1/144 USS Submarine Gato Class SS-212 1941

Gato-class submarines were the state of the art in American sub design at the start of World War II. Based on the previous Tambor-class submarines, the Gato class incorporated improvements that increased their overall patrolling and combat abilities. Modifications to the diesel engines and batteries increased patrol duration over that of the Tambors, and internal alterations provided more comfort for the crew. The class is named after its lead ship, the USS Gato (SS-212), as depicted in this new kit from Trumpeter.

Trumpeter's second 1/144-scale Gato release is again a large kit, measuring 66cm long (about 26 inches) from stem to stern. Sharp molding and fine detail highlight this kit, molded in light gray styrene. Construction is broken down into the internal pressure hulls, outer hull, conning tower, and outer hull and deck details, of which there are plenty! This release depicts the Gato as it appeared in 1941, featuring a different conning tower arrangement than the 1944 version depicted in the previous release. A fine kit of an iconic submarine.