Hmk 1/72 hms astute

[Peter W]

Do you think Vanguards use natural circulation to minimize the use of noisy pumps? I know it requires more height in the water tubes to get the required effect... I think the Ohios use something like that and the Seawolf is rumored to have it as well. Interesting.

Joel, the only problem I can see with this is the same style holes appear on the Vanguard class but they in front of the missile section and a very long way forward of the reactor compartment but this maybe a wrong opinion surely though , and this is inexperience saying this but surely any such holes for the reactor would be below the surfaced waterline ??!!?? Perhaps they are nostrils for sniffing out ruskies ?

Peter

P.s. Stunning enlargements Mark

[greenman407]

As good as my word. I zoomed in on some of the larger, better pictures to try to bring out some details. Ill keep a weather eye out for more.

[ManOwaR]

Joel, could be reactor intakes because of the orientation. My understanding of the hunchback is the use of a Vanguard class reactor type, big sub reactor in a smaller sub.

Peter.

Do you think Vanguards use natural circulation to minimize the use of noisy pumps? I know it requires more height in the water tubes to get the required effect... I think the Ohios use something like that and the Seawolf is rumored to have it as well. Interesting.

[Slats]

Peter - fantastic photos.

One interesting view of the hunchback: I have been looking at the Jecobin plans now last couple of years and decided to grid the profile and find the COG / COR / COP point. - This is the optimal point for where for our RC subs should have the ballast tank centered. This is the only sub I have come across that after my grid exercise has an almost exact 50/50 split of the profile area. Whilst no doubt the hunchback holds essential machinery, I can't help but thinking the design is optimised for maneuverability, possible offsetting that enormous sail, which could in our 1/72 case amply hold that excellent little Casewell Camera. It's all good.

J

[Peter W]

Joel, could be reactor intakes because of the orientation. My understanding of the hunchback is the use of a Vanguard class reactor type, big sub reactor in a smaller sub.

Peter.

[ManOwaR]

Thanks Peter, every little bit helps. That picture of the aft superstructure is the best I've seen to date yet. Anybody know what those oblong, forward facing, angled holes are for in the superstructure? Countermeasures? Reactor cooling water intakes? Plenty of interesting things they can put under that big hunchback I bet.

[Peter W]

Hello Joel hope these help

















Peter

[Slats]

John - No Z cuts this time. But I think what you're referring to is the issue of whether the sail will come integrated with the top hull half or not. Besides the considerably larger package needed to ship that configuration, the main issue for me will be the mold design needed to incorporate that configuration. I'm not saying it can't be done, but I think of doing an actual layup in that sort of mold would increase the risk of screwing something up. I'll see when I get there though

Yep -we're on the same page mate.
Jim I can tell you is thrilled that this is underway.

J

[ManOwaR]

Dave - The more you look at her, the more you'll grow to love her. And people won't even get to ***** because it isn't one of those "all-too-easy-to-make sewer pipe cigars"! It would be interesting to see your weathering job on her as theoretically, the Brits usually don't keep such pristine on the outer hull as you Yanks, which spells creative freedom while still staying scale. Release the Kraken!

Mark- If you can, see if you can find anything in good resolution showing the aft superstructure deck details...anything I've seen has the big circular hatch shaped object with some sort of makeshift shack put up around it obscuring us seeing it.

John - No Z cuts this time. But I think what you're referring to is the issue of whether the sail will come integrated with the top hull half or not. Besides the considerably larger package needed to ship that configuration, the main issue for me will be the mold design needed to incorporate that configuration. I'm not saying it can't be done, but I think of doing an actual layup in that sort of mold would increase the risk of screwing something up. I'll see when I get there though

[Slats]

Mark - your the man for photos - wow!

Folks, Joel very kindly pre Z cut molded my Wolf, (Serial no. 002 - very early boat). He did so to shorten the length a little of the mailing tube and to save me some cash. In the end this generous concession proved problematic (although not impossible), to realign the hulls back up.
Joel,my initial advice on this. - Is don't build Astute around the needs of people like me to save a few bucks on shipping. The marginal cost saved by me equates to longer production time concessions by you, and potentially problems that the end user has to sort out.
If I have to pay more to get this sucker shipped across the globe as simple to complete upper and lower hull halves so be it. This boat will be a bespoke masterpiece and I for one won't quibble a dime on shipping it. Jim feels the same way Joel. Do this your way Joel - without compromises and take your time buddy. No rush.
Best
John

[greenman407]

Joel, I just found and downloaded some HUGE pictures of Ambush and Astute. Come Wednesday or Thursday I will have processed them and zoomed and enhanced. That way I can post very enlarged closeups of hull details without losing too much picture quality. I will then continue to search and post as new pictures present themselves.

[ManOwaR]

Yes Sir, That's what I'm talkin' about, Mark! This could be a virtual one-stop-shop for reliable Astute info

[He Who Shall Not Be Named]

The ultimate painting and weathering challenge here. Fantastically awful looking boat! Pure charactor. Joel is going to hit this thing right out of the park.

David

[greenman407]

[greenman407]

Joel, perhaps these will help.