Skipjack class periscopes

[Subculture]

Had Moebius considered a 1/72nd Albacore? The Subtech model has been unavailable for quite some time now, and it doesn't appear to be likely to be available in the foreseeable future. Strikes me that it would be a good seller, they could offer all four revisions with optional tail cones, or perhaps supply the kit with Phase 1 and 2 options, and an optional accessory kit to adapt the boat to phase 3 or 4 with the x-tail and contra-rotating screws. As I recall you have most of the parts needed to put a master together for them to scan.

I guess the only fly in the ointment is that they might think it's a little too similar in appearance to the Skipjack.

[greenman407]

OH MAN! That would be great. Also, what about a guided missile boat like the Growler. That thing is such an oddball that you would think that everyone would want one, even MIKE!(NO SEWER PIPES FOR ME HE SAYS!!)

[He Who Shall Not Be Named]

Had Moebius considered a 1/72nd Albacore? The Subtech model has been unavailable for quite some time now, and it doesn't appear to be likely to be available in the foreseeable future. Strikes me that it would be a good seller, they could offer all four revisions with optional tail cones, or perhaps supply the kit with Phase 1 and 2 options, and an optional accessory kit to adapt the boat to phase 3 or 4 with the x-tail and contra-rotating screws. As I recall you have most of the parts needed to put a master together for them to scan.

I guess the only fly in the ointment is that they might think it's a little too similar in appearance to the Skipjack.

Then, boy, do I have a big-fat-surprise for you!

David

[Subculture]

Sounds interesting. The Albacore was the ultimate really- hull of revolution, x-tail with twin screws, nothing else with all those in one package.

Another idea I had for a custom build was Dreadnought. Having looked at where the join is in the Skipjack kit, i was thinking that this might be close to where the 1:1 was married up with the British half at 'checkpoint charlie'. It would mean making up a GRP front end and new sail. Haven't seen any drawings of this boat though. Would be interesting to experience the difference in handling between the boats, with the Dreadnoughts smaller sail, larger front fins and slightly different bow shape.

Hopefully someone may give it a crack, as I've never seen a model of Dreadnought and it is a very historic boat.

[He Who Shall Not Be Named]

I toured that boat when it was tied up alonside us (the WEBSTER) at Pad-5, Guam, in the early 70's. The Engine Room forward bulkhead had a plaquard over the WT door, if I remember right, it read: American Zone. What I remember with authority: The crew wore sandles, and drank beer on board. Brit's!

David

[Subculture]

I think they're still allowed to drink beer, although it's limited to just one half I think, and a tot of rum now and again. Not sure about the sandles though.

[greenman407]

Dave, were the Skipjacks actually painted like this one?I believe that this is a picture of the Shark, transiting the Panama canal.

[greenman407]

I found more Skipjack stuff and enhanced some of it.

[He Who Shall Not Be Named]

Beautiful. Thanks, Mark.

David

[greenman407]

Here is two more. One is of the Shark with some additional bumps on deck. Perhaps sonar and early towed array testing stuff.

[greenman407]

I purposely overexposed this one to help reveal whats on deck.
What the heck is that just behind the sail on the starboard side?

[celticwarrior]

I wish to say thank you to all of you for all the photos you have all posted. :pop

[alad61]

Excellent finds Mark, as per usual. :biggrin:

The one with the sub cruising under the Golden Gate bridge is a great shot!! it would look cool in colour too.

[He Who Shall Not Be Named]

Excellent finds Mark, as per usual. :biggrin:

The one with the sub cruising under the Golden Gate bridge is a great shot!! it would look cool in colour too.

That last shot (the Golden Gate bridge) is suspeciouse. Flank? And where is the OOD and lookouts? Looks like an update to the 1959 On The Beach movie.

David

[BDFguy]

Mark, the stuff you asked about on the stbd side aft of the sail is the OK-474 self stream and retrieve towed array streaming device.
The removable temp rails aft of the sail is where the tow cable and array were coiled up (covered by white tarp or whatever) prior to deployment. Scary operation deploying or retrieving this array with any sea state on the Skipjacks. These systems were installed in the mid 80's and also went on at least 2 of the Skate class boats but were never visable as the traction device was under the superstructure however the array was tied down topside stbd side just aft of the sail.
Bob.