1/72 Lindberg I-53 to B-3 Class I -58 build

[kalakid383]

Here are a few more pics, If you see a Balao Class sub in the back..its my workplace U.S.S Pampanito

[Scott T]

Sounds like a great place to work if you are into submarine.
The bridge detail looks cool that you have done on your I-58.
What are the horn devices used for on the sub?

Scott T

[trout]

If you see a Balao Class sub in the back..its my workplace U.S.S Pampanito

**** Jealous ****
That is a nice 1/72 fleet you have going there.
Are you going to RC this sub? or make it a static display?
Peace,
Tom

[kalakid383]

Hi Scott,

Thanks I have been working on Museum ships for almost 20 years. The Horns are the search Radar the Japanese used on their boats. Not sure exactly how they worked but doing some research.

[kalakid383]

These are going in Plexi at our Education office so the kid,s can see the boats to scale, maybe to inspire them in the hobby.
I also have two Revell Gatos and a Iron Bottom sound Pampanito conversion set for one of em. Also an 1/72 Type XXIII completed ready for the Paint shop an Type VII Atlantic version and a Type II waiting their turn. I build 1/72 almost exclusively and have thousands of kit,s.. I am in awe of you guy,s that build the R/C Subs though

[Scott T]

Hi K,
Your job sounds interesting. I was at the USS Batfish museum on July the 5th asking the curator there some questions about his ship.
I would like to here some of the interesting stories you have of keeping the Pampanito someday.

The I-58 bridge/sail is looking great.

Scott T

[kalakid383]

Thanks Scott,

I run Youth Education programs aboard the Boat, and do upkeep preservation and restoration projects aboard.
we are presently abating corrosion under the superstructure aft above the pressure hull.

Keith

[kalakid383]

1/72 I-58 build photo update. Progress is slow but almost ready to start painting the deck and adding some additional bow details. I broke the rudder last night so I will need to pull the post out and do a major repair UGH...

[Scott T]

Looks great! Did you have to modify the bow? Any in process shots? We luv pictures.

Scott T

[kalakid383]

Hi Scott,

When I started this project 3 years or so ago I did not have a camera, however I will list the steps I took to modify the bow..
I was happy last week when a fellow modeler told me it looked nothing like the mix up in the Lindberg box, all that has been
said this has been a great scratch building experience.

Bow modifications.

1. I found drawings and photos of a B-1 and B-2 Class Japanese subs for reference.
2. Built up bow frame work from Plastic styrene strips.
3. Found a 1/72 SU-7 Russian fighter kit in my collection with no fuselage? so I measured
and cut delta wings down for use as hull plates.

4. after gluing in place I filled and covered with miliput and sanded smooth when dry.
5. I used Gray primer on bow and look for cracks and irregularities. Then used Tamiya
putty to smooth out cracks and gaps.

6. Painted and modified the bow a little more until it looked right to me lol.
7. I will use some more sprue strips along the hull to simulate the metal moldings particular
to the type. Sure wish I would of had a camera but so far it looks right compared to what it
started from.

Happy modeling,

Keith

[herrmill]

That, sir, is an excellent example of a B-3. Very nice work!!

[kalakid383]

Thanks Herrmill, That means a lot to me as at first I thought it would not come out well lol.
I am in the finishing steps and should her complete by years end. Stay tuned for more pics
as the rudder is fixed and both shafts and screws in place.

Keith

[herrmill]

As David here knows, I was one who has patiently waited for Lindberg & their new owners to get their act together on this & their planned C type kit but that's turned into something as frustrating as searching for the Holy Grail. A friend of mine has the I-53 kit with plans to convert into I-19 scout sub so I've forwarded him this link to follow.

[He Who Shall Not Be Named]

As David here knows, I was one who has patiently waited for Lindberg & their new owners to get their act together on this & their planned C type kit but that's turned into something as frustrating as searching for the Holy Grail. A friend of mine has the I-53 kit with plans to convert into I-19 scout sub so I've forwarded him this link to follow.

Chuck (herrmill) did much more than patiently wait on that kit. He was the lead guy evaluating it when it hit the streets, and assumed the sad task of identifying it's many flaws. But, more than that, Chuck chronicled what had to be done to fix it. His careful research and reasoned presentations on the matter has been an aid to me and many others.

Chuck knows his stuff!





M

[kalakid383]

Thanks Guy,s


I bought the I-53 kit while the 1-20 was on pre order, and kinda had a premonition that the 53 was really off. It was pics on this site that motivated me to begin this as a scratch building project, a nightmare at first but fun after that.. its what true modeling is about right? it gained momentum when my I-20 on preorder was cancelled. I am posting some new pics and have been experimenting with the deck weathering this last week.

Next I will complete my Skipjack as the USS Shark. The next project is the USS Pampanito from USS Gato Kit and Iron Bottom sound conversion kit.. As this is the boat I work on. We are celebrating our 70th Bday next Wednesday 11/6.

Keith