GATO! (It has begun)

[matthewnimmo]

Question about foam. So, i bought the foam and weight kit from subdriver, but i notice that it only came with a few small blocks of foam. Is that enough? If not were can i get more of the "correct" foam, Lowes or a Home Depot?

[greenman407]

Matthew, I just bought a piece of 1" pink foam, 24" x 24", from Lowes for $5.00 and change. Its good closed cell foam.

[matthewnimmo]

Thanks! Ill be doing that. Say, what has everyone been doing with travel and storage boxes with their subs? Any tips on what materials to get, designs that work or dont, etc? Im getting close to getting this guy to the point of test sailing before my big paint job on it. I would like to start thinking about the travel box

[He Who Shall Not Be Named]

Thanks! Ill be doing that. Say, what has everyone been doing with travel and storage boxes with their subs? Any tips on what materials to get, designs that work or dont, etc? Im getting close to getting this guy to the point of test sailing before my big paint job on it. I would like to start thinking about the travel box

Can't speak for everyone, but I'm partial to a stout storage-transportation box banged together from exterior grade 1/8" thick plywood with 1/2" square bracing. Foam sheet is employed as a custom fit soft cradle within the box that holds the model centered within the box.

I've had a 1/96 AKULA, in its box, roll off the end of a moving van and not suffer any damage to the model. To date I have nearly thirty boxed models sitting around the house.

Matt: you asked the right question. It's important to have such a box to protect your investment of time, talent, and money.



Shown above is a little 1/144 Trumpeter KILO (you watching, Romel???) and its custom sized storage-transportation box. Next is Ellie showing how we first give from to the supporting foam then glue it to the upper box lid. And next to that I'm showing off a 1/72 SKIPJACK and its box. Note how the foam is glued to the bottom of the box lid -- when the lid is in place the model is safely cradled between the conformal foam pieces at the bottom, sides, and top of the box.



Box construction is straightforward: crosscutting, ripping, nailing, gluing, band-aids, and some bad words. If I have to explain how to bang a wooden box together for you, then you, pal, are in the wrong game!

M

[matthewnimmo]

Lol, yeah if you have to give me instructions on how to make a box then im in trouble! Thanks again, this reply is perfect!

[matthewnimmo]

Perhaps this is a silly question, but di any of you guys use an onboard live video cam with the subs or just the cams that record for later? What do you guys recommend?

[He Who Shall Not Be Named]

http://support.caswellplating.com/index.php?/Knowledgebase/Article/View/151/49/up-periscope-instructions

[matthewnimmo]

That is freaking sweet! So i was browsing the subdriver site but didnt find this camera system. Is this version discontinued?

[crazygary]

Hi, Matt!!

Check out Ebay!

Do a search for "wireless spy cameras", and be ready to have your mind blown!!
Some really cool stuff out there!

CG

[matthewnimmo]

I have many pictures and steps to share, but everytime im ready to sit down in front of the computer it is nearly midnight and sleep is calling!

with that said, progress must continue. What are some pointers that i should be aware of for finding that balance in buoency? Im guessing i dont wan the sub to have so much negative that it sinks to the very bottom; but i need enough for it to be perfectly submerged and hover yes? Any other things that i need to know in this process?

[He Who Shall Not Be Named]

Get this:

http://www.sub-driver.com/accessories/ballast-weights-foam-kits/gato-ballast-weights.html

M

[trout]

Sadly, it is not that easy to trim, at least what I have experienced, with the Gato. The issue will be when it comes up from submerged there is a noticeable list that will happen. To overcome, more weight will be needed, then to compensate more foam. And the cycle continues. That being said, get the submerged trim correct by adding the foam just above the waterline (not under the deck - like I did - knowing what I know now) or just below the waterline depending if it is needed for submerged or surface trim. I began to add foam just above the waterline to offer resistance immediately if it begins the list. Does this make sense?

[Albion]

I share your pain, I'm going through the same with M1. I had previously got it trimmed surface and submerged without any power in the sub driver. I'm now letting it vent tanks itself and blow tanks. I'm getting all sorts of crap between the two, more foam and lead needed to stabilise

[trout]

I would add that with patience.....it will get there. I had to walk away a couple of times while building just because it got very frustrating.

[matthewnimmo]

Get this:

http://www.sub-driver.com/accessories/ballast-weights-foam-kits/gato-ballast-weights.html

M

I do have that lol, but from looking at others postings i see that its not that simple:). Maybe mine will be the lucky one that requires little trim lol? Im hoping this weekend ill get it wet for the first time and start this trimming process. Ive got some coll pics to share!:)