trying to decide on my next submarine...

[alad61]

I've got a couple of months of budget rebuilding to do before my next submarine and I'm now caught between three differant boats. Each of which has a diferent reason for adding it to my little fleet.
1: The Dumas Akula mostly because I like the look of it, it's a dynamic and the building if it's own wtc set up is a new learning curve.
2: The 31 inch Brodeen Disney Nautilus. Well I have liked this sub since I first saw it at the movies over 42 years ago. Plus, IMHO, I did such a great job on the static one recently that I want to replicate that in an rc model and designing the gimble prop would be a challange.
3: The Moebius Skipjack as I have some thoughts on converting it to a concept Seaview as is seen on one of the covers for Theodore Sturgens novelization. Plus it looks good.

[Slats]

I've got a couple of months of budget rebuilding to do before my next submarine and I'm now caught between three differant boats. Each of which has a diferent reason for adding it to my little fleet.
1: The Dumas Akula mostly because I like the look of it, it's a dynamic and the building if it's own wtc set up is a new learning curve.
2: The 31 inch Brodeen Disney Nautilus. Well I have liked this sub since I first saw it at the movies over 42 years ago. Plus, IMHO, I did such a great job on the static one recently that I want to replicate that in an rc model and designing the gimble prop would be a challange.
3: The Moebius Skipjack as I have some thoughts on converting it to a concept Seaview as is seen on one of the covers for Theodore Sturgens novelization. Plus it looks good.

Choice of those 3 the standout IMHO is the Skipjack "as is" (don't convert it) in terms of cost, scale fidelity, construction ease, and the fact there is a SD that will fit it like a glove.

Go for it.

J

[alad61]

Cheers John. The convetion for the skipjack would be mostly cosmetic add ons & paint job. The Nautilus from Bob has an SD that is made to suit as well.

[He Who Shall Not Be Named]

Brodeen's NAUTILUS!

Give some consideration to the 1/144 Trumpeter KILO too. Good, reliable, maneuverable pool-toy.

David

[greenman407]

And dont forget about the Rick Teskey 52" Seaview. Truly, whatever you pick, im sure that it will turn out well.

[He Who Shall Not Be Named]

As Mark will tell you, that SEAVIEW he recommended can be a handful, but a fun build as well.

[alad61]

Thanks for the input gentlemen. As it stands now it looks like the Nautilus is the keen favorite... that said I know converting it to rc will be a challenge. I'm thinking that with only minor mods I can get all four planes to work but my thoughts are at present only in my head and once I get them right in my mindseye then I'll start sketching and making notes. However one question I have is this... How does one afix the clear parts to the model and be waterproof? The obvious answer is silcone but which type? But obvious isn't always right...

[He Who Shall Not Be Named]

Sounds like your talking SEAVIEW, not NAUTILUS. The trick is: don't make the observation compartment water-tight; it's flee-flooding like the rest of the hull. Only Dennis DeBoer has made his bow water-tight.

David

[alad61]

I was refrering to the wheelhouse windows & salon windows on the Nautilus.

[He Who Shall Not Be Named]

Oh! ... the Disney NAUTILUS. I'm sorry. You're talking the Scott Brodeen kit -- wonderful selection, the guy is a true master in the game. I'm assembling one now.

David

[alad61]

Yeah it is one of the best resin kits I have done in a static kit. A very good woorkable resin, sands, cuts and handles like a dream and it wasn't drowned in mould release either. I've got the gazette from Febuary as well as the cabal report on the "TI" version you did. I would like to ask if you have some more close up pictures of your cleavus/gimble system. I'm not what you would call an engineer so any help in putting the running gear together would be a help. I know that at least with this one I won't be scratch building a fully decked out salon... LOL

http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=_O8qssWlV0c

But patroling the murky waters of the local ponds with lights glowing in the late afternoons waining light would look nerdishly cool... ;)