Model Boat Mayhem

The Shipyard ( Dry Dock ): Builds & Questions => Submarines => Topic started by: Voyager on August 01, 2006, 08:44:51 pm

Title: Big Dave's WTC's
Post by: Voyager on August 01, 2006, 08:44:51 pm
Has anyone been in contact with him, his web site is still running, but he's not answering emails.
Title: Re: Big Dave's WTC's??? Not respoding to emails, is he still in business?
Post by: Daryl on August 01, 2006, 08:52:48 pm
I hope he is I am just about to order one of his WTc's,any info I would be grateful to know.

Daryl
Title: Re: Big Dave's WTC's??? Not respoding to emails, is he still in business?
Post by: ambernblu on August 01, 2006, 10:07:50 pm

..... you and me and the three of us! I've emailed too but got no response either so far.

I picked up my Revell VIIc sub kit today and also got 4 rolls of asstd Tamiya Masking tapes (6mm to 20'ish mm) plus a bottle each of Maskol, Clearfix and Decalfix all for £55.00. If anyone wants the e-mail address, let me know - he has more stock of the Revell sub kits at £40 as well as the Corvettes I think. Cheers, Brian
Title: Re: Big Dave's WTC's??? Not respoding to emails, is he still in business?
Post by: Voyager on August 02, 2006, 12:05:27 am
Hi Brian,


Looks like sod's law has struck once again! I will let you know if i hear anything from him, i don't fancy the German version, too expensive for what it is.



Regards:Wayne/voyager
Title: Re: Big Dave's WTC's??? Not respoding to emails, is he still in business?
Post by: DavieTait on August 02, 2006, 12:17:22 am
There's just been a big sub-regatta over in the states and Daves been there so give him a week to catch up on his Emails. He posts on subpirates.com and the subcommittee website. Both good resource sites for R/C sub's. He posts under the name BigDave.

I'm going to build my own WTC, found a supplier for clear Lexan tubes off Ebay in the UK and Lexan sheet for machining the endcaps. Basically what you get with one of his WTC's ( all machined for you with the option of buying the bladder and pump I think ) along with the CD with building instructions.

I'll do a build thread once I get started. I'm going to use rare-earth magnets for the drive coupling and the couplings for the rudders/planes so there will only be one entry hole in the WTC instead of 4 so much safer.

Davie
Title: Re: Big Dave's WTC's??? Not respoding to emails, is he still in business?
Post by: ambernblu on August 02, 2006, 07:19:34 am

... agreed, Wayne - think I decided the German version is a bit too expensive...! Cheers, Brian
Title: Re: Big Dave's WTC's??? Not respoding to emails, is he still in business?
Post by: ambernblu on August 02, 2006, 07:23:19 am

... Davie. Your proposed build thread sounds good - I will be very interested.

Of course, if you want to build a few more of your 'modified' WTC's, I'm sure you would find a ready market for them!  ;)

Cheers, Brian
Title: Re: Big Dave's WTC's??? Not respoding to emails, is he still in business?
Post by: DavieTait on August 02, 2006, 12:49:38 pm
Brian once I get it built and tested i'll post up a full "how-to" thread complete with diagrams / etc. Lexan is the American name for Polycarbonate and there are plenty of suppliers in the UK for tubes and flat 5mm sheet. The end-caps have to be at least 5mm to alow for machining down the inside so it slips into the main WTC tube and you have to cut 3 grooves into the plug to take seals to keep the water out. As far as I know you have to pressurise your WTC before you set off so there is enough air in it to fully inflate the bladder in the ballast system , now the guys across the pond use a type of bottled compressed airbrush propellant for this , BUT , there are only a couple of types that are ok the rest will destroy the O-ring seals sometimes within a minute or so. I intend using nothing but compressed air via a 12v portable car tyre pump that i'll be running off a battery , just to to work out the pressure i'll need once I settle on the size of the WTC.

I'll be using UK sourced components ONLY and I will put up a full list of the source companies and prices as I go. First sub will be the Trumpeter Seawolf then once i've got a few of my fishing boat models built and i've done all the research for the Astute class SSN i'll drawn up plans and scratch build HMS Astute.

Davie
Title: Re: Big Dave's WTC's??? Not respoding to emails, is he still in business?
Post by: DavieTait on August 02, 2006, 08:14:58 pm
By how small do you mean would there be enough air in a 1 1/2" WTC for a small sub or is that about the size that you need to put some pressure in the wtc??

I've got a lot to learn about the RCAB's system so got lots of research before I build this.

Davie
Title: Re: Big Dave's WTC's??? Not respoding to emails, is he still in business?
Post by: Mankster on August 02, 2006, 09:05:44 pm
Quote from: DavieTait on August 02, 2006, 08:14:58 pm
By how small do you mean would there be enough air in a 1 1/2" WTC for a small sub or is that about the size that you need to put some pressure in the wtc??

I've got a lot to learn about the RCAB's system so got lots of research before I build this.

Davie

A ballast bag to free volume of the WTC (WTC volume - volume taken up by eqipment) ratio of 1:4 should be sufficient for a pump out of a battery operated blood pressure machine to work with.
Title: Re: Big Dave's WTC's??? Not respoding to emails, is he still in business?
Post by: ambernblu on August 04, 2006, 07:24:56 pm

....just had a response to my email request from Dave Welch.... he advises that he will be building more WTC kits very soon and I have requested to be put on the waiting list as soon as one becomes available.... just have to watch this space i guess!
Title: Re: Big Dave's WTC's??? Not respoding to emails, is he still in business?
Post by: Voyager on August 04, 2006, 07:34:48 pm
ATTN: Brian,


Just had an email from Dave, and he's still in business!


Voyager.
Title: Re: Big Dave's WTC's??? Not respoding to emails, is he still in business?
Post by: ambernblu on August 04, 2006, 07:44:59 pm

Hiya... yep, its good news as per my note earlier, so hopefully, with Mankster's and Davie's help too (many thanks to you both) I will hopefully know a little bit more of how to go about radio controlled submersibles before too long then!  :D
Title: Re: Big Dave's WTC's??? Not respoding to emails, is he still in business?
Post by: Youngat65 on August 04, 2006, 08:47:38 pm
i have just had an email from dave he has my WTC ready so must asumme that the previous notes on this thread were correct
                                                            Cheers
                                                                   Bob B
Title: Re: Big Dave's WTC's??? Not respoding to emails, is he still in business?
Post by: ambernblu on August 04, 2006, 08:58:18 pm

.... Excellent Bob.... will you let us know how you get on with it?
Title: Re: Big Dave's WTC's??? Not respoding to emails, is he still in business?
Post by: Youngat65 on August 05, 2006, 03:53:37 pm
Only if it turns out OK ... ::) ::)
Title: Re: Big Dave's WTC's??? Not respoding to emails, is he still in business?
Post by: ambernblu on August 05, 2006, 04:39:15 pm

.... I'm certain it will, Bob.

I realise I've ordered a different kit to yours, (mine's for a Revell VIIc) but your general impressions and any feedback on how easily understandable the instructions were would be a help....!!

Cheers, Brian

Dave's certainly got around to supplying yours quick, its only a couple of weeks or so ago isn't it?? So I guess the rest of us shouldn't have to wait too long then for ours.  :)
Title: Re: Big Dave's WTC's??? Not respoding to emails, is he still in business?
Post by: Youngat65 on August 05, 2006, 05:04:32 pm
Can't be more than Three weeks I bought the kit at Papplewick and ordered the WTC within days the cost by the way is almost £100 including carriage and what it will cost with import dudy I don't know .He does take Paypal as a method of payment though which makes things quick and easy
                                                                                              Cheers
                                                                                                  Bob B
Title: Re: Big Dave's WTC's??? Not respoding to emails, is he still in business?
Post by: ambernblu on August 05, 2006, 08:04:24 pm

... Bob, I forgot to ask if he accepts Paypal - thats got to be a bonus.  ;) So thanks again, Brian
Title: Re: Big Dave's WTC's??? Not respoding to emails, is he still in business?
Post by: Youngat65 on August 16, 2006, 04:15:14 pm
WTC arrived this morning nice bit of workmanship came complete with impeller, pump and CD packed with pics and info
Title: Re: Big Dave's WTC's
Post by: colin-stevens on August 16, 2006, 08:39:12 pm
what was the import duty. and dont forget, phots
Title: Re: Big Dave's WTC's
Post by: Youngat65 on August 17, 2006, 08:23:38 am
Didn't pay any import duty was marked as plastic parts , photos ? how much you prepared to pay ...........the wife soesn't like me posting them  :o ;D ::)
                                                                                                                Cheers
                                                                                                                    Bob B
Title: Re: Big Dave's WTC's
Post by: anmo on August 17, 2006, 09:24:52 am
Quote from: Youngat65 on August 17, 2006, 08:23:38 am
photos ? how much you prepared to pay ...........the wife soesn't like me posting them  :o ;D ::)
                                                                                                                Cheers
                                                                                                                    Bob B

Simple answer to that Bob, ask Martin to set up a new 'Readers' Wives' section on the forum. I'm sure that would open the floodgates to all kinds of interesting contributions......
Title: Re: Big Dave's WTC's
Post by: ambernblu on August 17, 2006, 10:02:56 am

... No, No, please not that....! I want to enjoy my breakfast read...!  ;D
Title: Re: Big Dave's WTC's
Post by: Youngat65 on August 17, 2006, 10:11:53 am
Ambernblue just let the wife read this thread ...............she says your dead.............. ;D ;D ;D
                                          All the best in your new life
                                                                Bob b
Title: Re: Big Dave's WTC's
Post by: ambernblu on August 17, 2006, 11:00:59 am

..... Hey, I've been there before Bob, doesn't scare me none (but the pics may though!)

Anyway, have been enjoying my 'new life' for 15 years now - and let me tell you - its magic! Only trouble is I have this recurring feeling of having gone deaf.... ;D

Cheers, Brian
Title: Re: Big Dave's WTC's
Post by: magpie on August 22, 2006, 02:40:39 am
I got a couple of WTC kits from BD too. Very good service from the man. I’m doing one for my 1/72 Blueback and 1/108 LA that will share it. The other is for my Steve Neill Washington that is still on it’s way. Here’s wat I’ve done so far if anyone’s interested. I’m using a Subtech motor and belt drive on the BB/LA one with APC and a Subtech 2 way switch and valve for the ait pump. I got the BD supplied bladders and pumps. It’s coming together nicely I think. Hope it works!
(http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/6762/bbwtc21aug066yy2.th.jpg) (http://img139.imageshack.us/my.php?image=bbwtc21aug066yy2.jpg)
(http://img166.imageshack.us/img166/7396/bblawtc3pm8.th.jpg) (http://img166.imageshack.us/my.php?image=bblawtc3pm8.jpg)
(http://img166.imageshack.us/img166/4920/bbwtc21aug061yq0.th.jpg) (http://img166.imageshack.us/my.php?image=bbwtc21aug061yq0.jpg)
(http://img166.imageshack.us/img166/9748/bblawtc4be4.th.jpg) (http://img166.imageshack.us/my.php?image=bblawtc4be4.jpg)
(http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/9712/bbwtc21aug065vn5.th.jpg) (http://img139.imageshack.us/my.php?image=bbwtc21aug065vn5.jpg)
(http://img166.imageshack.us/img166/4574/bbwtc21aug067ph6.th.jpg) (http://img166.imageshack.us/my.php?image=bbwtc21aug067ph6.jpg)
(http://img91.imageshack.us/img91/331/bbwtc22aug063pr1.th.jpg) (http://img91.imageshack.us/my.php?image=bbwtc22aug063pr1.jpg)
(http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/7369/bbelectesting3beltprotectormw6.th.jpg) (http://img216.imageshack.us/my.php?image=bbelectesting3beltprotectormw6.jpg)
25-Aug 06
I test assembled the WTC today after drilling and bonding the caps last night. It’s a bit different to the standard kit layout in that I’m using a Subtech switch and clippard valve. I mounted the receiver in the central tube instead of the rear one. The Li-poly battery will be mounted flat in the front tube as it's a bit bigger than Dave's in length and won't fit up against the front cap. I put the air hose outlet  in the front instead of having it go through the back cap and back out again at the top. This way I only need to seal one exit point and it gives me a bit more room. My apc is stickyback taped to a servo and the SSS switch for the pump is on the back of the receiver which fits nicely in the middle tube where I can easily get to it and see what crystal it has through the lexan. I'm putting the power switch bolts through the upper back of the front cap as I'd need to remove the whole WTC to access them if they were on the front or put a hatch in the fore deck etc. There's room for them there so it's cool.

(http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/480/bbwtc25aug063wc1.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)
This is a prop guard I made that clips on and off. It’s a precaution for when I’m learning to drive her and for my Scope guys who may back her into the bricks!
(http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/13/bbwtc25aug067propguardej4.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)

29 Aug 06
I still haven't received the battery for her yet, but put a 100gram lead bar in the battery bay and trimmed her in the dog bath with foam and lead. She'll start her sea trialls with her decks awash at full flood to save losing her before I get her sorted out. I'll add more lead later on.
This is her on patrol.

(http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/1029/bbavatarlx7.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)




Title: Re: Big Dave's WTC's
Post by: Voyager on August 22, 2006, 10:44:41 am
It looks like SUB zero conditions in your workshop, just look at all that snow :D
Title: Re: Big Dave's WTC's
Post by: magpie on August 22, 2006, 12:47:03 pm
Yes I must get the roof fixed! :D
Title: Re: Big Dave's WTC's
Post by: HS93 (RIP) on August 22, 2006, 11:08:26 pm
Ok so who is "BIG DAVE" ???????? Peter
Title: Re: Big Dave's WTC's
Post by: cbr900 on August 23, 2006, 03:45:56 am
If anybody requires pics of the David Welsh WTC pm me and I will send all I have, they are quite informative..
Mine works perfectly and it was not very hard to put it together the pics and instructions are clear and concise..

Roy
Title: Re: Big Dave's WTC's
Post by: ambernblu on August 23, 2006, 08:15:48 am
... hi HS93. You've probably gathered that Big Dave is Dave Welsh in the USA - his website is :

http://www.frontiernet.net/~bwelch/

I'm just waiting the e-mail from him to say there's a WTC ready for my Revell Mk VIIc U-Boat kit.
By all accounts it is sooooo simple to install! Oh yeah, until I get my hands on it then...!!  ;D

Cheers, Brian