USS Tucson

[SSBN659]

It's not easy trying to make it look like you know what you are doing. I gave up on brass for my ringed prop and switched to polystyrene. Also found a more accurate method of making a target for a seven blade prop because 360 can be evenly divided by all numbers 1 thru 10 except for 7.


This is the jig I made for cutting slots in the hub for the blades.



Getting the ring and blades attached was a challenge but I think it came pretty close.



I never heard back from my queries to third party about purchasing a prop so I'll stick with this one for now.

Will Rogers
SSBN659

[SSBN659]

Thanks again Bart. I sent a request to the fellow to see what he might be able to do for me. Haven't heard back yet.

Will Rogers
SSBN659

[bwi 971]

After several attempts at making the prop I still haven't been satisfied with my results. I'll keep trying but as a backup I wonder if anyone out there is able to make a 2" diameter seven blade ringed prop using this new fangled 3D printer technique?

Will Rogers
SSBN659

Hi Will,

I took a look online and found something that might be useful. The person will be capable of scaling the props to your desired dimensions. It's important to discuss with them which resin they'll use, as some resins can be brittle."

https://www.ebay.com/itm/265504583195?hash=item3dd14e6e1b:g:0JkAAOSwWepelmgy

Grtz,
bart

[SSBN659]

Thanks Tom, Keith no longer making ringed props. I sent notes to Prop Shop UK and to Loyal Hanna Dockyard but haven't heard back. Back to the workbench.

Will Rogers
SSBN659

[trout]

Keith Bender - propmeup1@verizon.net
He does a fine job on creating props. Very nice to work with!

[SSBN659]

After several attempts at making the prop I still haven't been satisfied with my results. I'll keep trying but as a backup I wonder if anyone out there is able to make a 2" diameter seven blade ringed prop using this new fangled 3D printer technique?

Will Rogers
SSBN659

[He Who Shall Not Be Named]

The prop was great, but to me, the star of the show was that jig. What a piece of art.

Bart's gizmo? If so, I could not agree more. That was Loren Perry quality engineering there.

David

[Davjacva]

The prop was great, but to me, the star of the show was that jig. What a piece of art.

[Ken_NJ]

Really nice job! Prop is looking great!

[SSBN659]

Wow, you just gave me a blinding flash of inspiration!

Many thanks for sharing this Bart,

Will Rogers
SSBN659

[bwi 971]

Just sharing.....

Jig for holding the blades in place when soldering










Using sand to adjust the propeller allows for fine-tuning: it both secures the blade during heating and facilitates minor adjustments.

[SSBN659]

Still working on the prop. Getting closer but not quite there yet. These shots are try #3. Hopefully try #4 will be satisfactory. Photos 3 & 4 are a dry fit showing where more work is needed. I will eventually get it right.





Will Rogers
SSBN659

[SSBN659]

Started work on a prop for Tucson. Looked closely at what David posted, the Prop Shop UK prop I bought from them years ago for my Will Rogers model, and various other drawings.
The pictures tel the story.












The final shows that I came close, but not close enough, so back to the shop for a second try using what I learned making this prop.

Will Rogers
SSBN659

[SSBN659]

Finally got the first coats of red and black on Tucson. Took some practice to improve my airbrushing since it's been years since I've used one.



After peeling back some tape I realized I should have primed the tape edge with red before painting the black. That old painter's tip would have prevented the black from bleeding though.



Now I really have some work to do in masking and priming for the next coat of paint.



Looks like I need to do some more fine sanding before the next painting. I also did a dry fit of some attachments on the sail. More to come on this later.



.
The final touch will be adding the retractable capstan and the hinged cleats



Still lots of work to do on the model including the prop, a stand and a display case. At least that's the plan.

Will Rogers
SSBN659

[Marylandradiosailor]

Thank you paint information, I will put up a build log this fall. Khim