Gato Conversions Balao and Tench

[k225]

Hi Guys
Can anyone direct me to possible sources on converting the Gato to either a Balao or Tench class?

[cody]

Re: Gato Conversions Balao and Tench

Hi Guys
Can anyone direct me to possible sources on converting the Gato to either a Balao or Tench class?

Using the book "Fleet Submarines" Warship's Data Special,by the Floating Drydock...
Gato's and Balao's were basicly the same....Gato's had a thicker "Pressure Hull".
But the dimensions remained the same...
The "Tench" on the other hand....
Was 311' 8" long and a beam of 27' 2".

The Gato's were 311' 9" and 27' 3".

And Balao's 311' 9" and 27' 4".

What really set the "Tench" apart was the "Bow"...It was more "Squared off at the bottom...."
Grab some plans from....

http://www.floatingdrydock.com/

The "Tench" numbers started at "417"
Hope this helps....

Jeff

[JWLaRue]

The main visible distinguishing difference

The main visible distinguishing difference between the Gato and Balao class of fleetboats was the periscope shears. The Gato having an externally visible support structure for the periscopes and the Balao having all support within the shears.

Here's a view of the Gato shears][/url]

And here's one of the Balao shears][/url]

-Jeff

[k225]

Perfect appreciate the information on

Perfect appreciate the information on to my research!

[k225]

Hopefully the after market sails

Hopefully the after market sails and stuff will follow soon. The Canadian boats were the HMCS Grilse the former USS Burrfish as modified as a picket boat. Also HMCS Rainbow a Tench class former USS Argonaut with the guppy sail. Attached is a nice static model of HMCS Grilse showing some of the modifications needed, as well as the two boats together.
Should be fun!