Question: from my understanding the largest subs in WWII that can be used in combat are the Japanese I400 and the French Surcouf right? Also does anyone have a set of plans for either? Or know if anyone offers a hull kit? Pretty new to this. I've always loved WWII combat ships. I would like to get into the sport. (I spend everyday welding on fishing boats it would be nice to get into a hobby version of it). I realize submarines are a very impractical ships to try and build and not a good first ship. My plans at the moment are to just build a decent surface runner/diver that is unarmed. If I can find a way to make that happen with enough room left then I may try and work out some armament. But that's not a priority. Thanks!
Also I'm looking at the Strike Models ship plans page and it gives a listing for plans by: other, ed wiswesser, and George goff. Is there a reason? Are any of the plans better than the others? They are all $15
Those are the two largest from our selected era yes. Goff plans are generally considered to be 'generally available and generally lousy' by many folk. The quality of his work varies greatly and its not unusual for it to simply be wrong in places. They're generally better than no plans at all. @Bob Pottle has a mold for the I-400 hull. I don't know of any Surcouf molds.
Anyone got any good ideas on a ballast tank for a sub? I've seen a few designs on the net but some look too complex to build small enough...
Dynamic divers use dive planes only to stay submerged and need to be in constant motion to stay under yes? I just ordered plans for both the 1:144 Surcouf and the I400 from strike models. Very excited.
There is also the USS Narwhal class subs. Smaller than both the I-400 and Surcouf, but probably still large enough for what you want. Floating Drydock has plans for Narwhal/Nautilus, including hull stations.
