Tigerlead

Yaaaay all done (yet again), I read the rules hope I understood them correctly, yes that’s a rear view 😊

Also if something is wrong with my entry please let me know! (Considering the incident and the new timeline alotted i would really apreciate it to be informed if my entry doesn't corespond to all the rules or if more pictures are needed or anything - Thank you!)

Small info note - in the video the submarine / abyss section has a reddish hue, it is because of the red blanket in front, could not be helped, as without it the double reflection from the table (glass paned table) and case made it impossible to see any detail. Thank you for your understanding.

Sooo here goes!

Project Title: "HUNTING THE HUNTERS / SILENT PREDATORS" — Truk Lagoon, 1944 (a What-If Tactical Engagement)

Scale: 1/700 - Tamiya 31903 US Submarine & Japanese Chaser

Tactical Narrative:

Following a mutual detection in the waters of Truk Lagoon, USS Gato (SS-212) initiates an emergency crash dive to evade two oncoming Japanese submarine chasers of the No. 13 type. Simultaneously, the surface hunters are spotted from above by a USAAF B-24 Liberator air patrol, turning the hunters into the prey as the aircraft move in to engage them.

Technical Description:

A multi-tier vertical diorama housed in a custom glass case built to my own specifications by a local glass worker (I’d call him a professional, but he was late by 5 days, visible-siliconed the seams, slightly botched the dimensions, and failed to silicon the top… which is held in just a little bit on one side..., so let's stick with "local worker"!). The entire project was assembled at a normal table using accessible hobby materials and non-studio tools (aka in my kitchen and living room 😊)

The top shelf features two B-24D Liberators navigating storm clouds sculpted from polyester fiberfill (no fluffy toys were harmed in the process), shaped and weathered using markers, a lighter flame technique, and some hairspray (yeah, I know, not the best idea!).

The middle shelf captures one IJN No.13-class submarine chaser maintaining a straight course while the other executes an aggressive 30-degree evasion turn, with high-speed wakes sculpted using Mig Ammo Pacific Blue water effects directly onto the glass shelf.

The bottom shelf reveals the full-hull USS Gato pitching into a 10-degree emergency dive. The deep ocean abyss was created by applying Mig Ammo Pacific Blue over a heavy black base, completely sealed with flat matte varnish (and some markers) to eliminate surface sheen and add realistic volumetric depth.

All camouflage, details, and gun metal tones were executed using specialized AK Real Color and Gaahleri markers (and a few random no-name ones). Detailing and shadows were mostly done with Tamiya Panel Liners (grays and black). Vallejo Acrylic Matt Varnish was used and applied by brush.

I wish to thank Gaahleri for this competition and opportunity, my best friend John for his moral support, my fellow modellers from here for their support, and Google AI for keeping up with my research requests and ramblings.

Best regards and good luck to all!