USS GATO A REAL Diving SUBMARINE

[mcaswell]

In the next few weeks we will be adding new products and services to our model page.

The Revell Gato is a magnificent model, but when you add the magic of Master Submarine Model Maker David Merriman, this boat is a masterpiece. If you have a pool, pond or lake nearby, you have to go submarining!

Find out more about how you can build this full remote control static diving model.

see http://www.caswellplating.com/models/gato.html

Watch out for the 'Virtual Goggles camera kit'. Spectacular! See underwater in real time.

[Merriman]

Yeah ... it's me, the so-called Master Submarine Model Maker. The shoe fits. I'm that good. Get used to it.

OK, introductions out of the way.

Any questions out there on how to convert the GATO into a practical r/c submarine?

Here's a site that has chapters on how I convert the boat. Look them over, they complement the DVD Caswell Inc. has on the process:

www.vabiz.com/d&e

David,

[wcb1863]

David,

Lost touch. Lonely without your guiding hand. Did you get a chance to send the missing pieces? If not my address is:

Walter Betkowski

306 Windward Island

Clearwater, Fl 33767
I do need 2 prop shaft tubes and 1 dunce cap.

I have the rudder done but would rather not say how – CA and baking soda can sure come in handy!!!! I did put some aluminum tubes in both the hole in the skeg and in the upper portion of the rudder to gain a bit more stability and cut down the wobble I caused in over drilling the holes. And so it goes.

more questions:

1- How did you create a place for the screws to enter and hold given the limited area and the necessuty for the biow planes to travel a workable arc? I've gouged out so much that there is a gap in the center of the skeg both and no purchase for the screws -- will revert to cement finish.

2- I noticed that you supplied a split axel for the bow planes but the DVD shows the install of the planes using the Revell supplied split axel. Is that still the way to go? Yours or theirs.

3- My limited research shows that most WWII operational Gatos were painted a semi gloss black throughout – wasn’t until near the end of the war that they went to the three tone color scheme that Revell suggests. Any thoughts?

4- Are you working on DVD IV? How can I get a copy when it is ready? Really interested in how that tube works.

5- You suggested large holes in the deck under the sail and additional holes in the cigarette deck. Can the holes for the cigarette deck be hidden in the interior of the sail and can you suggest number of holes and diameter. Is placement an issue? Is the purpose simple to drain the sail quickly? Top heavy boat is a not a good thing given the delicate balance the shape of the hull demands.

Moving along = Bow and stern sections complete, (but for prop shaft tubes) and center section is all dug out. Sail is is done. only lost one minor piece (magazine) of the guns in the rug -- right again David.
Nightmares about cutting the hull in half increasing and more horrible!!!!!!! (Did you see that Wal-Mart is selling the Revell Gato for $59.87?)

All best,



Walter

[wcb1863]

David,

Many thanks the missing part arrived today! Hurrah. Thanks.
Walter B.