A challenge for submarine chaser model makers is to decide which details to include in the deck treatment. The old Glencoe model (and the other versions of the same set of molds) shows a set of details that isn't especially accurate in representing the actual devices and equipment that would have been seen on a WWI chaser in war time.

The Chaser Models section of the Subchaser Archives site provides many high-resolution, close-aboard photo scans of actual chasers. There are some recent additions to this section, listed below, showing some of the finer details, including a couple of items that are only occasionally shown in period photos.

I would love to hear from modelers who have done a WWI chaser, on how they decided which details to show. And if anyone should decide to portray a chaser in the Northern Russia Expedition -- guaranteed to be a unique depiction -- I would be delighted to provide details on armament.

--Todd Woofenden, Editor, The Subchaser Archives

New in Chaser Models -- Close Aboard

Two features on deck that appear in many chaser drawings but do not appear in many photographs of chasers are bucket racks and the lockers next to the wherry.

Just posted in the chaser model section is a close-up of these items, shown on SC 427.

Note: The full photograph of SC 427 is posted in the Hull Number Photos section.

Another shot just posted shows the chain trough and an aerial recognition roundel on SC 254.

New in The Chasers -- Hull Number Photos

Just added to the Hull Number photograph collection: SC 108, SC 308 and SC 427.

SC 427 was completed and commissioned after the war, in January of 1919. It is shown here in June, 1919, in the Delaware River.

SC 108 served in U.S. waters during the war, assigned to the Sixth District. This chaser was transferred to the U.S. Army after the war.

John Parrott submitted two photos from his grandfather's service. Machinist's Mate John Clifford Parrot served on SC 308, a member of the "black gang," operating the Standard Motor 220 hp engines. Just posted is a shot of SC 308, and a crew photo, on deck.

New in Tactics & Equipment -- Devices

There were three main devices on the flying bridge of the WWI chaser: the bearing indicator, for sending visual signals of submarine detection bearings; the signal light for ship-to-ship signals, and the pelorus, for determining relative bearings.

Just posted to the Devices section is the only photograph I have seen showing a close-up view of the pelorus in use. This is a photo on the flying bridge of SC 254.

From the same collection, a photograph of the signal light on SC 254.