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Revell 1/72 Gato Class Submarine R/C Conversion!


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Having finished the very long Schnellboot build, I have just purchased the Revell Gato Class Submarine.

As with the S-100 build I intend to convert to R/C, but only as a surface runner as I don't think I have the expertise to build a diver.

As well as the basic kit I purchased the Eduard PE aftermarket accessories, although I may not use all as my fingers and eyesight are not

good enough for many of the extremely small (miniscule) parts.

On opening the very large box and examining the contents, I have found well moulded parts with virtually no flash evident.

However I feel they have been lacking in the welding/rivet department after looking at photo's of the real thing.

I would have thought that with such a

large kit, they would have provided a little more in this area.

The hull comes in 6 parts, port/starboard main hull, port/starboard bow & port/starboard stern.

When all joined together you have 53inches of plastic.

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To start I taped all the hull parts together to be able to asses how to make the deck areas removable.

Using the kit side plate connecting pins/cups, I cut the cups to allow a sliding/locking fit, reinforcing the side plates as they would probably be handled regularly.

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As I will be using the Eduard PE Deck Plates, the kit grated areas need to be removed and supporting ribs attached.

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Gregg

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Done a little modifying in the rudder area.

Cut away the kit receptacle to give room for the working rudder later

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Cutting out the hull in the tunnel area, hollowing out the tunnels & 'A' frame to take the brass prop shaft tube.

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Gregg

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  • 2 months later...

Some of the work carried out recently.

Diving planes area increased by 30% following advice from others who have done this conversion.

Plasticard and green stuff used to enlarge.

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Mocked up the area needed to fit the electrics and propulsion. The WTC being made up by Marks Model Bits.

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Photo-etched decking fitted and primed to show up any areas that may need a bit of fettling.

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Gregg

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  • 2 months later...

Little progress to talk of lately.

Prop shaft 'A' frame and internal supports lined up and fitted.

Stern planes control arm fitted.

WTC trial fit in the hull.

PE side plates trial fitted.

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Gregg

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  • 3 weeks later...

Out of curiosity - not including the price of the basic kit - how much do you think you'll have into the cost of the R/C components and radio?

Looks like a great setup

:)

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Out of curiosity - not including the price of the basic kit - how much do you think you'll have into the cost of the R/C components and radio?

Looks like a great setup

:)/>

Difficult to say as I had quite a few bits and pieces laid around from my S-100 Scnellboot build.

The WTC, motors, shafts, props, seals, couplings etc come out around £100

The radio gear (Tx & Rx) I have had for a long time (from my R/C Flying days), but esc/mixers etc., made up and bought from 'ACTION Electronics' now (The Component Shop)

Gregg

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  • 2 weeks later...

Latest additions to the drive train area.

Made intermediate shafts to connect the gearbox to the main prop shafts.

This done by cutting 'SHG' supplied couplings in half, and inserting them into the ends of brass tubes cut to the appropriate length.

The gearbox is mounted on a base made up from plasticard & plastic box section.

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Gregg

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  • 1 year later...

Finally managed to get back to this after some major surgery (to self)

Having now realised that when fully assembled that it wouldn't fit into my little car, had to have a rethink and decided to break it down into 3 sections.

Bow/Centre/Stern, large heavy duty magnets recessed into the bulkheads help keep each section joined together.

Doing this required the control runs and prop/intermediate shafts to be realigned.

Not an easy change of direction, but necessary.

 

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