Ahoy,

This is my latest project...Revell SKIPJACK 1:230 scale.

The kit goes back to the mid to late 60s.

If some of you have build this kit, you probably know that it is
well, a dog.
It has raised hull lines and a hatch about the size of a quarter which
allows the viewing of an atomic reactor inside the sub
(which in real life this hatch did not exist).

So this is what was done to the kit to make it a more credible representation
of the real SKIPJACK SSN 585.

Sanded all the raised hull lines and filled in the reactor hatch.
Re-scribed major access panels on the sail and hull.
Added for and aft hull vents.
Added corrected chocks and cleats.
Added degaussing cable.
Added port and starboard running lights.
Scratchbuilt periscopes,snorkel and antenna array.
Cut open the top of the sail as there will be figures in there.
Created the flag with inkjet printer.

I only built a half hull as it will be displayed underway in a
"water base".

I am pleased with the results, as it is now a better representation
of this sub compared to what came in the box.



















Hope you enjoy.

That's fantastic work Joe. Looking forward to seeing it "in the water" so to speak.

cheers

Michael

Thanks Michael

I started sculpting the base right after I posted the photos.

Should be a couple of days and I will put up photos of the sub
in the water base.

Cheers,
Joe

Great work, Joe! I agree, that old Aurora kit was and is a dog - but you have her looking like she should!
Can't wait to see the sub on its base.

Thank Tim.

Very nice, clean and convincing work!!! I can't talk about the original kit since I never saw one, but your build, Joe, really looks just great!!

Cheers,
Jan

Thanks Jan.

Joe,

Wonderful! This was one of my very first models!

I think I built the Aurora model, it had a "telescope" one assembled and installed, with a photo of the interior. Aurora did that with their tanks, too; my King Tiger, look through it and see 'something' exploding in a ball of fire!

Thanks Frederick....yes I remember the tank.

Update

Modified some figures to create the sub commander and a watch
officer holding binoculars.



Did some preliminary work on the "water base". Used carved
insulation board, the sub has been sunk in and will fill
with plaster to hide the depression around the sub.



Final surface waves will be created with plaster and
water displacement and final surface coat will made
with acrylic gel.

More to come.