USS Skipjack SSN 585 and USS Scorpion SSN 589
by Paul Helfrich

1/230 USS Skipjack SSN 585 and USS Scorpion SSN 589 (Revell Germany)

The Skipjack class submarines were the first in the US Navy to match a teardrop-shaped hull to a nuclear reactor - a pairing that became the standard for all following classes of US submarines. There were six ships in the class, all of which entered service between 1959 and 1961.

This simple, inexpensive model of the USS Skipjack has recently been re-released by Revell Germany. Decals are included only for the Skipjack, so I had to exercise a little creative license in using some somewhat oversize decals from the junk box to number my second model as the Scorpion, SSN 589. The Scorpion was lost off the Azores in 1966; a sinking that is now generally attributed to a torpedo malfunction.

I added some torpedoes to the Skipjack by cutting down some surplus 1/72 air to air missiles.