Nautilus Models

1/144 Conversions (Thresher, Gurnard, Haddo) For the Trumpeter 1/144 Gato Class Sub

Stock Number: P/N 144-001 USS Haddo SS-255, Fall 1943 P/N 144-002 USS Gurnard SS-254, Fall 1942 P/N 144-003 USS Thresher SS-200, Fall 1943

Reviewed By  Dave Morrissette, IPMS# 33653

MSRP: $45.00 Nautilus Models (nautilusmodels.com). Trumpeter released a very early Gato boat last summer, and Nautilus Models and Jim Corley have come out with three nice options to change the basic kit into a different sub than the series namesake. The three sets are made of cream-colored resin with laser etched wooden decks or laser cut plastic, depending on the boat chosen. A full set of replacement armament is included with both main and secondary guns. Also included are the open periscope shears and any necessary deck modifications. The guns are a vast improvement over the kit parts. There is a little flash on the castings, but nothing that a few seconds with a hobby knife won't clean up. I did notice a seam line around the base of the new conning towers but this was easily filled. Overall fit of the parts is good, with only a little putty required (see my build of the USS Thresher on our web site). An excellent set of instructions comes with each set, detailing the build, the use of any kit parts, and especially painting instructions. This is good as the fleet subs of WWII did not resemble each other from cruise to cruise and Nautilus dates them specifically. There sets are very nice and the kit is nice also. I recommend the conversions to anyone wanting a different conning tower version of these subs or just wanting an upgrade on the guns. My thanks to Jim Corley for supplying the conversion sets!

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