1/72nd Revell Gato Wolfpack

[pirate]

Re: 1/72nd Revell Gato Wolfpack

Yes—she is in unbelievable shape for some 75 years. They do a fantastic job caring for her.

Have you seen the USS Cod in the Cleveland area?

[jefftytoo]

Re: 1/72nd Revell Gato Wolfpack

Pete,
Yup. But only once. Probably around 1979. Her caretakers claim she is the least converted for tourists; that is, the most left alone in regulation shape since retiring—no enlarged hatches, no added stairways, everything left as it was. And from what I could see, they were right. As such, she can probably claim the Best Boat in the Museum Fleet Award because of it. My Fine Art Models 1/96 fleetboat model is of the Cod. And that's me at her ’scope in ’79. Note]http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n637/jefftytoo/PICT0048-1.jpg[/img]

[PaulC]

Re: 1/72nd Revell Gato Wolfpack

Sharp photo, Jeff!

Now, I know you're going to laugh/cringe, but here is my solution for the forward deck hole pattern.

First, I masked off the areas that were correct so as not to lose the detail. This mainly consisted of the scribed lines in the center and down each side. Then I applied a good coat of Nitrostan putty to fill all the holes and gaps in the deck. You can see a puttied section in the photo below. One dried, I wet sanded the filler down to the deck. This left ALL the holes filled and further polished the plastic where kit parts were removed, etc. Essentially I created a blank canvas -- with one exception. The filled holes now form a usable grid from which I can drill the correct hole pattern.



Here you can see the drilling attempt underway. It also readily shows how many of the kit holes I am not going to use. I drilled the new holes with a twist drill by hand. With a good drill bit they go surprisingly fast. However, at this size the bit is very thin and breaks easily.



Below is a shot of the work in progress next to a photo of Wahoo's forward deck (pardon the shadow on the part). Overall, I'm pleased with the results. More work to go, however....

[jefftytoo]

Re: 1/72nd Revell Gato Wolfpack

Brilliant. Hat definitely tipped.

JeffP

[ober freak]

Re: 1/72nd Revell Gato Wolfpack

Looking good Paul, this would also be my attempt.
But I think you missed the correct row, compared to the photo in the back everything should be 1 row to the left.

Just my 2 cents, Marco

[ssn705]

Re: 1/72nd Revell Gato Wolfpack

Awesome work. Love the method you went with. My little hand twist drill is my favorite. I do have many a broken tiny drill bit scattered around though too.

Cheers,

Dave

[PaulC]

Re: 1/72nd Revell Gato Wolfpack

Thanks, guys. Where do you get your tiny drill bits? Local hobby shop?

[salmon]

Re: 1/72nd Revell Gato Wolfpack

Yes, or on-line. Here is a link just for reference: http://www.micromark.com/the-rogers-...f-20,8027.html or http://www.ebay.com/itm/21pc-Mini-Mi...-/280747115083
This is the set I use. Did not buy it here, but searched so I could give you a starting point.

[salmon]

Re: 1/72nd Revell Gato Wolfpack

I Just re-read my post, to clarify, I use the first link. Probably the second link is fine, I just have not tried those.

[thor]

Re: 1/72nd Revell Gato Wolfpack

Tom & Paul,

I have the micro mark set of miniature drill bits. They work great, but you have to very careful when drilling as the bits are a tad bit fragile. Only extend the needed amount of drill bit out of the twist drill chuck to help keep them from snapping off.

Matt

[Guest]

Re: 1/72nd Revell Gato Wolfpack

I prefer the miniature drill bits that come with a larger shank.

[ober freak]

Re: 1/72nd Revell Gato Wolfpack

I use similar drills in metric scale, they where a good investment since I had them.

My Deck is now completely planked with 15 packs used, it still needs some sanding to attach the last details to it.

[jefftytoo]

Re: 1/72nd Revell Gato Wolfpack

Ober,

WOW. Even tiny, near-microscopic irregularities—just like the natural warpage found in the teak deck planks of the real boats. Amazing.

Bravo Zulu,
JeffP

[ober freak]

Re: 1/72nd Revell Gato Wolfpack

Thanks a lot Jeff!

I have some progress to the stern to tell:


The holes between the tubes are 1.2mm, the large ones above and below 2.4mm and the rows on the back 0.9mm with 2.5mm spacing.
Every hole is countersank gently and bored from the back to achieve a thinner hull feeling.

Marco

[jefftytoo]

Re: 1/72nd Revell Gato Wolfpack

Nice job on filling those prop guard nubs/holes too. Mine don't look near as good.

JeffP