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[uboatbuilder]

Has anybody attempted or in the process of converting this to static dive, as I am about to start one any help would be greatly appreciated. Modifications, dive units etc.

[ambernblu]

... Hi.... there are some interesting links on this subject started by Voyager...

http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=1052.0

I'm picking up my kit on Tuesday this week - not sure if i can afford the conversion just yet though, but hope to make a start asap!

Cheers, Brian

[uboatbuilder]

HI! I followed voyagers links aswell and im still waiting on replies. if you hear anything could you please let me know, as im desperate to start. likewise if I hear anything i will let you know.

                                                  GOOD LUCK!

[ambernblu]

Hi... There seems to be a growing army (oops Navy!) of us which is good - plenty of support to lean on.... and shoulders to cry on maybe too!!

I've ordered the Norbert Bruggen book from Traplet Publications, but i would really like to know which of the conversion systems (Big Dave's(!) in the USA or Norbert Bruggen's) is best fitted to do the job....

Thats the $6,000,000 question for me -which will give the best performance and value for money (and effort!) 

Answers on a postcard to......! Cheers, Brian

[uboatbuilder]

I was going to get Big daves because with Norberts you have to cut away the stern section like a Robbe u47 which i dont want to do. However checking dimensions of Big Daves unit it is 2 inches at its widest point but the sub is only just 2 inches wide at its widest point so im not sure how i would remove it for maintenance. And do you have a price for norberts unit?

                             What do you think is best?

  PS. I also sent you an email did you receive it. just need to check if it worked

[ambernblu]

... Hadn't noticed that measurement on Big Dave's - bit worrying or what! Nor was I aware of the drastic cut to the stern necessary using Norberts system either - although the drive unit looks wondeful! So not sure what to go for as before!

I do have a quote from Norbert and I can send you that (I haven't received an email from you, but you can use my email address on my profile no probs at all - or send me a PM via this forum and I'll send you the quote by return)

Cheers, Brian

[ambernblu]

.... hi, I've just checked both sites again and re-watched the two excellent videos - fires you up for sure don't they?!

I can't see a problem with either kit to be honest - except maybe there are extras needed with big Dave's (I'm still confused as to what you get and don't get for your money with this one!) so i need to sort that out. As for the construction, they both seem to fit the kit and both obviously work very well!

So back to square one for the time being again - who's WTC kit to go for?? help?? 

[Mankster]

I have a untouched (too many project on the bench!) Revell Type VIIc & Dave Welsh WTC.  With WTC you get all the polycarbonate tubes, endcaps, sealing orings and a CD with contruction pics. He also sells an air pump and bladder for the ballast sysytem. The WTC will fit throught he opening in the hull without modification. This is because The WTC is actually composed of 3 separate parts that fit together after you have placed them separately inside the hull. Very neat.
I addition you will need 2x GWS motors and gear boxes, 4 x Subtech or similar seals, you have a choice of using a shreader valve to empty the bladder or an electronic valve like the Clippard. Also 2x brass props.

If anyone is interested I have all of the above and could be convinced to part with them 

[uboatbuilder]

HI mankster I already have the kit but am very interested in the dive unit. how much are you looking for it? What method of payment would you accept. poastal oreders? I dont have a cheque book or credit card. could give me your phone number please to talk about it?

[ambernblu]

Hi Mankster...

How much more dosh do you reckon you would need to spend to add to the kit price and Dave Welsh's dive unit in order to make the model completely ready to sail...??

Cheers, Brian

[Mankster]

Hi Brian, I guess it depends what you want add. 2 motors and gearboxes £20, Air pump and bladder £20, Subtech seals £10,  2 brass props £15, Shreader valves cost nothing but you need an extra servo to operate them. If you go for the electronic option using a valve and electronic switch, I guess that would be about £30. A failsafe to blow ballast in case of loss of signal is a must at £10-£15. A auto leveler is not needed but nice to have at £45. Then its down to radio gear, ESC and batteries.

Ramesh

[Mankster]

HI mankster I already have the kit but am very interested in the dive unit. how much are you looking for it? What method of payment would you accept. poastal oreders? I dont have a cheque book or credit card. could give me your phone number please to talk about it?

Hi, I would only consider selling everything together. I don't have price in mind as I haven't really though about it. I guess a little less than cost price. If your in the UK then you'd save on postage from the States, the dreaded VAT, import duty and Royal mail clearing fee.

[uboatbuilder]

how much would u sell for with the kit aswell

[ambernblu]

Mankster... thanks for being the font of wisdom on this! I reckon then with the Dave Welsh kit and postage from the US - plus all your other bits and pieces you listed, we would be looking around £300 including the cost of the Revell kit?? Am I close??

If I'm not far out on that figure, Norbert's kit is very much competitive on price then - maybe slightly more expensive, but maybe a better lead time also??

Thanks anyway - Cheers, Brian

[Mankster]

I don't know how much Norberts kit cost, but to get a WTC kit from Dave up to Norberts spec would cost £70 for the WTC Kit with the air pump and bag, £20 for the twin motor gearbox and £10 for the seals. So about £100 intotal. I don't know if Norberts kit includes one of his ESCs and ballast tank switches, so you may have to add that to compare the the two kits (£20 ESC, £10servo and micro switch for controlling airpump & £10 failsafe).
The main down sides of Norberts kit is that you have to butcher the hull, its just not going to look right with a vertical cut down the whole of the sub. If your not too worried about scale appearence than this may not matter. Also there is only a single motor so you cant use differential steering to help you steer (long thin boats just dont turn well, especially when they have tiny rudders, and whats the point having a small sub if you can only use it large lakes?). Norbets kit is designed to use the Revell kit props. You can also use these with the Daves kit too if you like, but most people fit brass ones (look better, work better IMHO). Norbert only take payment via bank transfer, if you don't have a Euro account you bank will charge around £20.

[ambernblu]

Mankster... thanks for the low down again - yep, just been going through that thread again you supplied and Big Dave's WTC kit squeezes in well without chopping up the hull - that certainly does sell it! I'll have to see if I can order one from the States then although he does say there is a delay.

Many thanks again. Cheers, Brian