Model Boat Mayhem

The Shipyard ( Dry Dock ): Builds & Questions => Submarines => Topic started by: herrmill on April 03, 2009, 08:15:22 am

Title: 1/72 Foxtrot Kit
Post by: herrmill on April 03, 2009, 08:15:22 am
After several false starts on this project last year & after seeing Arkmodel's new 212 several weeks ago, I asked Mr. Feng if he would be interested in developing a 1/72 Foxtrot.  He just confirmed that today in an email.

The kit will be produced from a CNC master with FRP split hull, loads of detail, masts, fittings, props & will be available with the same options found on his 212 & Type 39 Song: bollard & mast elevation, torpedo cab, etc..  He also will be offering a matching WTC.  Size TBD but it would be between 75-100mm with 3 motors. 

Kit pricing is approximately $365 for the Foxtrot & $220 for the WTC. RTR models would be available as well.  Lead time is to be 3-4 month once deposit is placed.

I have no financial interest in this project & am promoting this only so we have another interesting model available in the market.  After seeing his 212, I have no qualms with what the kit will look like & plan to proceed with an order next week.

To make this happen, we need to see 10 sub enthusiasts who will commit to an order, so lets see a show of hands here who would be interested.  We're currently at 7 so its getting close to happening.   

Feel free to send me a PM if you have any questions or want additional details. 

Chuck

Title: Re: 1/72 Foxtrot Kit
Post by: herrmill on April 07, 2009, 11:25:44 am
From the replies I've received since Friday's post, we have 7 confirmed buyers & more than a few others thinking it over. TF72 members are being notified in their April newsletter so I expect we'll hit the magic number within the week.  One of those committed is well-known in the sub community for his line of WTC / ballast systems which will eventually be offered for the kit.

If you're on the fence or think you don't have funds, we're running this as a co-op with 3 installment payments starting with only $110 deposit to get this rolling with estimated delivery by 1 Sept.  Once this initial run is made, prices will undoubtedly rise so get on the bus while you can.

If anyone else here is interested, please get with me at your earliest convenience for more details.  Thanks.

Chuck
Title: Re: 1/72 Foxtrot Kit
Post by: herrmill on May 09, 2009, 02:04:57 am
We are stuck at 8 committed buyers & need 2 more to make this project a reality.

If anyone here is interested in a new Foxtrot kit, please get with me.

Chuck


Title: Re: 1/72 Foxtrot Kit
Post by: Albion on May 09, 2009, 03:52:24 am
cmon guys, this should make a nice model
Title: Re: 1/72 Foxtrot Kit
Post by: andyn on May 09, 2009, 01:52:47 pm
I'm sure there will be many people interested, there's a big sub scene over here and in America. I'm afraid I won't be, as I do IC, but I'm sure there will be.

Just as a sidenote, has anyone done a K-19 yet? The one featured in K-19, The Widowmaker. I know it's probably not all that accurate, but it's my favorite film...

Best of luck to you.
Title: Re: 1/72 Foxtrot Kit
Post by: herrmill on May 14, 2009, 02:05:34 pm
We've got one more commitment & come hell or high water, we're making this happen even if it means one of us doubling up on 2 kits.   

I'll keep updating here as we progress on the kit development with Ark, so if anyone else here wants in on the ground floor, let us know. 

Personally I can't wait to see this boat running alongside USS Requin, my late fleet snorkel Gato.  :-))

Chuck
Title: Re: 1/72 Foxtrot Kit
Post by: herrmill on September 15, 2009, 04:12:07 pm
We've had a false start earlier this spring on the Foxtrot but I'm happy to report that this new kit is a go with an expected delivery in the first quarter of 2010. 

Besides actually seeing a kit go into development, the best part of the news is that 1) the kit is not made in China, but by a US-based firm & 2) no deposits are required from buyers to get this one off the ground. 

Rick Palumbo of RPM Tech will be doing the development, production & marketing of the kit once he completes an exciting new sub project this month.  If you don't know of Rick's work, visit his blog http://www.rpmtech1blog.com (http://www.rpmtech1blog.com) where you can see his Kilo, Marder & Seehund. I have his 1/24 Seehund & can attest to his workmanship & design simplicity. 

This Foxtrot will be a true dead-on 1/72 scale for our TF72 friends Down Under & come with detail not normally seen in FRP kits such as hull plate deformation (oil canning) & those ugly weld seams Soviet subs were known for.

More details to follow. 
Title: Re: 1/72 Foxtrot Kit
Post by: herrmill on October 20, 2009, 09:12:02 am
I wanted to share some photos of Rick's progress over the past few weeks since starting on Project 641.  :-))

He plans to offer a triple screw 2.5" twin piston ballast system to go with the sub.  Anyone who would be interested in the kit can get more info by contacting Rick at RPM Tech.

Those of us who had been pining for the Fox are already kicking around some ideas for a follow up sub which include anything from British R, T & U class, an early WWI German u-boot to the French Surcouf

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/fox005.jpg)

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/fox007.jpg)

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/fox009.jpg)

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/fox019.jpg)

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/fox015.jpg)

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/fox016.jpg)

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/foxt002.jpg)

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/fox021.jpg)

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/fox026.jpg)










Title: Re: 1/72 Foxtrot Kit
Post by: herrmill on October 24, 2009, 11:29:13 pm
Photos of the final stern shape before plating.

(http://s2.postimage.org/mJ9FA.jpg) (http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=TsmJ9FA)

(http://s2.postimage.org/mJjE9.jpg) (http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=TsmJjE9)

(http://s2.postimage.org/mJr7A.jpg) (http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=TsmJr7A)

(http://s2.postimage.org/mJIAA.jpg) (http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=TsmJIAA)


Title: Re: 1/72 Foxtrot Kit
Post by: herrmill on October 25, 2009, 12:42:17 am
Boy, does this guy work fast!  :-))

(http://s1.postimage.org/U5_XA.jpg) (http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=gxU5_XA)

(http://s1.postimage.org/U62rJ.jpg) (http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=gxU62rJ)

(http://s1.postimage.org/U6jUJ.jpg) (http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=gxU6jUJ)
Title: Re: 1/72 Foxtrot Kit Update - Tower
Post by: herrmill on November 01, 2009, 11:32:48 pm
Here are a couple shots of the tower in progress. 

Note the large torpedo behind the Foxtrot in the 2nd photo.  Rick's also been working on a 1/6 Neger kit that will be coming out shortly.  Imagine the possibilities with a torpedo in that scale...   :o

(http://s4.postimage.org/1ydoiS.jpg) (http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=aV1ydoiS)

(http://s4.postimage.org/1ydqO0.jpg) (http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=aV1ydqO0)

(http://s4.postimage.org/1ydti9.jpg) (http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=aV1ydti9) 
Title: Re: 1/72 Foxtrot Kit
Post by: herrmill on December 11, 2009, 06:03:07 am
Here are some new photos showing recent progress on the Foxtrot.  More detailing remains to be done including seams, rivits & oil canning.  :-))

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/foxtrot002.jpg)

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/foxtrot003.jpg)

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/foxtrot005.jpg)

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/foxtrot007.jpg)

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/foxtrot008.jpg)
Title: Re: 1/72 Foxtrot Kit
Post by: john j on December 11, 2009, 06:41:13 am
What is the silver 'skin' that simulates panels done with, aluclad or the like ?
Title: Re: 1/72 Foxtrot Kit
Post by: herrmill on December 11, 2009, 06:51:08 am
One of America's greatest inventions.... duct (or duck) tape.
Title: Re: 1/72 Foxtrot Kit
Post by: john j on December 11, 2009, 10:34:03 pm
One of America's greatest inventions.... duct (or duck) tape.

Simple, but very effective  :-))
Title: Re: 1/72 Foxtrot Kit
Post by: Albion on December 12, 2009, 12:48:28 am
yet another use for it :-))
Title: Re: 1/72 Foxtrot Kit
Post by: herrmill on December 12, 2009, 04:31:22 am
Yes, we'll really looking forward to this kit knowing that Rick is committed to detailing this as close as he can given the scale he's working with. The following link will give you an idea of what we're striving for:

http://www.ipmsusa2.org/Walkarounds/05-10-30-foxtrot/page.html (http://www.ipmsusa2.org/Walkarounds/05-10-30-foxtrot/page.html)

Was told that photo etch was sent off today.  :-))
Title: Re: 1/72 Foxtrot Kit
Post by: herrmill on December 12, 2009, 10:12:37 pm
Here is the tower with the exhaust and running lights added. 

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/foxtrot001.jpg)

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/foxtrot002-1.jpg)

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/foxtrot003-1.jpg)
Title: Re: 1/72 Foxtrot Kit - Prop Master
Post by: herrmill on January 17, 2010, 12:21:02 pm
Here's a photo of the prop master that will be used to make a mold of this prop before, using the same master, bending it for opposite rotation for the other mold.

The hull is done & Rick is now starting on the deck which is pretty detailed which will take some time. Once completed, he'll mold and have the hull, props and detail kit ready along with photo etch vents.

Release of the kit is slated in the first quarter with WTC to follow later. 

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/foxprop.jpg)
Title: Re: 1/72 Foxtrot Kit
Post by: herrmill on January 19, 2010, 11:50:05 pm
Rick's in the final stretch before making a mold this week.   :D

Here are some examples of "oil canning" done to the hull.   Frame stations seen under the skin from bouncing up against the pier, wave action, etc... 

We're seeking consensus now from those interested in the kit if this this nasty enough looking like a Fox during its mid-career stage.  Since this is an "open-source project", any & all input is certainly welcome. 

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/Subs/foxtrotdamage005.jpg)

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/Subs/foxtrotdamage004.jpg)
Title: Re: 1/72 Foxtrot Kit
Post by: Sub driver on January 20, 2010, 10:43:36 am
Carn't see any pics just adverts for Photobucket PRO and states bandwidth exceeded. <:(
Title: Re: 1/72 Foxtrot Kit
Post by: herrmill on January 20, 2010, 11:19:13 am
Yea, just noticed that on another forum.  I'll see what we can do to work around this.  <*<
Title: Re: 1/72 Foxtrot Kit
Post by: herrmill on January 22, 2010, 02:47:16 am
Ricks's put this baby to bed & started with the hull mold today.

Won't be long, boys, before we have ourselves a Foxtrot kit!!!   :-))

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/Subs/foxmolds002.jpg)
Title: Re: 1/72 Foxtrot Kit - Prop Master
Post by: tigertiger on January 22, 2010, 03:22:47 am


Release of the kit is slated in the first quarter with WTC to follow later.  





Note to Brits. In American English the word 'slated' means scheduled.

Note to Americans. In British English 'slated' usually means panned, or heavily criticised.

Note to Chuck.
I hope my Louis Heloise does not get torpedoed if I bring it to Hangzhou. Now that the Chinese Navy will be patrolling Tiger Hole.
Title: Re: 1/72 Foxtrot Kit
Post by: herrmill on January 22, 2010, 03:29:52 am
Thanks for the clarification, TT.  Its "scheduled" for release next month.  

Don't worry about me sinking your lovely cutter.  By the time you get here, you'll be able to call on the Royal Navy who'll be back in force in local waters with their submarine Holland 1.  ok2

http://www.rpmtech1blog.com/132-scale-u-k-holland-submarine-from-1900   (http://www.rpmtech1blog.com/132-scale-u-k-holland-submarine-from-1900)

http://www.rnsubmus.co.uk/submarines/holland1.htm (http://www.rnsubmus.co.uk/submarines/holland1.htm)
Title: Re: 1/72 Foxtrot Kit
Post by: tigertiger on January 22, 2010, 03:34:34 am
HMS Holland 1 looks cool.
Title: Re: 1/72 Foxtrot Kit
Post by: herrmill on January 22, 2010, 05:04:15 am
Rick does some very nice work, doesn't he? 
Title: Re: 1/72 Foxtrot Kit
Post by: Martin (Admin) on January 22, 2010, 06:17:35 am
One of America's greatest inventions.... duct (or duck) tape.

Just picking up on the duct tape 'plating', could you give us (me) more retails please...
1, Is it applied in strips or plates?
2. How is the rivet detail accomplished?
3. Duct tape is quite 'soft' (cloth based in Britain), isn't it prone to wear, tear * damage?
4. How is it waterproofed / sealed?

Martin 
Title: Re: 1/72 Foxtrot Kit
Post by: herrmill on January 22, 2010, 06:38:03 am
Martin,

I would recommend you contact Rick Palumbo directly for this since he's the artist building the kit. 

Its a common practice using tape for detailing a master plug.  Steve Neill did the same technique using 2 mill aluminum foil tape which I posted 1-1/2 years ago on the BK1125 thread:

http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=9051.0 (http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=9051.0)

Chuck
Title: Re: 1/72 Foxtrot Kit
Post by: Circlip on January 22, 2010, 09:31:09 am
Looks like it's only being used to create the detailed "Riveted" and "panel lined" surface for the master F/G plug Martin. The cloth based silvery coloured tape that you are reffering to Martin is not the one shown in Herrmills photos. If you check with specialist suppliers, the one shown is self adhesive Alumininininium foil on a roll about 38 - 50mm wide. THIS was the original "Duct Tape" used in the ducted warm air heating trade for sealing the round and rectangular metal duct joints.

  Regards  Ian.

  Think you may also get it from "Tune up" motorist stores, used for "Sealing" exhaust systems.
Title: Re: 1/72 Foxtrot Kit
Post by: herrmill on January 22, 2010, 09:38:26 am
Ian,

You're spot on with your comments.  I guess one could use it for detailing a one-off build but this is being used strictly for the master plug.

Chuck
Title: Re: 1/72 Foxtrot Kit
Post by: Circlip on January 22, 2010, 12:18:01 pm
Might be OK for a static model, but could be  too soft for a bank basher.

  Regards  Ian.
Title: Re: 1/72 Foxtrot Kit
Post by: herrmill on January 31, 2010, 11:58:34 pm
Hull molds are done & production's about to start for those who placed a deposit on the kit once the initial build is complete.  Props have been outsourced to David Merriman to speed up production & first glimpse of David's work looks fantastic! 

Gantu sent us some new photos for reference on detailing the Foxtrot. For those not on the distribution list send me a PM with your email & I'll be happy to forward the 70+ photos & drawings that I received.

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/Subs/foxtrotmolds.jpg)

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/Subs/Foxtrott_78.jpg)

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/Subs/Foxtrott_71.jpg)

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/Subs/Foxtrott_20.jpg)

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/Subs/Foxtrott_22.jpg)

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/Subs/Foxtrott_68.jpg)
Title: Re: 1/72 Foxtrot Kit
Post by: herrmill on February 04, 2010, 08:18:53 am
Rick sent in a new photo as he prepares to make the tower mold. In case I hadn't mentioned before, deck & vents will be photo etch.

I was privy to several emails on the prop / scopes / mast work that David's doing & have to say what you'll see once the photos come in will blow your socks off!

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/Subs/foxsail.jpg)
Title: Re: 1/72 Foxtrot Kit
Post by: herrmill on February 10, 2010, 09:01:33 am
Here are photos of the prop work that's underway by the master himself.

Masts, scopes & other fittings will are soon to follow.

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/Subs/DSCN0166.jpg)

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/Subs/DSCN0170.jpg)

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/Subs/DSCN0171.jpg)

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/Subs/DSCN0178.jpg)

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/Subs/DSCN0181.jpg)

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/Subs/DSCN0186.jpg)

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/Subs/DSCN0188.jpg)

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/Subs/DSCN0192.jpg)

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/Subs/DSCN0194.jpg)

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/Subs/DSCN0195.jpg)

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/Subs/DSCN0199.jpg)
Title: Re: 1/72 Foxtrot Kit
Post by: herrmill on February 16, 2010, 03:45:27 am
Here are a few photos of David's work on the masters for the Foxtrot masts. 

You can read David's "cabel report" on the original build thread over at RCG: http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1112097&page=8

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/Subs/DSCN0149JPG.jpg)

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/Subs/DSCN0134JPG.jpg)

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/Subs/DSCN0136JPG.jpg)

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/Subs/DSCN0139JPG.jpg)

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/Subs/DSCN0142JPG.jpg)

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/Subs/DSCN0152JPG-1.jpg)

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/Subs/DSCN0153JPG-1.jpg)
Title: Re: 1/72 Foxtrot Kit
Post by: herrmill on February 16, 2010, 11:50:30 am
More photos from Mr. Meriman of the radar mast. Not bad, eh?

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/Subs/DSCN0162JPG.jpg)

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/Subs/DSCN0165JPG.jpg)

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/Subs/DSCN0175JPG.jpg)

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/Subs/DSCN0180JPG.jpg)

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/Subs/DSCN0183JPG.jpg)

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/Subs/DSCN0184JPG.jpg)

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/Subs/DSCN0185JPG.jpg)

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/Subs/DSCN0188JPG.jpg)

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/Subs/DSCN0193JPG.jpg)

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/Subs/DSCN0194JPG.jpg)
Title: Re: 1/72 Foxtrot Kit
Post by: herrmill on March 02, 2010, 04:38:22 am
Aside from the photo etch decks & vents & the fittings Dave's currently working, the Foxtrot is essentially done.

Here are a couple photos of the buoys Rick sent late last week.

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/foxbuoy002.jpg)

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/foxbuoy001.jpg)
Title: Re: 1/72 Foxtrot Kit
Post by: herrmill on January 06, 2011, 02:57:06 am
For those patient enough to wait, David sent out an email last week advising he's back on the project & expects to have tooling completed within the next few weeks. Here's an excerpt & photos from his email for those not on the mailing list:

A number of months ago I took on the job of producing the 'fittings kits' for this product. After considerable delay, I'm back on the job and will prepare a proper Cabal Report on the continuing effort, where I'll better detail the work.

As you can see, I'm going whole-hog on this project. A number of decades ago a ship I was on, towing a barge across the Mediterranean, was shadowed by one of Omar's FOXTROT's, so this boat is near and dear to me...

Anyway, I'm putting the rest of the holiday in on this project and hope to have tooling by the first week of the new year.

Thanks for hanging in there with me, guys.

David,


I'm excited to see that the kit is getting closer to completion. Feel free to contact Rick at RPM Tech for more info.

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/Subs/DSCN0161.jpg)
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/Subs/DSCN0134.jpg)
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/Subs/DSCN0154.jpg)
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/Subs/DSCN0167.jpg)
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/Subs/DSCN0170-1.jpg)
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/Subs/DSCN0182.jpg)
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/Subs/DSCN0185.jpg)
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/Subs/DSCN0188-1.jpg)
Title: Re: 1/72 Foxtrot Kit
Post by: herrmill on January 06, 2011, 02:57:51 am
Another update from David:

Lots of work done on the FOXTROT sail today -- all of it internal: finished the bridge platforms, soldered brass ladders, most of the frames and stringers, and refined the internal shape of the GRP sail to make things look a bit more business like.
 
Tomorrow I finish the frames and stringers, complete the mast lift cylinder upper flanges, detail the ESM/ECM antenna, and get to the deck mounted folding antenna.


Happy New Year!  :D

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/Subs/005.jpg)

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/Subs/002.jpg)

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/Subs/008.jpg)

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/Subs/011.jpg)

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/Subs/004.jpg)

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/Subs/088.jpg)

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/Subs/093.jpg)
Title: Re: 1/72 Foxtrot Kit
Post by: herrmill on January 06, 2011, 02:59:04 am
Some new pics from David of his work on the bridge.  :-))

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/Subs/013.jpg)

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/Subs/012.jpg)

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/Subs/042.jpg)

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/Subs/032.jpg)

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/Subs/024.jpg)

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/Subs/038.jpg)

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/Subs/037.jpg)

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/Subs/020.jpg)
Title: Re: 1/72 Foxtrot Kit
Post by: herrmill on January 06, 2011, 03:00:21 am
And here are shots of Rick's prototype retract mechanism for the bow planes based on what he's done earlier for Kilo.  Fox retract is shown on the right of the Kilo's & in the second photo.

Last is of the shaft housings that will be molded in the hull.

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/Subs/P1010002.jpg)

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/Subs/P1010003.jpg)

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/Subs/P1010001.jpg)
Title: Re: 1/72 Foxtrot Kit
Post by: herrmill on January 06, 2011, 03:01:35 am
Lastly, here's David's latest installment as be begins work on a new SubDriver WTC designed specifically for the Fox.  This guy will do anything to meet a deadline!
 
OK, guys, here's another look at the work I'm doing on the FOXTROT project. I have every confidence that you will have no problem following along, as I'm fond of observing to others: My readers are a pretty sharp group of guys, the cream of the crop, actually. I can't say that enough ... honestly!
 
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/Subs/005-1.jpg)
 
Desperate situations demand desperate measures! The damn Taig lathe belt broke last week and I can't do any heavy turning with it till the replacement belt arrives. I've been making do with rubber bands ... that's right, rubber-bands! ... but when the time came today to turn a RenShape master of the FOXTROT motor bulkhead, sized to fit a 2.5" Lexan cylinder, the Taig was simply not up to it.
 
So, I put the little drill press on its side, pressed a gel-cell battery into service as the foundation of a tool rest, chucked up a 1/4-20 machine-bolt used to hold the work, and spun a hunk of RenShape into shape. It isn't pretty, boys and girls, but it works!
 
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/Subs/008-1.jpg)
 
OSHA standards?! ... we don't need no stinking OSHA standard!
 
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/Subs/009.jpg)
 
Using the shop drawing I prepared of the FOXTROT SubDriver motor bulkhead to guide me as I took the work to the critical diameters.
 
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/Subs/012-1.jpg)
 
Turning work on the drill press... err ... lath requires the insertion of a good firm mandrel through the work -- that was accomplished by drilling a hole through the center of a RenShape blank hacked out on the band saw, taping the hole for a 1/4-20 bolt, inserting the bolt, and making things fast at each end so the mandrel can't rotate within the work. Then its a simple matter to spin the work and do your worst.
 
This is a close-up of the shop drawing of the proposed FOXTROT motor bulkhead. The trick was to come up with a three-motor arrangement. It turned out that a motor bulkhead sized to fit a 2.5" cylinder would be big enough to accommodate three 280 sized motors. And the good news was that these motors -- employing the German formula: you can direct-drive a propeller providing the propeller diameter does not exceed the motor can diameter significantly -- were only a tad smaller in diameter than the propeller each would spin. Simplicity at its finest!
 
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/Subs/015.jpg)
 
Showing off the ass-end of Rick's magnificent hull -- this is the business end where the three propellers swing in the breeze. Above, you see some of the components that go into the WTC/SubDriver that will be developed specifically for Rick's FOXTROT. The one unique item, to what will in all other characteristics be a 'standard' 2.5" SubDriver, is the use of the three-motor motor bulkhead -- seen here in the form of a tooling master. Tonight the first half of that rubber tool is curing -- tomorrow morning will see creation of the second half of that tool, And by late afternoon I'll have some pre-production cast resin parts in hand.

Tomorrow night I'll have the first pre-production FOXTROT SubDriver in hand.
 
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/Subs/020-1.jpg)
 
The SubDriver I'm producing is but one option for the eventual FOXTROT customer: Rick will produce his own WTC, featuring an ingenious floating-piston ballast sub-system and hoists for retractable masts.
 
Now, it's back to the Caswell work and a long promised re-visit of a RTR USS MIAMI, and some SKY-DIVER master making.
 
Busy, busy ...
Title: Re: 1/72 Foxtrot Kit : Photo Etch
Post by: herrmill on February 14, 2011, 02:47:04 am
Here's a preview of the photo etch for decks & grating. 

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/foxdeckpreview.jpg)
Title: Re: 1/72 Foxtrot Kit - Hull, SubDriver & Torpedo Fit
Post by: herrmill on February 16, 2011, 06:47:45 am
Here are some photos that David sent out today as he preps the hull for running gear & accessories.

As requested by those who first proposed a kit, the hull will be split horizontally at the waterline to allow full access.  As you can see, there will be plenty of room for running gear & torpedo launchers should you want to go all out with this beast.

David's prototype Sub-Driver™ for the Fox with its 3 direct drive motors which will include an ESC on the central shaft that will kick in at 75% power for full ahead & astern applications.  Anything under that, the port & starboard shafts would be turning just like the real thing which will also go a long way towards conserving your battery power. 

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/009.jpg)
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/010.jpg)
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/013.jpg)
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/017.jpg)
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/018.jpg)
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/019-1.jpg)
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/020-1.jpg)
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/022-1.jpg)
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/023.jpg)
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/002-1.jpg)
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/herrmill/004-1.jpg)
Title: Re: 1/72 Foxtrot Kit
Post by: Albion on February 18, 2011, 06:31:59 am
kEEPS GETTING BETTER
Title: Re: 1/72 Foxtrot Kit
Post by: herrmill on March 21, 2011, 11:59:07 am
For those following this thread, the PE is finished & parts are being fabricated for the kit.  Rick is currently modifying the hull to make it as upper/lower sections with flange split on the waterline.

David Merriman is currently building the prototype hull & will be posting one of his entertaining Cabel Reports on Caswell's Sub-Driver forum in the coming weeks.

In the meantime, you can see some of David's work on the Foxtrot in the new Sub-Driver Gazette that's available as a free PDF download via the link below:

The-Sub-Driver-Gazette (http://"http://support.caswellplating.com/index.php?/Knowledgebase/List/Index/48/the-sub-driver-gazette")