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[HMS Invisible]

The World War Two submarine built by the Japanese that could transport bombers close to American cities and travel one-and-a-half times round the world without refuelling.

Viewing times All times GMT

National Geographic & National Geographic (Europe)
2:00pm Tue 1 Dec
8:00pm Thu 3 Dec
1:00am Sat 5 Dec
9:00pm Sat 5 Dec
3:00pm Sun 6 Dec

 
National Geographic HD 10:00pm Sun 6 Dec
National Geographic HD (Plus 1) 11:00pm Sun 6 Dec
National Geographic HD 9:00am Mon 7 Dec

[Wasyl]

  {:-{and,

Wullie

[Subculture]

It's a heads up for those with access to these channels.

[hollowhornbear]

watched it last night very interesting, who's going to be first to build one or does one exist already in model form that is.

[HMS Invisible]

I was just about to ask for a volunteer reviewer because that could be an hour of sheer torture.I avoid sub documentaries like the plague but I thought some here might like it for research.

I've no idea what it is about.Is it not one of those Lindberg ones?

[6705russell]

Shame because i have just ordered the new C3 Jap sub from Lindberg 

Russ

[hollowhornbear]

it's about yhe I-400 aircraft carrier sub. more info here
http://www.steelnavy.com/I400.htm

[The long Build]

I wonder , even if they had got the project off the ground if it would really of had any impact on the out come of the War With Japan , I can't se a few bombers of that size ever having any real impact.

[DickyD]

From what I understand, these bombers were supposed to damage the panama canal to stop the US navy from using it.

[The long Build]

Yes they were according to text , but I have also read that the original plan was to make about 40 of these and attack all the major citys to force the States to surrender.

[mick]

Watched this programme on Sky, almost unbelievable, three bombers on board, pity to sink the sub, would have made a superb museum item....mick

[yorkiej]

Just watched the TV Programme. Very interesting. I thought the following may be of interest.
I bought what was then said to be a kit of this sub on my first visit to Japan in 1960 (aged 16 yrs) and built it on the trip from Osaka to Madras and back to Kawasaki via Penang.
The kit was two plans (In Japanese) and some part shaped chunks of wood in a paper carton. The motor, shaft, guns, rails etc. were all purchased separately in model shops and department stores. They had a wonderful selection of boat bits in an amazing number of sizes (no scales given, just get something that looks right). I have never seen a selection like that since. Shame.
I gave the model to my Dad on my return home and we sailed it a few times on the paddling pool at Bridlington. Last year I retrieved it from his loft after his demise but only found one sheet of the plans which gives the put together part. The dimensions and cutting sheet is missing. From the plan I see that this is said to be I-401. Quite why I put 141 on the conning tower is lost in the midsts of time!!!
Here are a few pics of the boat as is now. Bits missing and a funny gun on the after end of the conning tower.
I have split the pics into two lots.
John  

[yorkiej]

How they came to be on twice is beyond me. Apologies, must have stuttered somehow.
Here are the other pics.
John again.

[yorkiej]

I omitted to say that the model is 75 cms long and 8 cms beam.
John again '2'

[Roger in France]

4 Duplicate photographs removed at yorkiej's request.

Roger in France
Moderator

[Wasyl]

I found this one on German ebay,..still can,t get a hold of doing the link jobbie,so here,s the number,320454788150

Wullie

[herrmill]

You'll find several build threads for the I-400 over at Sub Committee:

http://s181686668.onlinehome.us/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=5673

http://s181686668.onlinehome.us/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=6675

I have have a lot of reference info & drawings including source & working plans should anyone would be interested in trying their hands at building one.

Lindberg has stated off the record that they plan to follow with a 1/72 I-400 kit after they release their I-20 C1.  With the way they work, I wouldn't hold my breath since it may be 5 years before they get around to it, if it even happens.  Considering how badly they botched the I-53 C3, lets hope they put more effort & find better talent for these two subs - that C3 looks more like some kid's sci-fi project than anything that served in the Imperial Japanese Navy! 

[gyronuts]

the program is back on sky documentaries this wekend

[Hagar]

If you fancy a little one (1/350) Tamiya do one. http://www.tamiya.com/english/products/78019i_400/index.htm
Should be quite accurate.