1:96 Soviet Alfa build

[Lockleer1]

First time posting anywhere, to be honest, took me about 45 minutes to figure out where to start my post properly. Right before the Subfest 2024 Redux, I purchased said model from Mr. Martin. I'm not too crazy about 3D printed hulls/kit but truth be told, this one is pretty tough. It comes with ribs for each section being glued together. I'll be posting pictures, though I'm still not sure how. So far, I've glued the hull together and drilled out the rudder stock and aft plane trunnions (not sure the proper term). I've primed the upper hull as the lower hull still needs sanding. discovered that the upper hull still needs some smoothing out on the joints. I'll be working quite a few other projects so it may be a bit slow going, but I'll post when I get anything done. Thank you all.

[He Who Shall Not Be Named]

First time posting anywhere, to be honest, took me about 45 minutes to figure out where to start my post properly. Right before the Subfest 2024 Redux, I purchased said model from Mr. Martin. I'm not too crazy about 3D printed hulls/kit but truth be told, this one is pretty tough. It comes with ribs for each section being glued together. I'll be posting pictures, though I'm still not sure how. So far, I've glued the hull together and drilled out the rudder stock and aft plane trunnions (not sure the proper term). I've primed the upper hull as the lower hull still needs sanding. discovered that the upper hull still needs some smoothing out on the joints. I'll be working quite a few other projects so it may be a bit slow going, but I'll post when I get anything done. Thank you all.

Here are some 'thought starters' to help you along the path. This is a 1/96 Scaleshipyard ALFA I'm outfitting for r/c use:

[Lockleer1]

Thank you sir, the pictures are a big help! I've got some more sanding to do, but it's a good kit. I really like your kit! I'm hoping to post some more pictures in the next couple of days though, there's not much change right now while I smooth it.

[Lockleer1]

Haven't done a whole lot of work not the Alfa. Did some filler and sanding on Thursday, not exciting, but today I did some work on the rudder. looking at others of this type and looking at the surfaces I have, It's pretty obvious that the turn radius would be terrible. I saw the modification that Mr. Martin did on his Alfa and one that he had done work to that had an extended rudder. The extension doesn't help the look of the boat out of the water, but I'd rather have at least decent maneuvering so I combined modifications. taking some 1/16" fiberglass board, I made a 1 inch extension and I cut the lower "vertical stab" off the lower hull, making it a balanced rudder (pictures posted too). Since I went to the flying field and crashed my Edge 540 (salvageable) I'm now working even more models...rough life...but I'm hoping to get some more done on my Alfa this week as I'm fired up to put it in the water. I've never been good at the detail part of models, but I'll make some "carving" tools like Mr. Merriman has made that I've seen somewhere to improve the markings. Hope I'm doing this posting stuff right. Until the next post, keep them hulls wet!

[Lockleer1]

Got the scribing done and painted the hull. mounted the driver, one that I got from Mr. Martin. I got it for my 1/77 Nautilus, but why not use it on here too, it's a 250 easy driver. also got a screw from the prop shop in the UK. I don't think it's the correct prop but I like it and should work great.

[rwtdiver]

Hi Louis,

Your Alfa boat is really coming along nicely. Did you fabricate your own sub driver/WTC?

I 3D Printed my Alfa from STL files that I got from Bob (Nautilus Drydocks)




My boat was totally 3D printed using PLA at 100% infill. I did a resin coating on the entire interior of the boat. I then primed the interior and the exterior and then applied my final finish. I run my boats in a swimming pool only and other than making sure not to leave it out in the sun (Arizona 110 + deg.) to long, I have never had any issues what so ever with the PLA construction. I do not think the boat you have is PLA but most likely ABS!? And if that is the case I do not think you will have any issues with the hull on your boat.

I am looking forward to hearing about your firsts runs, as well as your final finish. It's really looking great!!

Rob
"Firemen can stand the heat."