3D printed 1/48 Thresher

[He Who Shall Not Be Named]

Question about the draft numbers. Are the draft numbers on the upper rudder based on the bottom of the lower rudder while the draft numbers on the bow based off of the bottom of the hull? Shouldn't the numbers on the rudder and bow be the same at the waterline respectively?

The boats longitudinal centerline is the datum reference line for the draft numbers. The designed waterline on modern American attack boats is rarely (I almost said 'never') parallel with the the boats longitudinal centerline. A striking example of this skewing of the waterline to the boats centerline is the LA class where the bow is seven-feet higher than the stern while at rest on the surface (true for the flight-1's, the later varients sat lower in the water).

On bodies of revolution, where most of the hull is of constant diameter, its convenient to use the base-line, the bottom of the hull, as the reference line for the draft numbers. The length of the bottom rudder does not enter into draft number placement on the upper rudder.

David

[SubDude]

The boats longitudinal centerline is the datum reference line for the draft numbers. The designed waterline on modern American attack boats is rarely (I almost said 'never') parallel with the the boats longitudinal centerline. A striking example of this skewing of the waterline to the boats centerline is the LA class where the bow is seven-feet higher than the stern while at rest on the surface (true for the flight-1's, the later varients sat lower in the water).

On bodies of revolution, where most of the hull is of constant diameter, its convenient to use the base-line, the bottom of the hull, as the reference line for the draft numbers. The length of the bottom rudder does not enter into draft number placement on the upper rudder.

David

So in layman terms the stern sits a little lower in the water?

[He Who Shall Not Be Named]

So in layman terms the stern sits a little lower in the water?

Yup................

[SubDude]

Tedious work but getting there.

[trout]

Yes! AND no shiny prop! I like it!

[SubDude]

I am calling the exterior done. Detail added around the hatches, painted, weathered, markings applied and clear-coated. Now to finish outfitting the running gear.








Thank you David for the informative pictures and threads as well as the often times needed constructive criticisms along the way. This is by far my best finished sub yet and I learned a lot in the process.

[He Who Shall Not Be Named]

YES! Near perfection, sir!

David

[Das Boot]

This is how THRESHER should be remembered. Like she had been in service for years. For someone who just learned how to airbrush not not ago, you sure are good. Very nice.

[Das Boot]

Steve, what material are you using for padding on the cradle?

[SubDude]

It is foam from one of those blue foam camping pads that people put under their sleeping bags. Typically available at any Walmart or similar store.

[Das Boot]

It is foam from one of those blue foam camping pads that people put under their sleeping bags. Typically available at any Walmart or similar store.

I have one. Killed my back camping. It will be a pleasure to cut that thing up. Thanks.

[Monahan Steam Models]

I have one. Killed my back camping. It will be a pleasure to cut that thing up. Thanks.

LOL, I like your style

[SubDude]

Progress on the THRESHER. Ballast tanks are installed, gas ballast cylinder and valve are made and in place. One of my boys made a suggestion to install a water tight box on top of the batteries. Since it will only be housing a receiver, BEC, AD2 and a Picco switch to control the vent solenoids I thought Heck! Why not? So I found a lower profile box that fits perfectly and designed and printed a quick adapter to secure it in place. I also removed and weighed the motor/servo module and prop to determine roughly how much weight to add to the bow. It should be fairly close. Lesson learned from the Columbia is that the tee in the line that connects both ballast tanks to the air source needs to be in the middle. Left to do is solder up the main power harness, design and print a bracket to mount the servo for the fairwater planes in the sail, design and print a bracket to secure the sail to the hull, mount and wire the components inside the WTB and then program it. This will be a 75MHz boat and it should perform great! Cold weather is coming so not sure when I will be able to get it trimmed out.

[Monahan Steam Models]

Nice work. I like the layout and clean design.

[SubDude]

Indoor trimming pool... With cold weather coming on I don't want to have to wait until Spring to be able to trim boats in the big pool. The THRESHER lacks one little part to be complete. Currently delayed in transit in Atlanta.