by Paul Helfrich
1/144 USS Seawolf SSN-21 (Trumpeter)
Times are good for submarine modelers, with new kits coming out almost faster than we can keep up with them. One of the more recent is the 1/144 scale USS Seawolf from Trumpeter.
The kit has been criticized for accuracy problems. Based on the available photos and what I've read, it seems that the placement of the fairwater isn't quite right, and there are also problems with the shape of the hull. The finished model bears a strong resemblance to the USS Virginia, so perhaps Trumpeter's designers confused certain aspects of the two classes.
The other issue with the kit that I can certainly confirm is that the lower hull is both too narrow and too short, compared to the upper hull. A lot of filling and sanding is needed to get a decent match between the two halves.
Given the accuracy questions surrounding the model to begin with, I went out on a limb with a three-color paint scheme that may not be accurate, but is certainly more interesting than all black. I've seen at least one other model of the Seawolf painted this way, not that that means anything!
The end result, the kits various problems aside, is still a large and impressive model. It's nice to have another modern US sub to add to my collection.
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