Model Boat Mayhem

The Shipyard ( Dry Dock ): Builds & Questions => Submarines R&D: => Topic started by: Hodgy1990 on April 11, 2016, 06:24:15 pm

Title: ballast system help
Post by: Hodgy1990 on April 11, 2016, 06:24:15 pm
Hi all im needing to locate a ballast bag system have found some but only in the us and delivery is a few weeks. Does anyone know of anywhere in uk to get them. Cheers
Title: Re: ballast system help
Post by: Subculture on April 11, 2016, 06:47:32 pm
Are you after an air bag system or a water bag system?
Title: Re: ballast system help
Post by: Hodgy1990 on April 11, 2016, 07:05:31 pm
Water bag system as this seemed to be the easyest one to do
Title: Re: ballast system help
Post by: Subculture on April 11, 2016, 07:59:40 pm
What size and type of boat is it going in, and what kind of volume are you looking to displace?
Title: Re: ballast system help
Post by: Hodgy1990 on April 11, 2016, 08:05:42 pm
Its a 6ft British u class sub if am not mistaken
Title: Re: ballast system help
Post by: Subculture on April 11, 2016, 08:23:55 pm
A water pump based bag system is generally best suited to smaller models with low waterlines- the opposite of what you have.

 better option would be a hard tank, with a centrifugal pump. This will pump quickly. there are also commercial alternatives like R&R and OTW, who can supply modules suitable for that size of boat.
Title: Re: ballast system help
Post by: Hodgy1990 on April 11, 2016, 08:44:44 pm
The hard tank setup how is that one done and what components are needed. Never done a sub before so this is uncharted teratory for me
Title: Re: ballast system help
Post by: Subculture on April 11, 2016, 09:02:37 pm
That would require a great deal of explanation- we're talking books worth of info.

I suggest getting yourself some reading matter. All the Traplet books on Model Submarines are worth getting. A subscription to the Sub Committee will get you online access to the full back catalogue of over 100 issues of the club magazine.

Personally i would say you are coming into this hobby at the sharp end, and would recommend you start with a good kit which has all wrinkles ironed out, and save the U-class for your second project.