WW2 Japanese submarine Otsu-Gata Type B3 IJN I-58 "Kaiten carrier", scale 1/200

[strk]

Gents,
after a year of absence (last project: Russian LCAC "Zubr" class)I'm back in business.

Today I'm going to show You classic paper build of IJN I-58 cruiser submarine "Kaiten carrier". Those who are familiar with WW2 history and the war effort under the surface of Pacific Ocean, for sure knows this submarine.
Those who dont, should google it .
I-58 could change the history of our world, but she failed to.

So, to the point. This is how I see her (designed and rendered in Rhino):

The model is designed in typical way: single frame and paper stripe (for years used in aviation papermodeling). Build is divided in six stages:
-the aft
-the midships
-the fore
-the light hull with deck
-the conn
-deck equipment

General rule in build is to start and build from the aft. Of course I refused to follow this rule and started from the fore.
Single frame, no paper stripe:


Tricky frame W2, includes two layers of 0.5mm cardboard:

Why? To build pretty detailed fore torpedo tubes. Take a look:



Next step: midships (keep in mind, I do not follow the general rule building from the aft).
Midships sections, build with "single frame and stripe" method:

Quick and simple as possible.



This is how it looks: fore section, midships, aft still not glued to:


Stay tuned!

[strk]

All sections glued together:


4th stage - light hull and deck:




Deck is a combination of vector graphic and CMYK bitmap:


Side elements supporting deck from below:


Reinforced from inside with narrow stripe of 180g/m2 paper


Done:

[strk]

The keel. This long, narrow element is reinforced from inside with 1mm cardboard stripes. +50 to mechanical strength:


Aft diving planes, axle made of single copper wire from network patch cord:



The effect:


Fore diving planes, made the same way. Axle - shielded copper wire:

[strk]

Shafts are made of styrene rod, 1mm diameter:


The hull seems to be done:


Now, deck equipment, the conn, and six Kaitens.

[Michael Mash]

This is great looking work with your submarine.
Nice to see you here again.
Mike

[Don Boose]

This is really excellent!

Don

[Alcides]

Great work!!! I began to think in try to build a submarine and I an airplane guy

[strk]

Thank You friends for good words.

Alcides, I-58 is much easier than any paper airplane same size. It shares the same manner of design - except wings as the elements not neccessary under water
Just try, U will be not disappointed.

[chaparral2d]

Absolutely stunning!

Dave

[OhioMike]

Outstanding build...Great photos as well! Thank you.
Mike