Portfolio - IJN I-401

Richard has a long history of great builds, we are including a few of them here in an effort to give you a look at the diverse subject matter he has covered over the past several years. Rich’s unique level of experience and attention to detail make him a great choice for your next project.
Enjoy! 

Ships, Boats and Submarines

“Rich is an absolute specialist when it comes to replicating ships and seafaring vessels in miniature. His love for the sea has fueled his passion for naval and seafaring vessels of all types. I have always been particularly taken with his attention to detail when it comes to his scratch-built decking and hardware. The great majority of the models you see here were not simply built from existing kits, but from scratch. Whenever possible, original blueprints were referenced in an effort to ensure the model depicted the original vessel accurately. When you gaze upon one of the large ships, you are instantly transported, imagining what it must have been like to have lived and worked on one of these incredible ships.”

John Thow 

Imperial Japanese Navy I-401

i 401 submarine

The IJN I-401 was a very unique vessel, functioning as an undersea aircraft carrier. Rich built this replica in a stunning 1:72 scale. It was created using original archive photographs and historic plans. This detailed original model now resides at the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, where it helps visitors better understand the engineering and history of one of the most remarkable submarines of the Second World War.

Every aspect of the model was carefully researched and constructed to reflect the design and unique features of the original vessel. Using archival reference material allowed builder, Rich Melillo, to accurately recreate the submarine’s distinctive structure and scale, giving museum visitors a clear visual representation of this historic naval craft.

The original IJN I-401 was once the largest submarine in the world. When it entered service during World War II, its size and capabilities were far ahead of its time. It remained the largest submarine ever built until 1969, when it was finally surpassed in size by more modern submarines.

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Japanese submarine crew moving an Aichi M6A Seiran seaplane from the enclosed hangar of an I-401–class aircraft carrier submarine onto the deck, preparing the floatplane for catapult launch during World War II operations.

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Aichi M6A Seiran seaplane with wings partially unfolded on the deck of an I-401–class aircraft carrier submarine, showing the folding wing mechanism as the crew prepares the aircraft for final preflight checks before launch.

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Close-up of deck guns on an I-401–class submarine model, showcasing detailed armament and finely crafted handmade deck work with realistic surface texture and finish.

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Conning tower deck guns on an I-401–class submarine model, with the Japanese Rising Sun naval flag mounted above the vessel, highlighting detailed armament and authentic World War II presentation.

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Close-up of the bow of an I-401–class submarine model, highlighting the anchor assembly and a carefully applied weathered finish that enhances the realism of this large-scale build.