GATO! (It has begun)

[matthewnimmo]

Ordered the electronics kit now yesterday (think it was yesterday). Still awaiting on my transmitter and other items to come in. Also, i know David (with his mad skills) has been graciously putting together my wtc. Hopefully, this is all the last things i need before i complete the sub (ok i have some paint to purchase too).

Now for the update.


Still in the filler and sanding stages. I kind of liked what Tom had done with his build (applying some blue filler just over his cut line on the hull and sanding/shaping that down). I'm still new with the fillers...so i might have applied a little too much in some areas which means my sanding/filling skills will only get better.



Also, you will note the white piece of plastic i've used on the back end of the model (used for stability of that structure). The problem is that the upper hull is slightly bowed out on that side after the seperation of the two parts ... so i reduced my original strip and glued in the middle piece to secure the reduction.



I only did one side of the model....this way the next day I can grind/sand everything down and see how this approach worked .... when i find out my problems i will make sure i don't repeat them on the other side (so i can leave room for completely new problems later one).

[matthewnimmo]

Talked me into it anyhow ... if i need a receiver after the fact i'll just have to order again (but i do hope that the reciever is included with the transmitter...never seen a package that it wasn't). Also, grabbed the weights kit and template for this order that should work for the gato.

about a week or so i'll get the electronics kit and then i should have everything i need to finish the sub....just time after that point.

[matthewnimmo]

I think it does but not 100%. Heres the section of the description that makes me believe so

"The radio comes with it's own module which uses crystals."

[He Who Shall Not Be Named]

I'm not sure. What does the catalog say (I'm having computer problems, can't check some sites).

M

[matthewnimmo]

Oh! Sorry. Get the WFly 8-channel transmitter and receiver -- they come with crystals. Excellent r/c gear. I have two of them and are the easiest 'computer' transmitters I've found to set up and operate. And the receiver can be programmed to fail-safe on selected or all channels. Good equipment.



M

Awesome, so does the 8 channel transmitter come with the receiver or do i have to buy that separately?

[trout]

Matthew,
I was referring to one of the Gatos, which one are you going to build, i.e. USS Gato or USS Nimmo.
The WFly is the one I got when I first started and I have not seen a reason to change. I like it that much.

[He Who Shall Not Be Named]

So, related to my previous question about what transmitter to purchase ( i think my answer is 75mhz now that i keep reading) but i don't see that the transmitter comes with the receiver? I guess I have to purchase that separately along with a crystal? I've never used these types of radios before ... i'm sure i'll figure it out.

Oh! Sorry. Get the WFly 8-channel transmitter and receiver -- they come with crystals. Excellent r/c gear. I have two of them and are the easiest 'computer' transmitters I've found to set up and operate. And the receiver can be programmed to fail-safe on selected or all channels. Good equipment.



M

[He Who Shall Not Be Named]

So, related to my previous question about what transmitter to purchase ( i think my answer is 75mhz now that i keep reading) but i don't see that the transmitter comes with the receiver? I guess I have to purchase that separately along with a crystal? I've never used these types of radios before ... i'm sure i'll figure it out.

Oh! Sorry. Get the WFly 8-channel transmitter and receiver -- they come with crystals. Excellent r/c gear. I have two of them and are the easiest 'computer' transmitters I've found to set up and operate. And the receiver can be programmed to fail-safe on selected or all channels. Good equipment.



M

[crazygary]

Excellent build going here, Matthew! Very nicely done!

Will be following with much enthusiasm!!

Congrats on a job well done!

[matthewnimmo]

So, related to my previous question about what transmitter to purchase ( i think my answer is 75mhz now that i keep reading) but i don't see that the transmitter comes with the receiver? I guess I have to purchase that separately along with a crystal? I've never used these types of radios before ... i'm sure i'll figure it out.

[matthewnimmo]

Trout, you're talking about the 3 types of variations yes? I haven't chosen that yet. Paint wise, it'll have seen the seas for a long while with a decent weathered look.

[trout]

Have you chosen which sub you are going to model this one after or just make it the way you want?

[matthewnimmo]

Ahh, thanks for the tip with the CA over the fillers ... i didn't know that and probably wouldn't have done that, but that does solve my frustration problems with very small filler spots chipping away from the model that i've had to redo.

Thanks for the update on the Sub-Driver (can't wait to see it!) Yeah, i've been studying up on the new SAS system since you mentioned that is what you will be sending my way. I noticed that in some pictures part of the upper hull is cut away for part of the SAS sytem, but that isn't covered in the DVD's ... so when it comes time to mess with that, I may ping you guys on some details:)

I'll be purchasing one of the templates then, but also i'm thinking about just going ahead and getting the remaining items i need to finish the sub now with one order (template, sub-driver eletronics kit, and the receiver). Which of the receivers would i need for this build? I'm assuming just one of the 6-channels would be fine http://www.sub-driver.com/electronic...receivers.html

Thanks again everyone,

[trout]

I agree with David. The Type XXIII is a much easier build. However you have already gotten past some of the big hurdles. Since your sub-driver is getting fitted with SAS you will skip the running out of gas to surface some of us have done ( looking at ground innocently).
i love the Gato and know you will too. This is a great WIP!

[He Who Shall Not Be Named]

I think the easiest model kit to convert is the Bronco Type-23, yeah ... the GATO is a toughie! However, you're doing great on this assembly. Don't forget to overcoat all your filler with thin formula CA -- this will wick down into the porous material and adhere it to itself and to the polystyrene substrate. A very important step.

Got your cylinder in good shape. I'm working to convert a recent gas-type GATO SD to SAS for you. Will be done with it soon and off to you using the same packaging you provided with the returned unit.

Go with any flood-drain template you like -- don't get anal on me now!

Your next kit should be that new 1/72 Type-9 Revell of Germany just came out with. I'm finishing up the fittings kit for that now and will generate a WIP on how to convert that kit to r/c soon. The smaller Type-7 is also a nice little kit which has a fittings kit out there.

Just finish this GATO first! Good work so far. Keep at it, Tiger.

M