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[BlueWotsit]

Anyone got any information on this sub ?

I've got the chance of one of these, ready assembled at a good price and would appreciate comments good or bad on it

Are there any upgrades / modifications I should need to consider ?


cheers
Andrew

[Subculture]

A very big boat, so I hope your back is okay.

Engel boats have a sophisticated dive system, so make sure you check the boat out well before handing over the readies.

The main things to check are the operation of the twin ballast tanks, and the integrity of the pressure compartment.

Andy

[BlueWotsit]

thanks for that, can you expand on the dive system for me

cheers

[das boot]

I'll go along with Andy, the Engel Gato is one big boat, and heavy with it. I had an Engel Patrick Henry and that weighed a ton...having said that though, once in the water and under way, it was the most stable sub I've ever owned. The ballast system is superb, but if it goes wrong you'll need a pretty full wallet to get it sorted.

Check it out completely before you had over any cash...do a google search for Alexander Engel, their website is very interesting. You also pop over to subpirates.com and check out the build threads section, there's one or two guys over there that have that same boat.

You'll not regret owning it if you do decide to buy it though, they are terrific boats to own and operate, with plenty of room for additional extras.

Good luck, keep us all posted on your decision.

Rich

[Subculture]

Simply put, the ballast system contains two piston tanks, which work like giant syringes, sucking in water and pushing it out. These are postioned either side of the boats centre of gravity, so the boat dives on an even keel. The pistons are actuated through threaded rods, which in turn are connected to an electric drive through a brass gearbox. The pistons are prevented from exceeding their travel at each end by limit switches (microswitches)

The electronics used to control all this will vary according to the package originally ordered, and how old the boat is (this kit has been around for a looong time).With the least sophisticated system the tanks are controlled by bang-bang operation, at the most sophisticated the tanks can be controlled proportionally like a servo.

It's readily possible to upgrade the electronics, so if it's an old boat, don't let that sway your judgement, the mechanics of the boat haven't changed much if at all over the years.

For more information on Engel boats, have a visit of their website-

http://www.modelsubmarines.com

[BlueWotsit]

thanks guys.

Ive arranged to see the boat next weekend, so as they say... watch this space..............

cheers

[BlueWotsit]

I've bought it - turns out it isnt completed yet, in as much as the electronics need installing, and external hull painting required.

Having said that everything else needed has been supplied brand new and in original packaging, even expoxies ....

Also saw the original receipt from last December........ wow the full kit was certainly expensive !!!!!

Now to work out how to get it all together   

[J.beazley]

Time to start yourself a build thread for all us mayhemmers to drewl over 

Jay

[das boot]

Now to work out how to get it all together   

Go on my son, you can do it...

Good luck, and don't forget a build thread with loads of pics!

Rich

[BlueWotsit]

I can certainly do the pictures once underway (probably about a months time) - no doubt lots of questions to post as well   

[Wasyl]

Nearly a year later and still no pics,

Wullie

[das boot]

Sunk without a trace...


Rich