1⁄72
USS Gato

a photo feature by Robert OShaunnessy of a Revell of Germany kit
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Robert O'Shaunnessy shares some photos of his 1st model build, Revell's 1:72 scale Gato submarine. Robert inherited this kit after his father-in-law passed away; before he had a chance to build this model. He served aboard three US Navy submarines and was an avid sailor who loved the ocean.

I built this kit in his honor. ~ Robert O'Shaunnessy

Robert started the build in 2012 and worked on and off for about 1 year. At the time, he had no knowledge about photo etch parts. In addition, Robert tells us, I did try my hand at weathering this kit. Robert added CMK's Gato Sub Crew and using a .011 gauge guitar (E) string for my railings instead of the thread provided. He used the decals provided for 291 which was the USS Crevalle and, even though it was not a Gato class sub, it was one of his father-in-laws's boats that he served upon.

I later had the chance to visit the USS Drum in Mobile AL and even meet up with Tom Bowser, one of the Drum's major volunteers, who also served aboard the USS Crevalle. ~ Robert O'Shaunnessy

Model Shipwrights would like to thank Robert O'Shaunnessy for providing photos of his 1/72 scale USS Gato!
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About the Author

About Robert O (Fright)
FROM: GEORGIA, UNITED STATES

Born and raised in Los Angeles, California. After 60 years, my wife and I relocated to Atlanta, Georgia. 8 years now in Atlanta, we both recently realized we need to get back to a coastline. LOL Retired after 30 years, I now keep myself active as a musician and actor. I enjoy the Arts, music, model...


Comments

JPTRR
Robert, a fine tribute to your father-in-law. He must have been a fine man.
JAN 11, 2017 - 12:16 AM
Fright
JPTRR - Thanks for your comment. A side note: While on watch duty at night on conning tower in the North Atlantic, a huge wave suddenly broke over the deck and slammed his face into the railing. He was frozen and when he was relieved, once he got below in white light, he realized he had been wiping blood and not water from his face. Busted up his nose. That's why I added the lookouts on deck. He also left us his 33' Yorktown Sailboat in Long Beach Harbor. We did have to sell her when we moved here to Atlanta. She was a well-kept boat!
JAN 11, 2017 - 07:24 AM
Fright
I want to thank ModelShipWrights for posting my pictures and my story on what got me 'hooked' into model building. While building this kit I found that it was a form of meditation and relaxation from the everyday world. It was also a great way to learn a little history about events that took place when these ships were created and the men who served aboard them.
JAN 16, 2017 - 06:13 AM
TRM5150
You're welcome Robert! A big part of the enjoyment of this hobby is seeing the works others have done! For me, the research is fun too! Of course it is a two-edged sword there...I end up getting lost reading and trolling the internet and realize I burnt hours of bench time away!
JAN 16, 2017 - 06:34 AM
Fright
LOL You got that right! One link leads to another!!!
JAN 16, 2017 - 11:23 PM
JJ1973
Robert, that's a fine build and some great stories behind it! Thanks for sharing it!! - I couldn't agree more with what you say about meditation and relaxation, sometimes for me it's like medicine...and with what you're saying about learning a little history as well!!
JAN 25, 2017 - 10:14 AM
Fright
Cheers JJ! I hope to one day try building a Troop Transport ship in honor of my dad. He shipped out of Richmond, CA on his way to the South Pacific aboard the G.O.Squier AP-130 during WWll. He was medical assigned to a Marine unit. Just need practice on scratch building more parts.
FEB 02, 2017 - 06:23 AM
Cyclone
Very nice, beautiful work!
APR 09, 2017 - 08:50 AM
Fright
CYCLONE - I'm so sorry for such a late reply, but I've been out of commission since August of 2017. "Thank you" for your comment and taking a look at this model. This model has gotten me hooked on building ships - my latest being a wooden kit of the Bluenose. Here's to more adventures in modeling for both of us. Cheers!!!
JUN 25, 2018 - 01:48 AM
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Copyright ©2021 by Robert OShaunnessy. _OPINIONS Model Shipwrights, KitMaker Network, or Silver Star Enterrpises. Images also by copyright holder unless otherwise noted. Opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of Model Shipwrights. All rights reserved. Originally published on: 2017-01-11 05:55:41. Unique Reads: 7440