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[canuck]

I want to build a WWII two man chariot submarine (human torpedo).
I've researched the internet and have a few photos and some overall sizes that are enough to develop the initial scale model.
Barbie or Ken (childrens discarded toys) will be the pilot, duely dressed in Siebe Gorman frogman suit.
I've built several scratch modles but never a submarine (always like to build something that is unusual  and try something new.
On the internet I've noticed Alexander Engle appear to have plug in units for submarines (pumps/motor/servos) and have thoughts this may be an easy way to power up my model.
Has anyone built this or a similar model on which they can share some experience for discussion/ideas?

[RickF]

This drawing appeared in Vic Smeed's Model Maker Annual (1963). Might be of interest to you.

Rick

[nhp651]

gawd, that's a blast from the past.
remember making one of those from balsa wood at the time.
forgot to put ballast on the bottom and it keot thowing me plastercine divers overboard. lol.
i've improved a bit since then/

[gingyer]

I am sure there was an article on someone building this in a magazine
within the last few years ahd he used Action men

[canuck]

RickF: Thank you for the cross sections, based on these I'll "adjust" the shape of the cowlings on my model.
As I'll use Barbie/Ken for pilots the model will scale to 40 inches long and have a diameter of 41/4inches. (should be lots of room for RC).
Some years ago I saw a video of this model in the tank in at a model show in Germany. I know there are some out there just need to get some details.
Thank you to the other responses also .... just need to get the word out....

[Subculture]

The late Steve Webb built a lovely chariot to 1/6th scale, thus allowing use of action men for the figures. The suits were scratchbuilt, using rubber gloves and brass. Unfortunately, as you can see in the shots the suits perished, probably as a result of chlorine content in swimming pool water.

[canuck]

Subculture:
Thank you for the pictures.
Based on these I've decided to build the shell in the same manner, split the model just behind the bosun's locker.
Great picture detail of the pilot and boson. I have some industrial strength garbage bags that I trust will see a new life as Gorman suits.
The rear view of the model is also much appreciated. I'd been fussing about strength of the rubber and elevators to minimize unwanted damage and will use information from these pictures to reach my goal.
Canuck from Toronto.

[TCC]

You need to get a copy of 'Above Us The Waves'. John Mills and co sinking the Tirpitz... you'll be pausing and rewinding with the best of them!

p.s did all charioteers have big hands? 

[amdaylight]

Greetings,

Instead of Barbie you might want to try and get two of the GI Joe Action Figures, one of the sets was for a frogman with air tanks, suit, and everything else. This would save time making all of the scuba gear.

http://www.kpgroup.com/gijoe/gijoe.html#anchor139437

Andre
over yonder in Portland Oregon

[canuck]

Thanks TCC
Will do.
Canuck from Toronto

[MCAT]

Another shot  which may help you.



Mick

[canuck]

Great picture.
It will help me with detailing the bosons locker and rudder control mechanism.
Still need to find more information about the RC mechanism.
Canuck from Toronto.