1:350 USS GATO SS-212 1944

Hobby Boss USS Gato SS-212 (1944) 1:350

Injection-molded plastic kit of the American submarine USS Gato in 1:350 scale from Hobby Boss, rendered as she was in 1944. The model offers a full hull and, according to the manufacturer, allows the optional assembly of the surfaced or the submerged configuration of the conning tower and the forward diving planes. A plastic stand for display is included. Its clear construction and the smaller scale make the model a rewarding project even for one longer evening.

The real subject

USS Gato (SS-212) was the lead ship of the class of American fleet submarines of the same name. Submarines of the Gato class and the Balao class that followed bore the main weight of the submarine war in the Pacific in the Second World War: they were fast, rugged, heavily armed with torpedoes and a deck gun and had the long range needed for lengthy war patrols. Gato entered service at the turn of 1941 and 1942 and with her crew made a number of war patrols in the Pacific.

Building and painting tips

Glue the parts with liquid cement for plastic and sand the joint of the two hull halves carefully for a smooth silhouette. Apply a primer before painting. An airbrush and the typical American wartime schemes in shades of gray and black suit submarines; the bottom of the hull can be set apart in color. Gentle weathering and picking out the rivets and hatches will give the model a sense of scale. The model can be placed on the stand supplied.

Who the model is for

• For followers of naval vessels and the submarine war in the Pacific.
• For modelers who will appreciate a compact model with a full hull and a stand.
• For collectors of ships and submarines in 1:350 scale.
• For advanced beginners and experienced builders alike.

The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.