1st attempt for scratchbuilding a prototype, plan on making more once they are perfected to use in a loading diorama for the revell 1/72 gato kit.

made with polymer clay

this is just after partial firing and glueing
http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/8875/mold.jpg
not happy with the prop yet :(
http://img36.imageshack.us/img36/1805/moldprop.jpg
carved the panel connectors, calibrating ports and battery connection hatch then finished firing
http://img36.imageshack.us/img36/5632/carving.jpg
painted prop. just a quick test coat with cheap craft paint
http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/1650/propg.jpg
did I make the calibration port too large?
http://img188.imageshack.us/img188/2864/paintyth.jpg

looks pretty good, though its not "straight" more sanding needed i suspect

yeah i bent it a little :(

the second batch i/m going to drill in a jig to stop that

Not that you cant make these but they are already available in resin AFAIK. CMK has one with a loading crew even.