I have never had real luck with model ships. Always loved naval warfare -- almost as much as tanks -- American ships in particular. Unfortunately, the massive demand, as well as the discontinuation of the Revell 1/72 Gato has lead to over-inflated prices so far out of my price range, I could build an entire scale German armor battalion for the same price. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Revell-1-72-scale-WWII-Gato-Class-Submarine-U-S-Navy-with-Extras-/131119557656?pt=Model_Kit_US&hash=item1e8755ac18
So my best bet at building a big sub is the newest Revell of Germany type ix U boat. However I have never built something like this. I found a guy's build that no matter how impressive it is, it'll look half-assed. But I want to try. The biggest question is how do I make the ship look like it went through hell and back? By that I mean rust out the wazoo, and rust streaking. How do I simulate years of salt water exposure? Just any tips that you guys can share an armor modeler-convert. (Oh, and by the by, I kinda want to know about the rusting for the exhaust on my tank models too)

Hi Stephen,

Welcome to Kitmaker, the best modelling site on the interwebs!

For tips and hints on building convincing ships, I recommend that you look into Model Shipwrights, Kitmaker's shipbuilding site. The fine people who call that site home will have all sorts of advice and inspiration for you.