Russian Alfa Class

[SubDude]

Looking good Rob. Following along.

[rwtdiver]

Looking good Rob. Following along.

Thanks Steve,

I am really looking forward to building this Alfa out to the fullest extent that I can. A WTC with a proper working ballast system, functioning diving plains, rudder, and propulsion system. And when that has been achieved, a properly finished out David M. hull!

Rob
"Firemen can stand the heat"

[neitosub]

Always loved the Alfa class, 1/72 is a bit too big for my liking but 1/96 scale is perfect.

[rwtdiver]

Always loved the Alfa class, 1/72 is a bit too big for my liking but 1/96 scale is perfect.

NEITOSUB,

My Alfa build is not a true 1:72. I purchased the files from Nautilus Drydocks (1:96 scale) and modified the size of the files to get as much additional length to my build as possible using my DREMEL 40 3D printer. 170mm is my max height on this machine. I took Bob Martins files and I am building at 125% which is a little smaller than 1:72 scale, not sure what the scale is! I am scratch building my WTC system for my boat, and will need the extra length.

Rob
Firemen can stand the heat"

[neitosub]

That is a great advantage of 3D printing programs, you can rescale a boat very easily!

Nate

[rwtdiver]

I have the bottom sections of the Alfa hull completed!





I also purchased two 24" cylinders (one 3.00" and one 3.50") Not totally sure which one I will use just yet. I have the 3.50" cylinder in the two photos above. Until I get the top hull sections complete, the cylinder selection is up in the air at this point.

Rob
"Firemen can stand the heat"

[He Who Shall Not Be Named]

Go with the 3-inch. You'll appreciate the extra annualar space when it comes time to trim that bad-boy.



David

[rwtdiver]

Go with the 3-inch. You'll appreciate the extra annualar space when it comes time to trim that bad-boy.



David

Hi David,

Thats what I was thinking, plus the extra length will give me more room for the electronics and the ballast system.

Rob
"Firemen can stand the heat"

[Monahan Steam Models]

Looking good Rob! Happy to see you back at the submarine projects.

[rwtdiver]

Thank you, Nick!

I really do enjoy building submarines, I do like the challenges involved. I will finish up the Utility Boat that I started, but as a break-away project.



I took the above photo of the Alfa Bow, just to show how much detail is coming through on the 3D printed files. The detail on this entire boat is one of the best that I have built from Nautilus Drydocks files!

Rob
"Firemen can stand the heat"

[rwtdiver]

Today I finished up the upper and lower hull sections on the Alfa! The completed sections took a total of 158 hours print time





The only items left to print out are the controls surfaces. (Upper and lower rudders, forward dive planes, and the stern dive planes)

After the printing process is complete and I have all the parts, I will put my attention to the stern section control linkage systems.

Rob
"Firemen can stand the heat"

[rwtdiver]

A little more update on the progress of the Russian Alfa.





I still have a little more section edge sanding to true up section joints before gluing. As I have stated before, the print files on this Alfa are excellent. Very little tune up on the section line ups!

Rob
"Firemen can stand the heat"

[rwtdiver]

Detting ready to start putting the Alfa together.



I have the gluing table prepared and covered with saran wrap so the parts will not stick to the gluing board. I also have the Alfa 1/72 that I have already built in the background to be used as reference if needed!

Rob
"Firemen can stand the heat"

[SubDude]

Looking good Rob.

[rwtdiver]

Looking good Rob.

Thanks Steve,

I am hoping to get both upper and lower hull sections glued up tomorrow. Providing I do not get to many "Honey Do's" getting ready for Christmas! :-((

Rob
"Firemen can stand the heat"