Known for their accuracy and attention to detail, Aoshima's precision Waterline Series focuses on naval vessel models, depicting the vessel's structure from the waterline and above. Models in this series are designed to be seen as if floating on the water, highlighting the above-water structure, whilst also making for a more practical and space-efficient display on a flat surface.
The Balao class was the largest class of submarines built for the US Navy, and included 120 boats. They were based on the preceding Gato class, included a number of changes and improvements. Perhaps the most notable improvement was the use of thicker, higher yield strength steel in the pressure hull skins and frames - this increased their test depth to 400' (120 m); USS Tang actually achieved a depth of 612' (187 m) during a test dive, and exceeded even that when taking on water in the forward torpedo room while evading a destroyer!
The Balaos were highly effective boats, and were a signifcant part of the near destruction of Japan's merchant fleet, not to mention the drastic attrition of the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) by the US Navy's Submarine Force. Included within this are USS Tang's record of 116,454 tons of enemy shipping sunk (before being accidentally sunk by her own torpedo mistakenly running in a circle), and USS Archerfish, which sank the largest ship of any submarine to date - the IJN carrier Shinano (converted from the third Yamato class battleship).
With many boats upgraded via the GUPPY program (and others), and serving in many foreign navies, the Balao class continued in service across the world long after the end of WW2. The last American boats were withdrawn from service in the seventies, yet an Argentinian Balao served in the Falklands War of 1982 (ARA Santa Fe - sunk off South Georgia), and the last Balao (Hai Pao) is still serving in the navy of Taiwan.
Perhaps surprisingly, the Balao class also achieved fame on the silver screen: the fictional 'Sea Tiger' in the 1959 movie 'Operation Petticoat' was played by three different Balao class boats, with the USS Balao herself playing Sea Tiger when she was pink!
This detailed model kit from Aoshima represents an entire class, rather than an individual ship; although it is part of the Water Line Series, it also has the alternative option of being constructed showing the entire boat's hull. This model shows how the Balaos typically looked during WW2, prior to GUPPY upgrades and other modifications.
- 1/700 scale precision model kit
- Waterline design
- Assembly required
- Glue, paint, and tools not included - available separately
- Not a toy: not intended for children under 15 years old
- Made in Japan
