Nautilus (SS-168) and its sister Narwhal (SS-167) were the US versions of the "U-Cruisers" in vogue during the late 20s and early 30s. Designed for long-range ocean cruising, these boats were as long as a Fletcher class destroyer, and displaced more. The fuel load alone was 732 tons, and the main gun armament consisted of two 6"/53-caliber weapons in single mounts fore and aft of the conning tower. Nautilus and Narwhal are easily identifiable by the raised midship gundeck surrounding the conning tower. Four single torpedo tubes were fitted beneath this deck in 1942. Click here for the Warship archival USS Nautilus archival photos.
The Nautilus Models USS Nautilus SS-168 is a1:350 scale full hull resin kit that includes an etched brass fret. Mastered by Jon Warneke, the model's most distinctive feature are the gun deck supports cast into the main deck. As WWII sub kits go, this one is large, over 12" long. Construction would appear to be very easy, most of the work consisting of cleaning the gun deck/conning tower. There is a casting block offixed to the bottom of this piece. It will need to be removed by flat sanding. Use wet/dry paper taped to a flat surface. Rub the piece in a figure-eight pattern until the casting sprue is eliminated.
Anticipated selling price is $55 US, and
the model should be available in June '99. For more
information email Nautilus Models at Sales@NautilusModels.com and take a
look at the photos of the in-the-box parts following this preview. And click here for
archival photos from the Naval History Center.
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