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32nd Parallel XXIII Torpedo Launcher Schematic Reference
This past spring, I had stated that I would upload scans of Simon Smith's Torpedo Launcher design schematics for his 32nd Parallel XXIII kit. Well, I finally did it..
Here is how Simon rigged his torpedo doors on his kit. The doors were initially spring-loaded in the 1987 design, when the Mk. II Torpedo Launcher kit was first released (for the XXIII). He created an alternate design, that eliminated the springs, in 1992. The 92 spring-less design proved to be more reliable in opening and closing the doors. The sub kit itself, without the torpedo launcher system, debuted in 1984.
This is a Gas operated launcher system. At the time is was created, it was designed to use liquid FREON-12. The torpedoes were propelled with considerable force, between 40 to 70 PSI depending on temperature! The run distance of the torpedoes was 15 to 20 feet. Even without warheads, the FREON powered torpedoes would have been dangerous to other models in the near vicinity..
The original FREON propellant can be replaced with legal to use, duster canned air, or airbrush propellant. I am sure the pressure would be lower with the legal propellants versus the FREON. Airbrush propellant would not be recommended anymore, due to the fact that it contains lubricants that can attack the kit's stock PVC gas cylinder, causing it to develop cracks.
Below is a sample of the engineering that went into this ground breaking kit. I believe this kit is considered to be the first successful, commercial, mass-produced RC submarine kit in the world. It was probably also the first mass-produced, vacuum-formed RC submarine kit.
Mk. II Torpedo Launcher Main Schematic:
Mk. II Updated Tube Door Mechanism without Springs:
MK. II Torpedo Launcher Parts Diagram:
This past spring, I had stated that I would upload scans of Simon Smith's Torpedo Launcher design schematics for his 32nd Parallel XXIII kit. Well, I finally did it..
Here is how Simon rigged his torpedo doors on his kit. The doors were initially spring-loaded in the 1987 design, when the Mk. II Torpedo Launcher kit was first released (for the XXIII). He created an alternate design, that eliminated the springs, in 1992. The 92 spring-less design proved to be more reliable in opening and closing the doors. The sub kit itself, without the torpedo launcher system, debuted in 1984.
This is a Gas operated launcher system. At the time is was created, it was designed to use liquid FREON-12. The torpedoes were propelled with considerable force, between 40 to 70 PSI depending on temperature! The run distance of the torpedoes was 15 to 20 feet. Even without warheads, the FREON powered torpedoes would have been dangerous to other models in the near vicinity..
The original FREON propellant can be replaced with legal to use, duster canned air, or airbrush propellant. I am sure the pressure would be lower with the legal propellants versus the FREON. Airbrush propellant would not be recommended anymore, due to the fact that it contains lubricants that can attack the kit's stock PVC gas cylinder, causing it to develop cracks.
Below is a sample of the engineering that went into this ground breaking kit. I believe this kit is considered to be the first successful, commercial, mass-produced RC submarine kit in the world. It was probably also the first mass-produced, vacuum-formed RC submarine kit.
Mk. II Torpedo Launcher Main Schematic:
Mk. II Updated Tube Door Mechanism without Springs:
MK. II Torpedo Launcher Parts Diagram:
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