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Albacore 569 · 08-22-2025, 03:18 AM

Originally posted by DrSchmidt

Nice....where did you get the hull for the French Narval from? Or did you do it yourself?

It's not a Narval class, its a Arethuse class boat the Argonaute . It is 1/32 scale. It was a long arduous evolution. Started in 2010. Starts and stops for years People helped then quit. I finally had a IRA I cashed in and paid Bob Martin to draft & 3D print from extensive French plans I acquired from the Mus�e national de la Marine in Paris The Museum staff was very helpful and the French were very friendly to me. I needed help fabricating the hull. Bob did a complete turnkey model for me. The sail was done by Matt Thor. I had done the sail master for hm to make the fiberglass sail from. I had parts I made myself the masts cast in Dental alloys used in crown and bridge dental work. The alloys are super strong and very light. Also did the rear air vent n top aft of sail I made and cast myself. All lost wax castings. I had a special prop made, but Bob eventually made his own for the project. Wooden hull master's where CNC milled but an as technology evolved the wood patterns in my garage were discarded and a new 3 d printed hull was finally made. A long time coming but finally a gorgeous model.

I been interested in this boat as Merriman will remark "Steve you had a hard on for this particular boat for years" for several reasons. In 1/32 scale, the Model is only 61 inches long. I like small boats built in large scales. It needs only a single propellor and propulsion set up (simplicity) It was unique an elegant line, The design was very important in French submarine design evolution. They were successful boats and a compact efficient design. And French subs here in the states are rare, an if I don't build one, who will?

I am now pressing on with a Suffren class SNA model n 1/64. A planned follow on Rubis class SNA also in 1/64 simply because they are cool looking and as before.....if I don't build a French sub in a sea of Type VII's & Sturgeon / skipjack class model SSNs who will?

Thanks again Bob for all you did in seeing my dream come true

DrSchmidt · 08-21-2025, 02:32 AM

Originally posted by Albacore 569

My shop over the years. it is strange comparison but true, the tugboat and the Arethuse class French sub are both 1/32 scale! Later photos of completed models, they seem huge in the shop, but once at the pond how humbly small the same boats become! HMS Meteorite on top shelf. Will finish someday. The Israeli Dolphin 2 but in 1/48 scale. later completed. Have added more shelving and a 3-d printer since.

Nice....where did you get the hull for the French Narval from? Or did you do it yourself?

rwtdiver · 08-19-2025, 03:17 AM

WOW!

I have really seen some beautiful, well thought out, and designed shops on this forum. I for one am really enjoying seeing these great hobby building spaces.

Rob
"Firemen can stand the heat."

Albacore 569 · 08-19-2025, 01:54 AM

My shop over the years. it is strange comparison but true, the tugboat and the Arethuse class French sub are both 1/32 scale! Later photos of completed models, they seem huge in the shop, but once at the pond how humbly small the same boats become! HMS Meteorite on top shelf. Will finish someday. The Israeli Dolphin 2 but in 1/48 scale. later completed. Have added more shelving and a 3-d printer since.

goshawk823 · 08-18-2025, 07:04 PM

My creative spaces. Indoors for wildfowl sculpture finishing, model building, etc, Garage space for the messy wood removal , painting, etc,

Das Boot · 08-18-2025, 05:35 PM

Originally posted by rwtdiver

WOW! Great photos Casey. A life well lived. I totally understand about getting older and wanting to do it all over again. But, you know we just have to keep plugging along. Judging by your photos, it looks like you may be out of room also.

You really have some great Ham Radio equipment. I never did get into Ham operation, but i did do a lot of short wave and also listening in on you ham operators.

Rob
Firemen can stand the heat."

I’ve got plenty of room. A four bedroom house and no kids. Sandy has her own office, I’ve got my own room, a spare bedroom plus the master. And I’ve got my garage. It’s just trying to find time to do everything. But with bad knees and three blown discs, it’s kinda hard these days. Luckily, I’ve got a good doctor.

rwtdiver · 08-18-2025, 03:33 AM

WOW! Great photos Casey. A life well lived. I totally understand about getting older and wanting to do it all over again. But, you know we just have to keep plugging along. Judging by your photos, it looks like you may be out of room also.

You really have some great Ham Radio equipment. I never did get into Ham operation, but i did do a lot of short wave and also listening in on you ham operators.

Rob
Firemen can stand the heat."

Das Boot · 08-17-2025, 11:17 PM

I have so many I can’t keep count. RC boats, ham radio, working on my car in my garage, miniature cars for my department, camping out, rebuilding old cars, collecting police scanners, Star Trek, modern spacecraft, astronomy, playing chess with the wife. My granddaughter.

Attached Files

rwtdiver · 08-17-2025, 04:33 PM

I did a revisit to this site to show a video of my extremely small work area. You all have such great work shops. Some are unbelievable and so thought out and organized.

https://youtu.be/Au2ODCsIzyw

I am almost ashamed of my cramped little space. But I have always managed to figure out how to use every possible inch of space that I have. I still have some floor and ceiling space that I can use. LOL

Rob
"Firemen can stand the heat."

I forgot to add my roll roll top table for my shark and the X-box flight simulator in the corner next to the Bambu printer.

Rob
"Firemen can stand the heat."