it shine.

Cheers,

-Matty

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Damn - what a cool idea...

Posted by Don Murphy on April 19, 2009, 23:03:39, in reply to "A Little RESPECT for the LINDBERG GATO"
97.100.249.235

and it's pretty big too isn't it? What - 1/225th scale? That's pretty cool considering there's no kit of the early GUPPY's.

Cheers,

Don

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Possible Fly in The Ointment, though...

Posted by Matty on April 20, 2009, 1:25:26, in reply to "Damn - what a cool idea..."
4.235.204.184

I may have been mistaken thinking any of the earliest conversions got that kind of sail (which I know I've seen on the later Guppies). In fact, it appears the name "Guppy" may only apply to the fits with reshaped bows; the earlier ones retaining the fleet-boat bow being called "Fleet Snorkel" conversions. Plus, the "Migraine" SSRs we've been talking about. But a quick-check of this today found only the stepped-sail (Portsmouth and Electric Boat types) on these subs. It was only a very cursory check, though - I'll definitely look into it more thoroughly.

Meantime, yes the Lindberg's scale is about 1:240; it looks great alongside any of the classic RevellOgram 1:300 DDs, and is a perfect match with the Lindberg LST, LSD and Bobtail (rocket) Cruiser - as well as the Revell Buckley DE and Four-Stacker DD, for that matter. And likewise, a near-perfect match for the 1:230 Revell Skipjack and cutaway Abraham Lincoln. So, conversion to a later-model Guppy would definitely have potential, especially in a collection.

Speaking of which, did you catch my latest pics of the FBM bow upgrade, Donny?

Cheers,

-Matty

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Re: Possible Fly in The Ointment, though...

Posted by Sirago on June 28, 2009, 14:29:46, in reply to "Possible Fly in The Ointment, though..."
65.184.147.184

your right guppy conversion did not include the high(North Atlantic)sail the tench class i aws on converted to guppy had new bow, four batteries, and the step sail, we got the North Atlantic sail in the early sixtys

Bill

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Agreed, Bill

Posted by Matty on June 28, 2009, 15:46:08, in reply to "Re: Possible Fly in The Ointment, though..."
4.254.132.133

Yes, though I think we're getting our terms confused - probably I am, since you were actually there - but everyone knows what we're talking about. I was calling the earlier, (stepped) sail-only conversion the "Fleet Snorkel" fit - which I read somewhere (one of those Squadron books, and/or on NavSource) - versus the one with the (Type XXI Uboat-pattern) modified bow, etc., the true "Guppy" fit.

I didn't realize you were building sub(s), Bill - do be sure to send us pics of any and all of 'em, at any or all stages of construction, buddy!

Cheers,

-Matty

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