I have started a new build. This is going to be the USS Jimmy Carter in 1/48 scale which at 200% in my slicer should net out at 113.2" in length with a 10" beam. By far the biggest sub I will have printed yet. It will be made of ABS as usual using the Seawolf files from The Nautilus Drydocks. I will print 3 additional sections of the hull 4 top and bottom at 211.6mm each to make the necessary extension inserted in hull sections 5 that distinguishes the JC from the first two boats in the class.
I plan to use the same joining method I employed on my Columbia for each section. At this scale the walls are coming out at 4mm thick which is about right. The hull sections look like they were designed very similar to the Thresher which turned out to be one of my favorite boats. I plan to reinfreinforce the hull with strips of fiberglass or carbon fiber cloth and possibly carbon fiber spars under the flanges. I am still considering if I will do a Z-split hull like I did on my Thresher or if I will employ a different method. Based on past experiences printing big boats I estimate it will take approximately 10 spools of filament and about 1200 hours to print. My desire is to have it printed and at least primed by Subfest and possibly painted but not functional. Here is the bow at about 25% so far.
I have always liked the Seawolf but the covert mission functionality of the Jimmy Carter makes it more intriguing to me. I should be able to utilize the power module (motor/ESC/servos) from my Thresher and either the water tight box from my Columbia or the Thresher with a couple of the 140mm spheres for ballast tanks which will make for a quick outfitting of the running gear. Still contemplating bow and stern thrusters.
I plan to use the same joining method I employed on my Columbia for each section. At this scale the walls are coming out at 4mm thick which is about right. The hull sections look like they were designed very similar to the Thresher which turned out to be one of my favorite boats. I plan to reinfreinforce the hull with strips of fiberglass or carbon fiber cloth and possibly carbon fiber spars under the flanges. I am still considering if I will do a Z-split hull like I did on my Thresher or if I will employ a different method. Based on past experiences printing big boats I estimate it will take approximately 10 spools of filament and about 1200 hours to print. My desire is to have it printed and at least primed by Subfest and possibly painted but not functional. Here is the bow at about 25% so far.
I have always liked the Seawolf but the covert mission functionality of the Jimmy Carter makes it more intriguing to me. I should be able to utilize the power module (motor/ESC/servos) from my Thresher and either the water tight box from my Columbia or the Thresher with a couple of the 140mm spheres for ballast tanks which will make for a quick outfitting of the running gear. Still contemplating bow and stern thrusters.
Comment