USS Sealion from Trumpeter Gato

[redboat219]

I live just a few miles from Cavite Naval Station which used to be a US installation before . The USS Sealion (SS195) was the first submarine victim of enemy action in WW2. She sustained damage after being bombed by Japanese planes on Dec. 10, 1941 and was latter scuttled to keep her from falling into enemy hands.

I would like to build a model of her. Would it be possible to backdate/convert Trumpeter's Gato into a Sargo class boat ?

[mkeatingss]

Converting Gato to Sargo

Short answer; anything is possible.
Long answer; you'll have your work cutout for you.
1) The Sargos were a hair longer than the Gatos.
2) the flat part of the keel was longer than the Gatos and there was a slight step upward before the bow curves up. Also the chin was sharper (kind of like a Tench).
3) You'll have to delete tubes 5 & 6. She had only 4 tubes forward.
4) The stern and conning tower are close, but you'll still have a lot of work.

So, if you're serious about doing it, get all the drawings and photos
you can find and go for it.

Lastly, there are still some old Sargo boat sailors around, with the WWII Sub Vets. But, they're old men, move fast, they won't be with us much longer.
Good luck,
Mike K.