Gato
Gato/Balao-Class Submarine – World War II Camouflage
- Scale: 1:96
- Release: 1996
- Limited Edition: 25
- Model Size: 39”L x 3.5”W x 9”H
- Base Type: Black Walnut
- Base/Case Size: 41”L x 6”W x 11”H
- Availability: Sold out
Gato/Balao-Class Submarine – Post War Gray
- Scale: 1:96
- Release: 1996
- Limited Edition: 25
- Model Size: 39”L x 3.5”W x 9”H
- Base Type: Black Walnut
- Base/Case Size: 41”L x 6”W x 11”H
- Availability: Sold out
Gato/Balao-Class Submarine
The standard type of American fleet submarine during World War II was the Gato-class and its continuation as the Balao-class. Their most noteworthy characteristics included long range, habitability, good sea-keeping and powerful armament. They met the U.S. Navy’s requirements for long offensive cruises in the Pacific, during which they were self-sufficient, unlike the German boats that often relied on supply ships and/or submarines.
In 1943, other than a few beach reconnaissance and support missions off North Africa, the Gato/Balao class submarines’ normal function was offensive patrolling of enemy sea-lanes and ambush tactics among the numerous islands. They were employed mainly against Japan, where they bore the brunt of the campaign. The boats were also frequently employed in special missions such as laying offensive minefields, landing supplies for Philippine guerrillas, reconnoitering landing beaches and, during the final phase, bombarding coastal targets. The rescue of aircrews from the sea subjected them to great risks, as they had to remain surfaced in position for long periods in very dangerous areas. Of the 52 boats lost during the war, 28 were Gato/Balaos.
About the Model…
Fine Art Models has built this limited edition, Gato/Balao-Class Submarine model in a scale of 1:96 with exacting detail, as built by the Electric Boat Company in Groton, Connecticut, and one of the most faithfully produced submarine models ever built.
Each Gato/Balao-Class Submarine is built by a team of eight (8) of the most skilled craftsmen in the world, with more than 300 man-hours just to assemble. Computers were used to generate exact scale drawings from the original plans. All of the materials used to construct the ship meet and/or exceed museum quality standards including a space age, high definition hull, brass photo-etched deck, which allows you to see the hull beneath, and a completely fabricated brass conning tower and fittings. Every water intake and discharge port on the hull is captured on the model, while the bow fins fold into a vertical position as on the real Gato. In addition, all of the paint used is custom-made and impervious to ultra-violet light. As with all Fine Art Models, the Gato/Balao-Class Submarine scale model comes complete with a Black Walnut base and leaded glass display case.
