My first sub - almost there!

[Timothy L]

Last year at Groton I saw RC subs for the first time and met many outstanding people. I was blown away by the submarines and their builders - and yes, LOL, I jumped down the rabbit hole full speed ahead. Although I am retired, my volunteer teaching activities consume several days each week - so my time to build is limited. Combining that with all there is to learn about submarines it took me a year to get to this point on my Engel 212A! So far I am very pleased with the results. The most difficult task has been understanding the electronics (my weak point). The most enjoyable task was learning how to use an airbrush and “weathering “ the bottom hull (a skill that I will have to continue to practice and improve ). It has been tremendous fun and an education. Here’s a photo of my 212A. She is ready for clear coat and then final bathtub testing and ballasting before heading back to Groton on the 19th. I can’t think of a better place to have her first sea trials.

[Marylandradiosailor]

Looks great, look forward to seeing it in Groton, Khim

[He Who Shall Not Be Named]

See you in about a week.

[Timothy L]

Today my 212A passed the bathtub leak test, is now ballasted properly and submerges properly. It was with trepidation that I dropped her in the tub and with elation when I realized she was going to work properly!!!! Wow. I have never been so excited and gratified by a model project in my life. This weekend she will be on the open water for the first time at Subex25. I don’t know how different that will be from testing in the bathtub but I am so looking forward to it. And looking forward to sub number two LOL!

[goshawk823]

Jim Butt had a hand in getting this new guy moving in the right direction. Nice work, Tim. Glad you got it done.

[NicholasRadzykewycz]

Congratulations new skipper. I am still working on my first boat so I know the excitement.

[Timothy L]

My enthusiasm for my first submarine and last year’s experience at SUBEX24 got the attention of my friend and fellow club member, a brilliant and creative retired British engineer. He will be joining me as my roommate in Groton and is already planning to build a Skipjack this winter with a self-designed WTC. He is an absolutely superb modeler.I I think he will thoroughly enjoy, as I did, seeing RC submarines in action and meeting and learning from the great people in the sub community!