Flankerman Posted October 23, 2018 Share Posted October 23, 2018 Ever since finding this photo of the Balao-class sub USS Sealion, I have wanted to try and model her...... All I needed was a 1/350 scale model of a Sikorsky HRS-3 helicopter to place on her widened deck aft of the fairwater..... Then I found that Shapeways Models made a 3D-printed S-55 heicopeter - so I was ready to start... I'm using the AFV-Club Gato-class sub as a starting point....... Sealion is a Balao-class sub (improved Gato), so I needed a late-style fairwater - also made by Shapeways..... The S-55 helicopters are sold in blocks of 4 - and they are simply stunning.... Here's a single example - all of 36mm (1.5in) long....... I just hope my failing eyesight and fat fingers can do it justice... All I need to do now is widen that decking aft of the fairwater........ watch this space. Ken 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Courageous Posted October 23, 2018 Share Posted October 23, 2018 Looking forward to this build Ken. Looks a very interesting subject what with a conversion and stuff, crack-on good sir. Stuart Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flankerman Posted October 25, 2018 Author Share Posted October 25, 2018 When she was converted to the transport role, Sealion's forward engines and torpedo tubes were removed to make room for storing equipment. I have filled in the recesses for the tubes...... The raised decking is made from plastic card - scored to match the kits decking.... The new decking attached - with the new fairwater temporarily in place..... .... with the helicopter on deck (just to see what it looks like).... Ken 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Modelholic Posted October 25, 2018 Share Posted October 25, 2018 Looking at the photos I'd say the deck wasn't raised just widened behind the conning tower. And, although the tubes were removed the TT bow doors would still be visible (think of them welded shut) The AFV Club kit does look very good. I've been thinking of their U-boat offerings on and off. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flankerman Posted October 25, 2018 Author Share Posted October 25, 2018 Check out this side view....... http://navsource.org/archives/08/183/0831501.jpg Ken 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Courageous Posted October 25, 2018 Share Posted October 25, 2018 Looking good already Ken, just shows how quickly a sub can be built. 'Fairwater'...their was me thinking they were called sails, fins or connings Stuart Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flankerman Posted October 25, 2018 Author Share Posted October 25, 2018 I've never been sure of the difference between a 'conning tower' or 'sail' or 'fin' or 'bridge' either........... Shapeways sells it as a 'Fairwater' - https://www.shapeways.com/product/DYQ5WFRS8/1-350-lionfish-ss-298-fairwater?optionId=63389254&li=marketplace .......so that' what I'm going with. This online dictionary defines it as :- A streamlined superstructure on a submarine, holding the bridge and sometimes a conning tower. Ken 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phildagreek Posted October 25, 2018 Share Posted October 25, 2018 Looking good, nice to see something different. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flankerman Posted October 26, 2018 Author Share Posted October 26, 2018 I'm doing all this by eye - I have no drawings - so it won't be 100% accurate..... Adding the side panels..... Blended in with filler.... It's exagerated in this view - but I might have got the raised decking a tad too high??? Here's a top view... A quick squirt of primer - and it doesn't look too bad.... Ken 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Courageous Posted October 26, 2018 Share Posted October 26, 2018 22 minutes ago, Flankerman said: but I might have got the raised decking a tad too high??? Ssshhh, nobody would've known...unless they had drawings. 24 minutes ago, Flankerman said: and it doesn't look too bad.... Looks great to me. Good work Ken. Stuart Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now