Scale: 1/144

Recommended to help build the Balao-class fleet submarine USS Seahorse SS-304 from:
Trumpeter 1/144 scale USS Gato SS-212 (1941)
Trumpeter 1/144 scale USS Gato SS-212 (1944)
 
This model fairwater is intended to help convert your 1/144 scale Gato-class submarine model into one of 122 World War Two-era Balao-class submarines, successor to the Gato-class.  The Balao-class had a smaller, differently shaped fairwater (sail/conning tower) than the earlier Gato-class although the hull was nearly identical externally.  This model has features specific to USS Seahorse SS-304 as originally built, circa 1943-1944.  The model can be adapted to other boats of the class with similar features.
 
USS Seahorse SS-304 was the 12th most successful US Navy submarine of World War Two and the 3rd most successful Balao-class boat, sinking 72,529 tons of enemy shipping.  She received nine battle stars for her World War II service.

This model was designed from official US Navy drawings.  The Balao-class fairwater is not the same size and shape of a Gato-class fairwater; it is much shorter at the aft end.  Some adjustment of your plastic Gato kit's deck part will be necessary for best fit including scribing deck planking aft of the fairwater.
 
This model includes a set of hatches and ready service ammunition locker doors.
 
This model does not include periscopes, weapons or antennas (use your plastic kit's parts).
 
Note that USS Seahorse SS-304, and some other submarines of her class, had a removable steel cable (wire rope) instead of an upper rail on the fairwater's forward stanchions.  The cable is deliberately omitted from this model.  We recommend using fine wire, stretched sprue, or other suitable material to replicate the cable.
 
© Model Monkey LLC.  This 3D-printed item may not be copied or recast.