USS Indianapolis (SSN-697) Fast Attack Submarine in 1/72 Scale
The USS Indianapolis (SSN-697) was a U.S. Navy Los Angeles class fast attack submarine. She was commissioned in 1980 and was assigned to the Pacific Fleet, homeported in Pearl Harbor. She was decommissioned halfway through her service life in 1998, one of the many victims of the so-called “peace dividend”.
I have always been fascinated by submarines, particularly the U.S. Navy nuke boats. It just so happens that the outer diameter of 5 inch PVC well casing is almost exactly the hull diameter of the LA class submarine in 1/72 scale, so there’s a good start on a scratchbuilding project. The center 30 inches of the model is 5 inch PVC, the bow and stern sections are vacuformed over poplar masters. The fins and sail were made from plastic sheet and copies cast in resin.
For anyone interested, there are work in progress construction posts here: https://inchhighguy.wordpress.com/?s=1%2F72+los+angeles
12 additional images. Click to enlarge.
James B Robinson said on May 21, 2019
Masterful work Jeff. I enjoyed reading the WIP articles as well. Very well done!
Tom Bebout said on May 21, 2019
Well now, saw this bad boy at the Louisville show, didn’t realized it belonged to a iModeler member. Nice job Jeff, hope to meet you at the Cincinnati show?
Craig Abrahamson said on May 21, 2019
Oh…..so it’s a scratch-built – not a kit, per se – even more impressive. I especially like the work in the coning tower (it’s the “cats meow”, so to speak) – 🙂
Robert Royes said on May 22, 2019
A great work of craftsmanship! Nice job.
Tom Cleaver said on May 22, 2019
Tortie cats are the best!
Jeff Groves said on May 22, 2019
Thanks for the kind words guys, much appreciated! Tom, I try to go to most of the shows in Region IV so Cincinnati is on the list.
Manuel Magrinho said on May 22, 2019
Nice! Specialy the WIP, that after this linked me to other builds.
Congratulations
David Mills said on May 22, 2019
Nice work Jeff!
Jeff Bailey said on May 22, 2019
Very well done, Jeff.
I especially like the variations of shading on the sub’s hull … VERY interesting subject, Sir!
Jeff Groves said on May 23, 2019
Thanks guys! It was a lot of fun to build!