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Ships by Class/Type: Submarines
Topics on submarines of all types and eras.
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Balao-class
Cbacon84
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Posted: Monday, January 23, 2017 - 08:09 AM UTC
For the little bit of research I've done am I correct in believing, that while internally there were improvements made to the Balao class over the Gato class, externally the only change was to the 5in deck on the Balao from the 3in on the Gato? At least so far as a model would be concerned. Moreover other than Hobby Boss 1:700 Balao that seems to be out of print are there any other Balao models, or if I am correct about the external differences conversion parts to make a Gato into a Balao?
oberstengel
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Posted: Monday, January 23, 2017 - 08:14 AM UTC
The Bridge structure is different.
Weebles
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Posted: Monday, January 23, 2017 - 11:20 AM UTC

Quoted Text

For the little bit of research I've done am I correct in believing, that while internally there were improvements made to the Balao class over the Gato class, externally the only change was to the 5in deck on the Balao from the 3in on the Gato? At least so far as a model would be concerned. Moreover other than Hobby Boss 1:700 Balao that seems to be out of print are there any other Balao models, or if I am correct about the external differences conversion parts to make a Gato into a Balao?


It's not that easy. Both Gato and Balao class subs had both 4in and 5in deck guns. Every time they came in for repairs they were changed. The most noticeable differences are the sail and the shaping around the forward hull. Also some deck changes depending on the boat.

I'm planning on doing a 1/350 Balao using the AFV Gator's kit along with Steve Larsen (Model_Monkey) Balao Fairwater sail and diStefan's 5in/25 deck gun. That gets you very close to a respectable Balao class submarine. Good luck with your project.
Dave
Cbacon84
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Posted: Monday, January 23, 2017 - 02:04 PM UTC
Thanks for the information Joe and David, I'm hoping to find a 1/700 of a Balao class so I can build SS-318 the USS Baya
Grauwolf
#084
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Posted: Monday, January 23, 2017 - 04:33 PM UTC
HobbyBoss and Aoshima both make a Balao in 1:700 scale.

Cheers,
Joe
Cbacon84
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Posted: Tuesday, January 24, 2017 - 08:53 AM UTC

Quoted Text

HobbyBoss and Aoshima both make a Balao in 1:700 scale.

Cheers,
Joe


is there any consensus on which of the two is the better kit?
Grauwolf
#084
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Posted: Tuesday, January 24, 2017 - 10:05 AM UTC
They both look equally good but no tower or deck railing provided.

There is also the Doyusha kit...looks good but again no tower or
deck railing.

You would need to look for AM PE railings for these tiny kits.

Not sure who makes any dedicated PE parts to complete that detail.

Cheers.
Joe
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