Moebius (Revell) Skipjack Build

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  • Ken_NJ
    Captain
    • Sep 2014
    • 744

    Just read thru all 21 pages of this Tom. Lots of good information, thanks for posting all the details, will help on my Skipjack. Technology changed from when you first started. One thing I have not embraced is 3D printing, maybe someday.

    Comment

    • trout
      Admiral
      • Jul 2011
      • 3545

      Ken, Thank you. If it helped, mission achieved! One thing I am certain of, you will take this to the next level! Technology does change, but the basics are still the same. Look forward to your build and maiden voyage!
      Peace,
      Tom
      If you can cut, drill, saw, hit things and swear a lot, you're well on the way to building a working model sub.

      Comment

      • trout
        Admiral
        • Jul 2011
        • 3545

        Originally posted by trout
        I needed to make a magnetic connector for the Skipjack.
        The parts needed are:
        Two cylinder magnets
        Two thin slices of 5/32" tubing
        Two 1/8" tubing cut slightly longer than the cylinder magnets
        one 3/32" brass rod just a small section
        Two 3/32" brass tube lengths

        This is designed to fit on a 1/16" pushrod.
        [ATTACH=CONFIG]27283[/ATTACH]
        The 5/32" sliver slips on the end of each 1/8" tubing and gets soldered on.
        Cut a length of 3/32" tube and solder so that it is in half way in the 1/8" piece, opposite of where the sliver is soldered. Do this to both 1/8" tubes.
        One 1/8" tube will have the rod inserted in the same side as the sliver and is soldered in.
        [ATTACH=CONFIG]27284[/ATTACH]
        Put it in a lathe or hand piece like a dremel, even a drill press could probably be used. Anyway, using files thin the 1/8" tube until the magnet slips on. Also thin out the sliver. The thinner you make it the closer the magnets will be and stronger the hold. The purpose of the sliver is a stop for the magnet.
        [ATTACH=CONFIG]27286[/ATTACH]
        CA or epoxy the magnets in.
        I have simplified this by deleting the brass sleeve that needed to be turned down. When I epoxy the magnet in, It fills the gap. Makes it a real quick and strong connector. I will post photos when I can.
        If you can cut, drill, saw, hit things and swear a lot, you're well on the way to building a working model sub.

        Comment

        • trout
          Admiral
          • Jul 2011
          • 3545

          Today was the open water shakedown cruise. I get really nervous the first few times I run a new sub.
          The run was made easier for two reasons. Neil Schmidt now lives in Las Vegas and came down to watch the sub run. Hanging with friends just makes it that much nicer. Second, the water was very clear. Had great visibility (except for two times when I was goofing around with speed and maneuvers - went deep) and the temperature as not surface of the sun hot!
          Click image for larger version

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          The sub ran well. The only issue is a little porpoising and I will change the sensitivity of the leveler and see how it goes next time out. After one hour, I brought my sub in and at the shore the power light on the Zepsus switch was off. Odd, just figured that was that. When I got home to charge the batteries, as I opened the tube, the power came back on. Still had 12v+ left. Fully charged thee NiMh show 14.2v, so to only drop 2v after an hour that was cool to me. Now I got to find what caused power to go off. Once opened the WTC was bone dry!

          Click image for larger version

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          As far as trim goes, I think I am there.
          Here is the way it is as of today
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          Magnetic connector and my own pro shaft connector. Magnets were used on the prop shaft connector, but probably not necessary.

          Click image for larger version

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          Most of the weight was below piston tank. There is a small slice in the bow.

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          All for that I used was in the aft of the sub.
          If you can cut, drill, saw, hit things and swear a lot, you're well on the way to building a working model sub.

          Comment

          • trout
            Admiral
            • Jul 2011
            • 3545

            Thank you!
            I cannot take credit for the paint job or a majority of the assembly, Rob, that was David Merriman's handiwork. I added some "stuff" and got it running. That I can take credit for.
            If you can cut, drill, saw, hit things and swear a lot, you're well on the way to building a working model sub.

            Comment

            • Ken_NJ
              Captain
              • Sep 2014
              • 744

              Looks great Tom! Nice run!

              Comment

              • trout
                Admiral
                • Jul 2011
                • 3545

                Thanks Ken!
                If you can cut, drill, saw, hit things and swear a lot, you're well on the way to building a working model sub.

                Comment

                • MFR1964
                  Detail Nut of the First Order
                  • Sep 2010
                  • 1290

                  That looks good Tom, i wish i had such clear water nearby, how did your ballasttank preform?

                  Manfred.
                  I went underground

                  Comment

                  • trout
                    Admiral
                    • Jul 2011
                    • 3545

                    The ballast tank ran very well! The only issue I have is my battery pack. For some reason, if the pack gets squeezed too much, it will cut off which happened after it ran for an hour. I may redesign it or get rid of the plastic holders and put the contacts on the bulkheads.

                    I look forward to getting this out again and seeing what it can do or better put how long it can run. Right now I am adding decals and will finish the exterior.
                    I do like a piston system.
                    Last edited by trout; 06-28-2020, 06:49 PM.
                    If you can cut, drill, saw, hit things and swear a lot, you're well on the way to building a working model sub.

                    Comment

                    • trout
                      Admiral
                      • Jul 2011
                      • 3545

                      I need to apologize first about this video, I was playing with speed and depth so doing two things at once was not my gifting.
                      If you can cut, drill, saw, hit things and swear a lot, you're well on the way to building a working model sub.

                      Comment

                      • Ken_NJ
                        Captain
                        • Sep 2014
                        • 744

                        Nice, wish I had a clear lake like that here in NJ

                        Comment

                        • trout
                          Admiral
                          • Jul 2011
                          • 3545

                          Click image for larger version  Name:	Skipjack_2020_901.jpg Views:	0 Size:	50.8 KB ID:	141847 Mostly finished with exterior. Decals added and Matte coat finished.
                          It took a little very fine sanding to remove some minor issues.

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                          To finish, I need to work on wiring the lights and then I can move onto the next sub.
                          Peace,
                          Tom
                          Last edited by trout; 07-19-2020, 02:48 AM.
                          If you can cut, drill, saw, hit things and swear a lot, you're well on the way to building a working model sub.

                          Comment

                          • coryhenry
                            Lieutenant Commander
                            • Jul 2020
                            • 156

                            I like the paint job, I cant tell if there is weathering or not due to the glare?

                            Comment

                            • trout
                              Admiral
                              • Jul 2011
                              • 3545

                              David, how long did the Skipjack subs have the at launch paint scheme?
                              If you can cut, drill, saw, hit things and swear a lot, you're well on the way to building a working model sub.

                              Comment

                              • trout
                                Admiral
                                • Jul 2011
                                • 3545

                                Originally posted by coryhenry
                                I like the paint job, I cant tell if there is weathering or not due to the glare?
                                Yeah, my photography skills lack. There is light weathering, but as David pointed out “weather that thing” may need a heavier hand. LOL
                                If you can cut, drill, saw, hit things and swear a lot, you're well on the way to building a working model sub.

                                Comment

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