Russian Alfa Class

[rwtdiver]

That is an excellent suggestion. Indeed the techniques and methodology to develop 3D CAD models are distinct from printing. Again it takes time to learn and experiment with different approaches to 3D modelling, particularly when modelling a complex hull shape. So a dedicated sub-forum would be very useful to exchange information.

I agree totally with Jason!

CCC!
We are all in for this new project and learning these skills! At my age I may have to try and open up new brain cells, but I sure will give it a go!

Rob
"Firemen can stand the heat"

[jphatton]

Thanks for kicking this off Bob with the addition of a new sub-forum. I suggest adding a second sub-forum for 3D modeling (Both CAD and dedicated 3D modeling) related topics - especially instructional tutorials. This segregates two totally different, yet related topics (3D printing and 3D Modeling) where they're easy to locate and refer to later if beginners get interested.

CCC

That is an excellent suggestion. Indeed the techniques and methodology to develop 3D CAD models are distinct from printing. Again it takes time to learn and experiment with different approaches to 3D modelling, particularly when modelling a complex hull shape. So a dedicated sub-forum would be very useful to exchange information.

[CC Clarke]

A 3D section would actually be a good idea. There is TONS of interest on this topic, and having a dedicated place to discuss is something we really need to do. Let me see what I can come up with.

Bob

Thanks for kicking this off Bob with the addition of a new sub-forum. I suggest adding a second sub-forum for 3D modeling (Both CAD and dedicated 3D modeling) related topics - especially instructional tutorials. This segregates two totally different, yet related topics (3D printing and 3D Modeling) where they're easy to locate and refer to later if beginners get interested.

CCC

[rwtdiver]

A 3D section would actually be a good idea. There is TONS of interest on this topic, and having a dedicated place to discuss is something we really need to do. Let me see what I can come up with.

Bob

I really agree with Bob!

It's my opinion! 3D printing is for sure the new wave of the future for this hobby! But let's NEVER forget our roots here either!

Rob
"Firemen can stand the heat"

[RCSubGuy]

A 3D section would actually be a good idea. There is TONS of interest on this topic, and having a dedicated place to discuss is something we really need to do. Let me see what I can come up with.

Bob

[Subculture]

A Sub-forum for 3D printing-related topics would be a great idea! If Bob Martin see this, he might chime in on it! Why don't you just start your own blog under general topics on this forum! It would be under your name (CC Clarke) and with your own title!?

Maybe simply a pinned topic rather than a whole new section, at least to start with. Concentrate on a single package, I think Fusion 360 is probably the best to use for hobbyists being free and powerful, and relatively friendly interface.

I'm just a novice at this stuff, I've managed to draw out the majority of what i want after a fashion, but still wrestling with many techniques, mainly with getting consistent or predictable results when lofting and using sculpt environment. I;d say the hardest part to learn is producing shapes that are compound curvature, especially if you lack cross sectional data- then you need to start using the sculpt environment which is really like a completely different program.

It's also very important to work very methodically, e.g. when to turn history on/off, when to have 3d sketching enabled and when not to. etc. etc. I liken it to knitting where a mistake early on can really cause you huge problems latter on unless you catch it at an early stage.

Another frustration is that software developers like to move the furniture around. You get used to a package then the update downloads, and you find they've changed the icons, moved some menu items, or changed their names. It's like trying to learn to drive a car where the pedals get switched around every time you get behind the wheel.

To make it topical to this thread, the basic hull of the Alfa isn't too painful, being a hull of revolution, but the sail/fin area would be quite tricky to model in comparison. For anyone looking for existing tutorials I highly recommend looking on Youtube for modelling aeroplanes in Fusion 360. An aeroplane fuselage is much like a sub hull in terms of modelling techniques.

[rwtdiver]

There's an old submarine acronym for this: . . . BOHICA.

Bend Over Here It Comes Again

OK! I guess I have just been told! I will leave it at that!

Rob
"Firemen can stand the heat"

[CC Clarke]

There's an old submarine acronym for this: . . . BOHICA.

Bend Over Here It Comes Again

[rwtdiver]

Many thanks Rob. I've included a shot of the DF loop that didn't take long to model. The antenna head lends itself to resin printing to mount on a metal rod. It's a shame we don't have a repository of (sharable) masts and antenna STL files here that could be scaled up or down for whatever size boat someone is building. Maybe a Dive Tribe exclusive or something like that.

I keep a Frankenstein-esque repository in my 3D library of hands, feet, eyes, ears, etc. I recycle these objects for characters to speed up work. It would be just as useful for submarine masts and antennas; especially in the larger scales where the detail shows. FDM printing is not optimized for small parts compared to resin printing. Each has their strengths.

As I mentioned before, a completely separate sub-forum for 3D printing-related topics would be a nice way to keep detailed threads organized and easy to locate, rather than in a General Forum topics section. That's a change only an admin can make if it's decided to be a worthwhile thing to do.

CC Clarke

A Sub-forum for 3D printing-related topics would be a great idea! If Bob Martin see this, he might chime in on it! Why don't you just start your own blog under general topics on this forum! It would be under your name (CC Clarke) and with your own title!?

I think there would be a lot of interest in seeing what you are doing!

Rob

I did get a little more work completed on my 1:72 Alfa today!



I glassed the top and bottom hull joint with glass and Z-Poxy finishing resin just to strengthen all the joints a little!

Rob
"Firemen can stand the heat"

[CC Clarke]

Many thanks Rob. I've included a shot of the DF loop that didn't take long to model. The antenna head lends itself to resin printing to mount on a metal rod. It's a shame we don't have a repository of (sharable) masts and antenna STL files here that could be scaled up or down for whatever size boat someone is building. Maybe a Dive Tribe exclusive or something like that.

I keep a Frankenstein-esque repository in my 3D library of hands, feet, eyes, ears, etc. I recycle these objects for characters to speed up work. It would be just as useful for submarine masts and antennas; especially in the larger scales where the detail shows. FDM printing is not optimized for small parts compared to resin printing. Each has their strengths.

As I mentioned before, a completely separate sub-forum for 3D printing-related topics would be a nice way to keep detailed threads organized and easy to locate, rather than in a General Forum topics section. That's a change only an admin can make if it's decided to be a worthwhile thing to do.

[rwtdiver]

I do have a general building question which I would like input from those of you that like building! I am at a stage on the Alfa's where the hulls are printed and glued up! Would this be the point where you would do some fill work and primer the boat (inside and out) then set it aside and start on the WTC? Or would you leave the hull totally unfinished and just go to work on the WTC? Stupid question I know!! Would just like to know what your views are!

I think I would somewhat like to prep the hull a little and primer it, and then move on to the WTC!

Rob
"Firemen can stand the heat"

[rwtdiver]

This is my take on the bow plane mod. It's positioned lower, slightly larger, and has an outer lip that corresponds to the hull for streamlining when stowed. The trim tab detail is included.

A couple of other changes visible are the escape pod is angled, hatch detail is added behind the sail. A hatch cover is scribed in the forward / port of the sail, both sail side doors are oval vice rounded rectangles, a mast door is added forward of the escape pod, and some other doors are modified. The bow sonar dome was completely changed, and a torpedo loading door was added between the upper torpedo tube shutter doors.

The lower sections will get a few changes like additional limber holes mid-ships and of course, the two outboard cooling water scoops.

I threw the DF loop in just for fun when I had an hour to kill yesterday. (It may not make it to the final version.) The scribe detail is slightly deeper since I liked how it looked when I rebuilt the bow from scratch, and applied the depth to the rest to make it stand out a little more when painted. Since I'm printing the hull in resin, this gives me a close approximation of the finished result.

CC Clarke,

Excellent file photos! I really like the location, size, and the detail work of the bow dive planes! I am going to change my existing planes and do a re-print. Your hull detail work is much more detailed than the files that I printed from! Nice work sir, and I thank you for sharing your work here! The possibilities are truly end less!

Rob
"Firemen can stand the heat"

[CC Clarke]

This is my take on the bow plane mod. It's positioned lower, slightly larger, and has an outer lip that corresponds to the hull for streamlining when stowed. The trim tab detail is included.

A couple of other changes visible are the escape pod is angled, hatch detail is added behind the sail. A hatch cover is scribed in the forward / port of the sail, both sail side doors are oval vice rounded rectangles, a mast door is added forward of the escape pod, and some other doors are modified. The bow sonar dome was completely changed, and a torpedo loading door was added between the upper torpedo tube shutter doors.

The lower sections will get a few changes like additional limber holes mid-ships and of course, the two outboard cooling water scoops.

I threw the DF loop in just for fun when I had an hour to kill yesterday. (It may not make it to the final version.) The scribe detail is slightly deeper since I liked how it looked when I rebuilt the bow from scratch, and applied the depth to the rest to make it stand out a little more when painted. Since I'm printing the hull in resin, this gives me a close approximation of the finished result.

[rwtdiver]

Congratulations on getting it to work Rob! I’m watching your progress with great interest.

Thank you RanSan!

Now I can finish up the hulls on both Alfa's! I will then start work om my scratch build WTC!

Rob
"Firemen can stand the heat"

[RanSan]

Congratulations on getting it to work Rob! I’m watching your progress with great interest.