Example model photo shown with optional Acrylic cover.
The Balao class submarines were completed in 1943-45 and were essentially Gato class submarines with strengthened hulls. This allowed them to dive deeper, which was tactically important when evading attacks. With 122 units built, it is the largest class of submarines in the United States Navy.
Any service era or vessel configuration - We can build a model of them all - your pick.
| Hull Number | Name | | Hull Number | Name | | Hull Number | Name | | Hull Number | Name |
| SS-285 | Balao | | SS-316 | Barbel | | SS-362 | Guavina | | SS-394 | Razorback |
| SS-286 | Billfish | | SS-317 | Barbero | | SS-363 | Guitaro | | SS-395 | Redfish |
| SS-287 | Bowfin | | SS-318 | Baya | | SS-364 | Hammerhead | | SS-396 | Ronquil |
| SS-288 | Cabrilla | | SS-319 | Becuna | | SS-365 | Hardhead | | SS-397 | Scabardfish |
| SS-289 | Capelin | | SS-320 | Bergall | | SS-366 | Hawkbill | | SS-398 | Segundo |
| SS-290 | Cisco | | SS-321 | Besugo | | SS-367 | Icefish | | SS-399 | Sea Cat |
| SS-291 | Crevalle | | SS-322 | Blackfin | | SS-368 | Jallao | | SS-400 | Sea Devil |
| SS-292 | Devilfish | | SS-323 | Caiman | | SS-369 | Kete | | SS-401 | Sea Dog |
| SS-293 | Dragonet | | SS-324 | Blenny | | SS-370 | Kraken | | SS-402 | Sea Fox |
| SS-294 | Escolar | | SS-325 | Blower | | SS-371 | Lagarto | | SS-403 | Atule |
| SS-295 | Hackleback | | SS-326 | Blueback | | SS-372 | Lamprey | | SS-404 | Spikefish |
| SS-296 | Lancetfish | | SS-327 | Boarfish | | SS-373 | Lizardfish | | SS-405 | Sea Owl |
| SS-297 | Ling | | SS-328 | Charr | | SS-374 | Loggerhead | | SS-406 | Sea Poacher |
| SS-298 | Lionfish | | SS-329 | Chub | | SS-375 | Macabi | | SS-407 | Sea Robin |
| SS-299 | Manta | | SS-330 | Brill | | SS-376 | Mapiro | | SS-408 | Sennet |
| SS-300 | Moray | | SS-331 | Bugara | | SS-377 | Menhaden | | SS-409 | Piper |
| SS-301 | Roncador | | SS-332 | Bullhead | | SS-378 | Mero | | SS-410 | Threadfin |
| SS-302 | Sabalo | | SS-333 | Bumper | | SS-381 | Sand Lance | | SS-411 | Spadefish |
| SS-304 | Seahorse | | SS-334 | Cabezon | | SS-382 | Picuda | | SS-412 | Trepang |
| SS-305 | Skate | | SS-335 | Dentuda | | SS-383 | Pampanito | | SS-413 | Spot |
| SS-306 | Tang | | SS-336 | Capitaine | | SS-384 | Parche | | SS-414 | Springer |
| SS-307 | Tilefish | | SS-337 | Carbonero | | SS-385 | Bang | | SS-415 | Stickleback |
| SS-308 | Apogon | | SS-338 | Carp | | SS-386 | Pilotfish | | SS-416 | Tiru |
| SS-309 | Aspro | | SS-339 | Catfish | | SS-387 | Pintado | | | |
| SS-310 | Batfish | | SS-340 | Entemedor | | SS-388 | Pipefish | | | |
| SS-311 | Archer-Fish | | SS-341 | Chivo | | SS-389 | Piranha | | | |
| SS-312 | Burrfish | | SS-342 | Chopper | | SS-390 | Plaice | | | |
| SS-313 | Perch | | SS-343 | Clamagore | | SS-391 | Pomfret | | | |
| SS-314 | Shark | | SS-345 | Cochino | | SS-392 | Sterlet | | | |
| SS-315 | Sealion | | SS-361 | Golet | | SS-393 | Queenfish | | | |
We offer our Gato Class Submarine Models in several poplular size/scale offerings for easy ordering and selection. However, if you would like your model made in a size other than those sizes listed, please contact us with your request. Custom orders are our specialty!
Our submarine models are made-to-order, meaning that we do not stock any pre-made models. Only when a customer tells us the size and/or scale desired do we build the model. Each model is exquisitely crafted by our master model builders and comes fully assembled with a solid hull - hand carved from kiln-dried mahogany. Other parts are made from a variety of woods, putty, resin and metals. Every model includes pedestals, mounted on a polished mahogany base board. Options include keel block mounting, waterline models, nameplates, ships seals and ribbons, and weathering paint schemes.
The model build time is generally 16 weeks from receipt of the order and deposit. The normal procedure is a 50% deposit with the commissioning, with the balance due prior to shipping. Note that prior to shipping, we take a series of photos of the model and send them to you for final review and approval – so you know exactly what your model will look like and allow for any necessary modifications. Once you have approved your model, we’ll collect the final balance and she will be shipped in a robust shipping crate and insured for your protection.
100% Satisfaction Guarantee: In the unlikely event you are not completely satisfied with your model and wish to return it, notify us within 7 days of the model delivery and we will issue a refund or exchange.
FREE SHIPPING in the USA - Note that our model prices include shipping and insurance within the USA.
Shipping costs outside the USA will depend on the model size ordered and shipping destination. You will be responsible for any applicable taxes or duties, based on the commercial invoice value for the model.
Add a museum-like touch to your model display - Consider our protective display case option. Keep fingers and dust away - forever! Please visit our Display Case page to see our selection.
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