US Navy GATO-Class Submarine

Model kit made of plastic

After the US Pacific fleet had been seriously weakened at Pearl Harbor, at the beginning of the war in the Pacific much of the responsibility in the battle against the Japanese expeditionary forces rested on the shoulders of the American submariners. The submarines of the Gato Class were large fleet submarines that had been specially developed for use in the wide expanses of the Pacific Ocean. Due to their size and equipment they could remain in non-stop service for 75 days. Between 1940 and 1944, 77 Gatos were build at four different shipyards. Together with the Balao and the Trench Class they formed the backbone of the US submarine fleet. Most of these subs went to the Pacific, but a few were also used in the Atlantic. These submarines were extremely successful. Not only did they sink a large number of irreplaceable freighters and tankers, but they also decimated the Imperial naval fleet. The most grievous losses were the aircraft carriers Shokaku, Taiyo, Unyo and Taiho. Developed for use in the expanses of the Pacific, the Gato was much larger than for example the German type VII submarine. It had a length of 95 m, a beam of 8.20 m and a draught of 4.60 m. Its displacement was 1825 tons surfaced and 2410 tons dived. The diesel engine gave it a speed of 20.75 knots on the surface.

Model details:

• Release date: 12/2006
• Parts: 266
• Length: 1,320 mm
• Skill-Level: 5
• Super decals with 5 different versions:
  • USS Cobia
  • USS Barb
  • USS Flasher
  • USS Jack
  • USS Rock

Colors: 9 57 74 92 99 302 (see below)

Construction Manual:

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