by Mario Grima
1/72 USS Grouper SS-214 (Revell/Iron Bottom Sound)
My goal was to portray the Electric Boat USS Grouper SS-214 circa 1942-43 showing its second evolution of its original "as built" large tower configuration. The first evolution resulted in the removal of the bridge cabin steering column. Because of the steering column's absence, this resulted in having unessential space in the front cabin forward the fair water. This section was cut back in length resulting in the reduction in the number of tower port holes to just four. As a result of the second evolution, the tower aft gun deck platform (decking & railing) was changed.
Later on during the mid war years, the submarine which was originally an EB built boat, was refitted at Mare Island Naval Yard, where it was "Mare Islandized" resulting in the tower's front fair water being cut further to create a new forward AA platform. Other Mare Island modifications included extra Mare Island yard style side limber holes, mast changes, better electronics, and heavier armament. There were a handful of other EB boats that followed a similar life cycle. My Revell conversion was made using my original test experimental prototype conning tower. The IBS Gato style VI production Conning Tower is derived from this pilot model, but is more improved. The model also wears Eduard side PE panels on the revel side deck structure.
