Gato Class Kits: OLD Darter Kit by Alexander Engel KG

Finally her great times are over... The USS Darter which was available for almost 20 years is not on the market anymore. We will keep some information on the old Gato kit on the server, if you're interested into the new Gato kit by Engel, please klick HERE.

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OLD Darter Kit:

Scale: 1:50
Length: 1980 mm
Width: 170 mm
Weight: 35.3 / 38,6 lbs.

The Engel kit contains a fibreglass hull of high quality and strength. The surface is smooth and free from scratches.
The piston tank system (called "System Preisenhammer") is very reliable and popular, and many model builders who make their own hulls use it for their boats, too. The Gato Class kit is equipped with two 750ml-tanks which allow the boat to have an impressive look on the surface as well as a good dive performance.
The drives have enough power to make it move quickly enough for the average sub model skipper.
The drive shafts are watertight by the use of a small silicon tube. This system has worked in several hundred Engel kits so far. Please note the "3mm maximum"-measurement on the drawing. (3mm = 0.12 inch.)

Plan part of Engel U 177 Type IX-D 2, very similar to Gato

The fittings of the kit are not really scaled, but Engel plans to sell a new Gato kit which will be closer to the original very soon.

Finally the Engel Gato is a reliably working and nicely looking submarine. It does not belong to those boats which are started to build today and finished tomorrow or next week. In my eyes building a kit like that will take some or several months. I wouldn't suggest this kit to an absolute beginner, but model builders with some experience will have a lot of fun building and driving this sub.

For further information visit Engel-Modellbau, the company offers good service in delivering kits or parts and in answering emails, too.