Launch mechanisms?

[Monahan Steam Models]

I mentioned this last night in Bob’s thread “yesterday’s work”, This launcher is capable of launching both the electric torpedoes I posted in the G7 torpedo thread as well as gas propelled torpedoes that I haven’t posted about yet.

[Monahan Steam Models]

George,

This demonstration was using one of the Lee company solenoids. I was triggering it with a 3.7v LiPo. The part number is LHDA0521211H.

The forward part of the torpedo shutter is hinged to the hull. This is how the Arkmodels type VIIC kit comes. It is similar to how the full-size type VII’s shutters were hinged. The shutters are opened by the torpedo tube’s muzzle door just like the real type VII’s. The muzzle doors and shutters are linked together. The main difference between the full-size subs mechanism and this model version is the pin and slot for the muzzle door to shutter door is opposite from full-size due to the Arkmodels kit already having a tab molded onto the inside of the shutter door towards the rear of the door. I decided to work with this feature than against it. The goal was to develop a launch mechanism for the kit that dropped into place without needing to cut or modify the kit. The only modification that was needed was drilling a small 1/16” hole in the right spot for the upper tube muzzle door linkage to pass through the bulkhead.

Hope this helps,

Nick

PS I should mention that the Arkmodels kit is very good quality. A handful of careful small corrections needed to be made to the the shutter doors to get them to swing open and closed accurately enough to work with the precise movement of the launchers muzzle doors. This was to reduce friction and make everything operate smoothly.

[george]

Hi Nick
Thanks for posting those videos. A few questions:
Your waiting for the Lee Company Solenoid, can you give us it`s part number, specs?
How is the Torpedo door held on to the submarine wall and able to open/close and still be attached to the hull?

Thanks again
George

[Monahan Steam Models]

Couple quick videos demonstrating the starboard side lower tube in operation. First video is just showing the mechanism functioning with an air supply and solenoid valve hooked up. Second video is launching a torpedo across the floor.

Nick

https://youtu.be/vdQwra9513M

https://youtu.be/arGAS3kn_wU

[Monahan Steam Models]

The obligatory Progress update of the day

[Bob Gato]

[Monahan Steam Models]

Hmmm, I see potential as Vertical Launch System for modern nuke boats.

I could see that. Good point.

[redboat219]

Hmmm, I see potential as Vertical Launch System for modern nuke boats.

[Monahan Steam Models]

The starboard side launch tube assembly. Tested and works great. Will get some video as soon as I get the solenoid valves and electronic bits added to the mix. Too hard to video currently with one hand.

Both poppet valve reservoirs are tied together to charge at the same time. All four of the forward reservoirs for the port and starboard tubes could be tied together to fill at once from a single fill point. The system is quiet and stealthy for as complicated as it is and only requires one channel. No bubbles on launch.

It’s easy to reload and torpedoes can be stored and removed from the tubes for maintenance with or without the launch reservoirs stored under charge. Launch won’t occur unless that torpedo’s tube door is fully open. The door mechanism allow the outer doors to be easily pushed open to reload the torpedoes without needing to do anything else. The piston inside the tube locks onto the tail fin of the torpedo to keep it properly orientated in the tube while keeping it in place from slipping out of the tube.

Nick

[Monahan Steam Models]

Thank you RedBoat219

The general concept of the design could be scaled up to 1/35.

Scaling it down to 1/72 would probably not be ideal. For models of that scale I would probably use a spring launcher for electric capacitor type torpedoes or let them just swim out of the tubes. For gas propelled torpedoes in 1/72 scale, David really has the best designs in my opinion.

The torpedoes and launcher that I have been working on is really just a fun project for me to exercise my brain and designing background while sharing the process here. I have zero intentions for manufacturing these units.

Nick

[redboat219]

Nice.

Can this be scaled up to 1/35 ( for Bronco Type XXIII) or down to 1/72 for the Type VII/ IX?

[Monahan Steam Models]

[Monahan Steam Models]

Today was the first day in a week that I finally had some time to get a bit more work done on the launcher. Still have a few parts to make on the lathe for the lower tube but the meat and potatoes of the original design idea is just about there.

Nick

[Monahan Steam Models]

Awesome work. Such tiny parts in confined spaces while trying to hold tight tolerances and making it all play nice together is no easy feat.

The cuss words one needs in his tool box to accomplish such a tasks are only gained with hard won experience and dedication.

[He Who Shall Not Be Named]

Tom,

That launcher truly is a work of art as is such with so many other things David has created. I wonder how many of these units he built for the US Fleet Subs.

Nick

P.S. The bow plane mechanism is a work of art too in this scale!

Just the one.



I simply copied the retract mechanism on the TRUTTA (first boat I qualified on back in the day). Why reinvent the wheel?



David