by Mario Grima
1/48 Japanese submarine 1-29 (Scale shipyard)
She was made from a Scale shipyard hull a long time ago and is fully r/c. It features a real gapped wood deck. The guns are scratch built from brass stock, AA electrically swivels, & deck gun recoils & elevates. During this particular photo group (patrol) she was caught a unexpected rain squall. The submarine being in its wet environment, is immune to rain but cameras are not and did cause a costly short on mine. The object you see floating in the water on the tower surfacing shots top right corner ,is one of I 29 crew Members. The crew is not glued on the sub, but have stands made of wood done up like its deck. This is done so that when the submarine submerges the crew ejects and is recovered since they safely float around. I know I'm cruel, But they all know how to swim, Ha.. The Conning tower is fully lighted , the hanger is also detailed internally. Currently she is the mother ship for two seaplanes. In the out of water shots is the sub today lying dormant in her dry dock. Guarded by 1/6 scale imprerial guards She is scheduled soon for an upgrade. Will be seen in upcoming part 2
Part 2:
2005 refit as follows- More detail to tower,& front ramp , Repaint entire submarine above the waterline &
new correct sea plane, more crew.
I added a Yokosuka E14Y1 " Glenn" seaplane thats supposed to go with this class of submarine. I built &
weathered the plane to represent it constantly being stored, banged up and lauched at sea. I also made a
special brass cradle for the plane with special connector hooks to grapple the aircraft under the wings
into grab rods as seen on the real counter parts and allowing the plane to disengage. The Glen kit
itself was built from a rare OOP vacuform kit Which was given to me by a good freind.
Special thanks Doctor Kerry J. The extra crew came from a 1/48 Tamiya Zero Kit.
