Revell Gato 1/72 - Newbie no more Part duex

[alad61]

Fair enough... "Assembler of kits I am then" ;)

Btw that a nice looking sub & certainly makes the skipjack enticing... but the tipping scales are leaning toward the Gato so Trout I will bookmark your thread as part of my reasearch data.

[He Who Shall Not Be Named]

Not build .... ASSEMBLE!

It's a kit, damit. Not a scratch-build. The 'building' was/is being done by a machine, not you or anyone else who rips the clear wrapper off a box-of-parts!

With a kit -- which is what we're talking about here -- we are simple, common, mouth-breathing, moronic kit-assemblers. We are humble Assembly Drones ... not model-builders!

As to the complexity of the SKIPJACK kit: I can assure you, the SKIPJACK will be a much easier assembly job than the GATO.

As a tease, here are some shots of a 1/72 GRP kit I assembled better than a decade ago from a Scale Shipyard kit:

David

[alad61]

I am seriously stuck on the fence between the gato or skipjack... both are fairly iconic to me. I'm looking forward to seeing some pictures or video of your first sea trials with the gato. As for a first sub the Seaview is cutting my teeth and I agree that the gato would offer more from a modeling perspective but as for for the skipjack being easier my experiance has shown me that an easy model doesn't mean an easy build:o:)

[trout]

Alec,
Thank you. Being this is my first sub, I will say it is a challenge, but one sweet looking submarine. I will be getting the Skipjack when it comes out. So, if you are building your first sub..... you will need to decide your stamina level on building. I would think the Skipjack is easier and David may want to jump in here, but the Gato is a real good sub to get stretched and learn new things!
It thrills me and blesses me that you have enjoyed reading me hack my way through this build. If it inspires you to jump in and build, then my joy is doubled. Plus it means more of us at the shoreline and building this hobby up.
Please let me know what you decide to do and keep in touch!
Peace,
Tom

[alad61]

I have been reading and re-reading this thread many times now and I have to say Trout I and impressed beyond words at your build here. I am tossing up between the Gato and the upcoming Skipjack for my next project but this is certainly a persuasive argument to the Gato. Though it does appear more challenging than the Seaview it still appears to be a great kit to do...

[He Who Shall Not Be Named]

of course I am!

[trout]

Drugged or not, you are the MAN!

[He Who Shall Not Be Named]

I'll have to break out my GATO (got to anyway, there's a pool-run this Sunday), examine what I got in there in the way of lead and give you an estimate. Stay tuned.

David

[trout]

I get it. Since the receiver (although not really attached) is not going to move.
o.k. How much weight did you put in your gato?
David, thank you for your help.

[He Who Shall Not Be Named]

Your receiver is an integral part of the motor-bulkhead device foundation -- once installed it, and its antenna will experience no relative motion as you install/remove the motor bulkhead. Cut the receiver antenna short enough to reach the stud, strip, and make it up to the stud with the provided washers and nut. No big deal.

David

[trout]

O.K. no help on the amount of ballast needed.......is it written somewhere and I missed it?
Please point me in the right direction for any of this.
Looking for tips and suggestions.
What is the best way to attach my antenna to the end cap?
Do I just cut the receiver's antenna then strip the end and fasten that to the nut to the external antenna? That seems to be asking for trouble every time I take the end cap off. The continual movement would fatigue the antenna, yes?
I am worried about cutting my antenna!

[trout]

I saw on another post someone asked "How much weight was added to trim the Revell Gato that is using D&E WTC?" The poster was understanding that there are differences, but wanted a ballpark. I am asking here because I want to know - I am almost there (waiting for battery). So ballpark - knowing there are many variables, how much lead should I have on hand to trim my Gato?

[trout]

Thank you Scott!

[Scott T]

Good job on the deck and door mods.

[trout]

Mike, you can pay your employees because of my major purchase of a battery! LOL So, in a week, I will hopefully see what else may or may not work with the new LiPo.