HMS X-Class Stickleback Midget Submarine

[rwtdiver]

Today I worked on and completed the rudder and dive plane install with linkages for the rudder back to the WT. I may have to install a water proof servo for the dive planes!?



While I was at it I installed some of the little fixtures that I printed out for this boat.

Rob
"Firemen can stand the heat."

[rwtdiver]

Now that I have the boat set up for the WTC, with all linkages, and propulsion systems installed, I am moving on to sealing the interior of the boat. (both lower hull and upper hull).



Before I start on any sealer inside the hull, I am tapping off any areas that I will be installing weight to the lower hull. As you know adhesive do not stick well to painted surfaces This boat will need quite a bit of weight to get it down to a reasonable running water line. If all goes well I may get the sealer or primer sprayed in today!!??

Rob
"Firemen can stand the heat."

[rwtdiver]

Found sometime this afternoon to primer the inside of the boat.



My favorite interior primer is Red Oxide from Krylon. It's a great surface primer and sealer for PLA.

Rob
"Firemen can stand the heat."

[rwtdiver]

Today I worked on the installation of ballast weight.





I have installed a total of 8oz towards the center and down inside the keel of the boat. I had in the pool with slightly less (1oz) and the boat sat at a good water line. Underway the full scale boat was quite stern heavy. I may tr4y to achieve that look when my boat is underway.

Rob
"Firemen can stand the heat."

[rwtdiver]

After making several weight adjustments I finally got the Stickleback at a fairly decent trim (for me)



Below is a quick running of the boat just to check it out.

https://youtu.be/meFmmnbfXMU

I realize this was a pretty sloppy run, but5 at least I know it turns quite well and runs good forward and reverse. I am happy with the results..:-))

Rob
"Firemen can stand the heat."

[rwtdiver]

Next item on my list of things to-do now that the water testing is complete!






And that is to do a complete dry out and system check out before putting the WTC away. Any of you that follow this forum are fully aware and practice this post running procedure. And now that all my testing is complete, I am on to my final exterior parts installation (Sail, antennas, and othe deck parts) and then comes the exterior primer and final paint finish.

AND THIS BOAT IS DONE!

I want to wish you all a very "HAPPY THANKSGIVING"

Rob
"Firemen can stand the heat."

[rwtdiver]

Here it is Thanksgiving Day morning and I am still working on the Stickleback!



It is completely completed, with all the trim pieces and of course except for the paint finish. And that most likely will be Friday because my paint won't arrive until then. But, as soon as it does, I will be on it!

Rob
"Firemen can stand the heat."

[JHapprich]

Well done , Rob! A surface runner?

Jörg

[rwtdiver]

Well done , Rob! A surface runner?

Jörg

Thanks Jorg,

If I had taken all the pool stuff out of the water and got a good straight shot to the other end, I would have been able to get it underwater. My pool is not that big, and diving and turning have always been a problem for me. I am going to make up some rudder extension for pool operation so that I can get more turning radius. My next boat (if that happens) will be a static diver for sure.

Rob,
"Firemen can stand the heat."

[rwtdiver]

Firemen at work!



Got to love them!!

Rob
"Firemen can stand the heat."

[rwtdiver]

Today my grey spray paint arrived, so I headed for my painting shop!

https://youtu.be/61WI1S4Pvy4

After the primer and base coat (2) are dry, I will break out my water base acrylic paints and do some weathering and contrast painting to help accentuate exterior trim pieces. I am not going to go over baord with this part of the finish, just enough to give the boat a little life...

Rob
"Firemen can stand the heat."

[redboat219]

As you're making it a surface runner, a look out is needed. 1
Would be great if you could find some 3D files of Royal Navy figures like this 1/35 chap holding a teacup.

[redboat219]

spray can gives a great scale reference.

[rwtdiver]

spray can gives a great scale reference.

Romel,

Thank you very much for the suggestion for the possible add to the boat with a crew member on the deck. That will certainly be entertained possibly down the road. At one point I stated I may be adding some weathering or other painting effects to the boat.





I was going to use some water base acrylic paints to achieve this process but due to the MD issues with my eyesight I was unable to achieve a descent result. So, at this point I gave the boat a light third coat of the grey spray paint to cover up the blotches of paint. After my base coat has dried, I will finish it off with a coat of matt clear coat.

So, the final look is what you see, and besides when you look at the full scale boat it's very similar to what I have.

This build is now complete. Thank you to all that posted with ideas and suggestions. I appreciated it very much.

Rob
"Firemen can stand the heat."

[redboat219]

Love the external piping and rails. Gives visual interest.