My 3D Printed HL-Hunley Build

[RCSubGuy]

Great work, Rob! Not sure if you've already been hit by the rivet-counters, but if so, tell them to pound sand. This is your boat. If you like it, that's the only thing that matters. I think it looks great.

Bob

[rwtdiver]

I know this "HL Hunley' build has not been one of those so called dynamic builds, but I am here to say it is complete except for the final finish work!







Before anyone says anything about how I have fabricated this boat, please note it may not be true to scale in all aspects of the "EXACT" HL Hunley! If you go out and research this boat you will find a ton of different looks for this boat! I took it upon myself to build this boat so it would hold up during water operation and yet stay close to the original full scale form. You can see by the acrylic paints that I have on the desk it suggests it may not just be all flat black! I may give it a more rusty looking finish!? Not sure yet!

I will post up the final photos of the Hunley and the Housatonic together when finish is complete! Thank you for looking, and thank you for all the help and advice I got on this build!!

Rob
"Firemen can stand the heat"

[rwtdiver]

Making some progress on the "Hunley"



Getting ready to install the hatches, and the snorkel tube housing. I will put up some better photos and descriptions of my progress soon!!

Rob
"Firemen can stand the heat"

[rwtdiver]

Here you go

Snort:



SAS:

David and Bob, Thank you for answering my question! I sure do like the simplicity of the snort system!

Rob
"Firemen can stand the heat"

[He Who Shall Not Be Named]

Piccy no show, but with SNORT, you only need a hose going up to the surface and that's it. The snorkel valve and the safety valve are all superfluous.

SNORT is absolutely my preferred setup for virtually all boats. Stationary diving is for ballistic missile subs and research subs.

Bob

Here you go

Snort:



SAS:

[RCSubGuy]

Piccy no show, but with SNORT, you only need a hose going up to the surface and that's it. The snorkel valve and the safety valve are all superfluous.

SNORT is absolutely my preferred setup for virtually all boats. Stationary diving is for ballistic missile subs and research subs.

Bob

[rwtdiver]

Rob, those cylinders are designed for 3S LiPos. Everything will still work, but the pump in particular has an in-line resistor to drop voltage from the expected 11.1 to 6V. The pump will still spin, but you may find that it's sluggish. If you're dead-set on the 2S battery, you can remove the resistor, or you can just get an 11.1V battery.

Bob

Ok Bob! Thanks for the heads up on the pump situation and battery size. I have a 11.1 volt 3 cell 30c 4000 mAh that will fit!

I do have another question?



In the above photo, it shows the ballast system items that are not being used now that my boat will go direct as a snorkel system.

Can I just eliminate that system? That piece on top is leaking from the valve itself as well and the part with the two screws!

Rob
"Firemen can stand the heat"

[RCSubGuy]

Today I finished up all the wiring. Motor, servos, ballast pump, ESC, battery, and the magnetic switch! I am using Deans Plugs on the 7.4 Volt wiring coming from the 2 cell 35C 2200 mAh Li-poly battery that I am using!

Rob, those cylinders are designed for 3S LiPos. Everything will still work, but the pump in particular has an in-line resistor to drop voltage from the expected 11.1 to 6V. The pump will still spin, but you may find that it's sluggish. If you're dead-set on the 2S battery, you can remove the resistor, or you can just get an 11.1V battery.

Bob

[rwtdiver]

Moving right along! Good job. Can’t wait to see the results of your first splash tests. Keep the build updates coming.

Thank you sir! I sure will. Tomorrow will be the WTC test dip!!!

Rob
"firemen can stand the heat"

[Monahan Steam Models]

Moving right along! Good job. Can’t wait to see the results of your first splash tests. Keep the build updates coming.

[rwtdiver]

Making some head way on the HL Hunley!

Today I finished up all the wiring. Motor, servos, ballast pump, ESC, battery, and the magnetic switch! I am using Deans Plugs on the 7.4 Volt wiring coming from the 2 cell 35C 2200 mAh Li-poly battery that I am using!





Next I will install all the components, do the operational check, and then take the MSD cylinder for a plunge into the pool for a leak check!

Rob
"Firemen can stand the heat"

[rwtdiver]

I finished printing the USS Housatonic!



I will do a little painting on it and then it's finished! I will be back on the Hunley build in short order. The two boats together are a big part of over all story of HL Hunley!

I am now in the process of fabricating the mechanics for the forward dive planes. Bob M. has helped me decide in what direction I need to go to make the Hunley a functioning submarine!

Rob
"Firemen can stand the heat"
"Perfection is our goal. Excellence will be tolerated"

[rwtdiver]

A little more update on the HL Hunley history build! I started on the USS Housatonic (table model build) I have the basic hull complete!



My Dremel is at work on the masts. I am working on the interior bottom hull of the Hunley, and in order to do a somewhat professional job of running the linkage forward for the dive planes, I needed an angle drill that would fit my old 770 model Dremel tool. Not to be found. My old Dremel is 35 years old!!! I wanted nice clean round holes (that line up) through the hull sections, almost impossible by hand or trying to stick the head of my power drill or the old Dremel tool and get a straight hole. WELL!!





My wonderful wife surprised me with a new Model 4300 Dremel tool with a great tool box with accessory draws, and above all a 90 degree angle drill attachment. Now I am really ready to have a tool that will greatly enhance my Submarine building! Not enough credit goes to our BETTER halves and there wonderful support of our hobbies! Cheers to them all!!!

Rob
"Firemen can stand the heat"
"perfection is our goal. Excellence will be tolerated"

[rwtdiver]

I have decided to add a little something to the HL Hunley build. I am currently 3D printing a model of the USS Housatonic! This was the sloop that was sunk by the Hunley February 17, 1864!



It will be a small table model, and add a little more historical value to the Hunley build. I will post up some photos and information on the Housatonic as it moves along!

Rob
"Firemen can stand the heat"
"Perfection is our goal. Excellence will be tolerated"

[rwtdiver]

Aw shucks... you have called me out... It's George, no wait its Larry... no. its Bond, James Bond. Seriously, its Richard. Please no biting!

Hi Richard! Nice to meet you!

Rob
"Firemen can stand the heat"
"Perfection is our goal. Excellence will be tolerated"