started with the DKM blueprints of a type VIIc and a Revell 1/72 as a guide for approximate measurements and detail I used PVC and wood to build the hull
a piece of scrap aluminium for the compartment deck with $6 of pennies in a pvc pipe for ballast in the center section
constructed the framework for the basic bow and stern
sheeting the hull with aluminium flashing after making construction paper, templates and cutting holes with a dremmel before gluing with epoxy and filling seams with auto body glazing putty
deck sections were cut from aluminium flashing with the holes cut with the dremmel
first attempt at the tower
various shades of auto primer to seal the aluminium and some acrylac, dry brushed for weathering, then will be wet sanded.
external balast is framed and sheeted with aluminium. They will be filled with styrofoam and sealed. The internal balast air bleed valve for setting the neutral buoyancy is hooked up to the sound antenna in the deck fwd of the winch. Basiclly a needle valve with a piece of plastic sprue epoxyed to the stem at the end of a piece of tubing that vents the main balast. This is so you can pre set how high the boat rides in the water. At this point, my friend, who is the Head of Archiology dept at the Mel Fisher Marine museum, in Key West, stopped by to look at some u boat models for a possible WWII display. When he saw this one he wanted it, so all the work in design for power/controls/driver instalation ect is out the window, and its destined for display. I'll use the money to get one of those new 3" drivers and radio gear for the big 1/24 type II im building, or maby just a driver and equipment for one the 1/72 type VII boats of which I have several of, that could be equipped. Also 1/72 type IXD vacuformed hull, as well. I could get one driver and interchange hulls for the operating experienc while I save up and plan for the big boat. Anyway Ill keep Updating this build as I add detail untill I actually have the money in hand to let it go. As it is, the shafts are in place as well as all the belcranks and rods for dive planes and rudders. All I would have to do is remove a section of rear deck to access the hull for driver instalation. The tower is removable to be able to change the two styles I have built already, So if I end up keeping the boat I can change them out, and may even build a 3rd tower with the extra wintergarden for a flak boat type VII
a piece of scrap aluminium for the compartment deck with $6 of pennies in a pvc pipe for ballast in the center section
constructed the framework for the basic bow and stern
sheeting the hull with aluminium flashing after making construction paper, templates and cutting holes with a dremmel before gluing with epoxy and filling seams with auto body glazing putty
deck sections were cut from aluminium flashing with the holes cut with the dremmel
first attempt at the tower
various shades of auto primer to seal the aluminium and some acrylac, dry brushed for weathering, then will be wet sanded.
external balast is framed and sheeted with aluminium. They will be filled with styrofoam and sealed. The internal balast air bleed valve for setting the neutral buoyancy is hooked up to the sound antenna in the deck fwd of the winch. Basiclly a needle valve with a piece of plastic sprue epoxyed to the stem at the end of a piece of tubing that vents the main balast. This is so you can pre set how high the boat rides in the water. At this point, my friend, who is the Head of Archiology dept at the Mel Fisher Marine museum, in Key West, stopped by to look at some u boat models for a possible WWII display. When he saw this one he wanted it, so all the work in design for power/controls/driver instalation ect is out the window, and its destined for display. I'll use the money to get one of those new 3" drivers and radio gear for the big 1/24 type II im building, or maby just a driver and equipment for one the 1/72 type VII boats of which I have several of, that could be equipped. Also 1/72 type IXD vacuformed hull, as well. I could get one driver and interchange hulls for the operating experienc while I save up and plan for the big boat. Anyway Ill keep Updating this build as I add detail untill I actually have the money in hand to let it go. As it is, the shafts are in place as well as all the belcranks and rods for dive planes and rudders. All I would have to do is remove a section of rear deck to access the hull for driver instalation. The tower is removable to be able to change the two styles I have built already, So if I end up keeping the boat I can change them out, and may even build a 3rd tower with the extra wintergarden for a flak boat type VII
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