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.

http://www.subsim.com/models/images/gato_11.jpg

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?? :88)

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. :lol: ) 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 :oops:

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

http://www.subsim.com/models/images/gato_12.jpg

http://www.subsim.com/models/images/gato_13.jpg

http://www.subsim.com/models/images/gato_14.jpg


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:
http://www.subsim.com/models/images/gato_15.jpg

With a note: Every sub needs a good crew. Happy birthday, Bill.
Wow, Bill! :o 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.
http://www.subsim.com/models/images/gato_17.jpg


Ok, now I'm ready to glue stuff and cut stuff. And then the next day another box arrived in the post:
http://www.subsim.com/models/images/gato_16.jpg

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!! :o 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 :x

http://www.subsim.com/models/images/gato_18.jpg


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

Neal

Neal, that is a very nice kit, I`ve been looking into it myself, and all the after market parts available for it. Still have`nt finished my 1/72nd scale Type VII U-Boat, but when I do. my next project will be the Gato. You`ll love using the airbrush. Puts:up:

Im sitting comfortably in my front row seat, and watching this beast taking shape.
Im sure its going to look nice when finished. :up:
Have fun building it Neal.
Im hoping for lots of pictures, and frequent updates.

PS: Im moving this weekend, so my project is still on hold.:damn:

Looking forward to the build of the Gato :up:

Nice Airbrush!, I'm going to get one soon as well.

HunterICX

Looks like your all kitted out and ready to batter into the Gato now:p
I have been looking at it for a we while now and I just can't decide. I feel I will buy it and start it and then i'll just have the can't be assed modelling feeling lol
Good luck with your build and I can't wait to see the finished product:up:

Pete

http://www.subsim.com/models/images/gato_15.jpg

Very happy to hear that your crew has made it to the construction site. And, that airbrush is really nice. Now, you're triply-obligated to build that monster!

:sunny:

So will the crew supervise all construction ?

I've been waiting for a build thread of the Gato to come along! Good luck with the build! Seeing threads like this make me want to start building models again. Maybe someday... :88)

Btw, the Gato on that model box looks just like the Gato in stock SH4! :hmm::lol:

don't you have to much pressure after siara's work??? :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

Ha ha, heck no! I'm building a tool shed, Siara builds pyramids. No pressure at all! :lol:

Hope you have lots of time neal, Im gona have to make rails for my subs foward AA gun.:lol: Those plastic ones break easy.;) Be careful to put the rudder in right (trust me).;) This model seems to have lots of small pices.:lol:

I just realised you have the same U 99 model im putting together.:rotfl:The cats pushed it off a table when they were trying to get off after we came home.

Tell. The. Story.

Tell. The. Story.

You know which one...:rotfl:

Good luck and have fun building it mate, not much beats making a huge model kit!

Winning the Sheffield darby for one....:up:

PS: It was crazy game for sure. R U wednesday or UTD?