1:350 USS Gato SS-212 1941

The real subject

USS Gato, pennant number SS-212, was the first ship of the class of American ocean-going submarines that carried the main burden of the work in the Pacific during the Second World War. They were built for long independent patrols far from base: on the surface they ran on diesels, submerged on electric motors fed from batteries. Above the hull rose the distinctive conning tower with its bridge and platforms, whose shape differed from boat to boat and changed over time. The year given in the title refers to the particular fit of the boat the set is built to.

What the set contains

Photo-etched parts in thin sheet metal for a model in 1:350 scale. It is on a submarine that photo-etch does the most: at this scale the railings, ladders, gratings and platforms come out so thin that plastic can only suggest them in a disproportionate thickness. The scope of the set, the placement of the parts and the kit it is cut for are given in the manufacturer's instructions. The set code matches the Eduard photo-etched sets for 1:350 scale.

Building and painting tips

Separate the parts with a sharp blade on a hard surface and sand the remains of the fret away. Glue long railings in sections, always with just a drop of cyanoacrylate glue at the ends, and straighten them only once it has set. Wash the metal, degrease it and spray a primer before painting. Deal with the waterline and the join between the hull and the superstructure before you fit the small photo-etched parts, or neither a brush nor an airbrush will reach in between them afterwards.

Terms of supply

The set is meant as an accessory to a kit. Paints, glue and primer are not part of the delivery, unless stated otherwise.