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Ever since finding this photo of the Balao-class sub USS Sealion, I have wanted to try and model her......

 

350_USS%20Sealion_01.jpg

 

All I needed was a 1/350 scale model of a Sikorsky HRS-3 helicopter to place on her widened deck aft of the fairwater.....

 

350_USS%20Sealion_02.jpg

 

Then I found that Shapeways Models made a 3D-printed S-55 helicopeter - so I was ready to start...

 

I'm using the AFV-Club Gato-class sub as a starting point.......

 

350_USS%20Sealion_03.jpg

 

Sealion is a Balao-class sub (improved Gato), so I needed a late-style fairwater - also made by Shapeways.....

 

350_USS%20Sealion_08.jpg

 

The S-55 helicopters are sold in blocks of 4 - and they are simply stunning....

 

350_USS%20Sealion_04.jpg

 

350_USS%20Sealion_05.jpg

 

Here's a single example - all of 36mm (1.5in) long.......

 

350_USS%20Sealion_06.jpg

 

I just hope my failing eyesight and fat fingers can do it justice...

 

350_USS%20Sealion_07.jpg

 

All I need to do now is widen that decking aft of the fairwater........ watch this space.

 

Ken

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When she was converted to the transport role, Sealion's forward engines and torpedo tubes were removed to make room for storing equipment.

 

I have filled in the recesses for the tubes......

 

350_USS%20Sealion_09.jpg

 

350_USS%20Sealion_10.jpg

 

The raised decking is made from plastic card - scored to match the kits decking....

 

350_USS%20Sealion_11.jpg

 

The new decking attached - with the new fairwater temporarily in place.....

 

350_USS%20Sealion_12.jpg

 

.... with the helicopter on deck (just to see what it looks like)....

 

350_USS%20Sealion_13.jpg

 

Ken

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I'm just worried that I won't find any 'Marines' white lettering in my spares box - stars and bars should be OK - but painting those windows etc black is going to be a challenge :woot.gif:

 

.... and my eyesight is failing - which combined with my fat fingers - is not conducive to micro-modelling.

 

I'll do my best.

 

Ken

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I'm doing all this by eye - I have no drawings - so it won't be 100% accurate.....

 

Adding the side panels.....

 

350_USS%20Sealion_13a.jpg

 

Blended in with filler....

 

350_USS%20Sealion_13b.jpg

 

It's exagerated in this view - but I might have got the raised decking a tad too high???

 

350_USS%20Sealion_14.jpg

 

Here's a top view...

 

350_USS%20Sealion_15.jpg

 

A quick squirt of primer - and it doesn't look too bad....

 

350_USS%20Sealion_17.jpg

 

350_USS%20Sealion_18.jpg

 

Ken

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  • 2 weeks later...

Finished at last - my conversion of the AFV Club USS Gato into the USS Sealion in her transport role designated LPSS.

 

350_USS%20Sealion_19.jpg

 

I think I've made the raised decking too high. The Marines helicopter is a Shapeways 3D printed S-55......

 

350_USS%20Sealion_20.jpg

 

It hasn't turned out as good as I would have liked - but I'm blaming failing eyesight and fat fingers...:whistle:

 

350_USS%20Sealion_21.jpg

 

The helicopter main rotor blades are scratched, the crew figures are from a Fujimi set.

 

350_USS%20Sealion_22.jpg

 

Not perfect, but something a little different.

 

More of my 1:350 scale subs are here.

 

Ken

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