USS SHARK SSN-591: Refit Log 2019-04-17 (1:48 DeBoer Skipjack)

[trout]

When I lived in upstate New York, as a child I took the Junior watercraft navigation course to get certified. I learned a lot including a phrase they used to remember which sidestarboard and port are on. It was starboard - starbright - right. Then we could assume the other was port. Thank you for clarifying Ed!

[The Boattrainman]

Thanks for the heads up on the 3D printer Ed.

Rob

[QuarterMaster]

I might have to hire you to make me a set of rudders as well, Ed.
Having a lot of trouble changing course with my USS Shark as well and I'm sure that a new set of rudders and even dive planes might be in order.

How's that USS Nautilus project of yours doing by the way?

That's strange regarding maneuverability. She's no 1:96 toy and requires the room, mine has turned withing a body length or so submerged and at speed and I never had a problem. Again I'm doing this mostly for the light.

To be honest, please understand that for personal reasons I do absolutely do not mix business with pleasure. Therefore I will not take on work, consignment or otherwise, or sell Items I make/made, or make them available for sale.

Sorry.....

I would be happy to pass on the Rudder .stl file if you want, drop me an email. You can then send it to an online printer.

As for 571, it's 5th on the list. Here's the current build order.....

SSBN 631: 2019 Spring Commissioning
SSN 591: Completing Spring refit then 2019 Spring Commissioning
U-91035: On the way's ~ 60% complete.
SSN 722: (1/48 688) Commencing MAJOR overhaul.
SSN 571: In que-New Construction
SSRN SEAVIEW: In que-MAJOR overhaul.
K432: In que-MAJOR overhaul.
SS 581: In que-MAJOR overhaul.

[QuarterMaster]

Excellent, I see 3D printing more and more coming into the field.

Just wondering what a decent printer set-up would cost, have the necessary IT smarts, but is there a huge investment involved? Do you need to go for a high end model or is it possible on a budget?

Rob

Both Ray Mason and I purchased the Monoprice Voxel, which is a rebranded Flashforge Adventruer 3hichback in January on sale for $319. It's my first and only machine, so I can't really make any recommendations. It's really easy to use and I don't regret it as it satisfy's my needs.

I see they list around $449

[firemanjim]

I might have to hire you to make me a set of rudders as well, Ed.
Having a lot of trouble changing course with my USS Shark as well and I'm sure that a new set of rudders and even dive planes might be in order.

How's that USS Nautilus project of yours doing by the way?

[The Boattrainman]

Excellent, I see 3D printing more and more coming into the field.

Just wondering what a decent printer set-up would cost, have the necessary IT smarts, but is there a huge investment involved? Do you need to go for a high end model or is it possible on a budget?

Rob

[QuarterMaster]

So were you able to print the rudder with a shaft hole?

Yes, it's actually smaller than the design hole diameter due to tolerance issues, but easily drilled out.

[Scott T]

So were you able to print the rudder with a shaft hole?

[QuarterMaster]

Ed,
tell me about the light on the aft plane. It blinks?
what about the amber light? Is that used on subs? I thought it was and that is what blinks, help me obi-wan!

Tom,

In our case, All navigation lights with exception of the Amber Sub ID Beacon are Fixed (non-Flashing lights).

If you go back to the Sub ID post and you'll see the colors for all the lights as well as their Arc of visibility.

Not so briefly......
Masthead, Fixed White, 225° visibility (from 112.5° either side of the bow going aft) This identifies the vessel as Powered. The ability to make way on its own. Unlike a sailboat which depends on outside forces, the wind, and will not have this light.

Port Sidelight, Fixed Red, 112.5° Arc of visibility aft from the bow along the PORT side. (Driver's side to the lubber lol)
Indicates which side of the vessel your looking at.

Starboard Sidelight, Fixed Green, 112.5° Arc of visibility aft from the bow along the STARBOARD side. (Passengers side to the lubber lol)
Indicates which side of the vessel your looking at.

If it's night, and you see all three of the above lights, you're in trouble as a powered vessel is bearing down on you. The mastehead is typically above the sidelights. So you see a triangle pointing up and you turn away to avoid a collision.

Stern light, Fixed White, 135° visibility (from 67.5° either side of the Stern going fwd) because of the position and it's Arc of visibility, you would only see this light as the vessel is pointing away. if the vessel us showing you her Port or Starboard quarter, you see the red or green sidelights and she has an ~112° Angle on the bow heading away. Just a single white light and she's heading directly away. This light is typically lower than the others. Typically mounted on a subs rudder and why I'm redoing mine lol.

The Sub ID is a 360° light and is visible from all around, coming directly at you you see 4 lights, the aforementioned triangle with the Sub ID above the top point. Heading away you see two, the Stern with the Sub id above it.

This actually helps you navigate your model on a night run.

FWIW, the only other flashing nav light I remember is the hovercraft Quick Flashing yellow. 90 flashes/minute.

Next week we discuss TMA (Target Motion Analysis) and the 32 points of the compass.

[trout]

Ed,
tell me about the light on the aft plane. It blinks?
what about the amber light? Is that used on subs? I thought it was and that is what blinks, help me obi-wan!

[QuarterMaster]

Stoopid Replicator! I ask for Scarlett Johansson and I get a 585 Class Submarine dorsal rudder in 1:48 Scale. 85% fill ABS.

If it did work, I'd probably get a 1:48 Scale orange Miss Johansson.

Many of you who know of, or own the 1:48 Scale DeBoer SKIPJACK, understand she suffers from some issues, least of which is the not to scale control surfaces. The Stern planes in fact are not only the wrong size, but the wrong shape and are FULL throw planes, like the elevators on an F-14 Tomcat (GO GRUMMAN!!).

After hearing about the control issues I was having, my fellow Islander (actually he hails from Brooklyn, like Ralph Kramden) Fred Swendsen handed me a set of correct stern planes for the boat. He’s in process of building up his own DeBoer and we’re sharing tech and goodies! Not only is this the coolest hobby, but the fellowship is among the best!!

Anyhoo……

They not only look right, but the pitch control is a lot more stable! Or as “HWSNBN” had stated to me , much more control authority. Cheez-and crackers what a difference!!

So the other day when I had the Sub ID Beacon epiphany, and subsequent success, I decided I’m adding lights to the 591 as well. This means I need a stern light on the rudder.

The rudder is not only undersized, but would need to be remade anyway for wire access to the 135° white light up there. The sock rudder is too thin as well @ 9/32”. A command decision was made: Make ALL the tail feathers correct!!

So out came the plans, TinkerCad, and my Monoprice Voxel!

All in all not bad for an ABS print! Some minor sanding, filler and mold prep, we’ll be good to go. I was going to use them as is, because I tend to do one-offs, but in this case it makes more sense. I lost a lower rudder once. Print time was close to 8 hours.







Now I'm just about ready for the Long Island "Right of Spring" passage, our infamous "Trim Party" (hide your women!!).