Torpedoes - combining magic with batteries, capacitors, and motors

[salmon]

Several years ago, I wanted to build an electric torpedo.
I had worked out weight and using a David Merriman's cast torpedo could have made it work, except....battery. I found watch batteries, but they would need replacing and I would have to make a timer that would stop after 10-15 seconds. David Merriman mentioned I should look at high capacity capacitors and gave me the name of someone to contact. I tried to get ahold of the person mentioned, but never heard back.

I ended up setting that aside because sub building was my first desire.

Just recently there was some interest in building a torpedo, but that too faded away.

So, my intent is crack open the topic of a capacitor run torpedo and offer enough information that people can play and explore on their own. Hopefully, posting build projects and success/failure stories.
To add value to membership, I will put this WIP in the members only section. What do you think?

[scott t]

I like the idea of a capacitor.
Another idea is to buy one of those mini RC cars and make your running
gear from it. Rechargeable battery and motor.
If you could get the RC to work you might be able to steer stop and start using the
other parts. I think some cars use infrared signaling.

If this group can't bring the torp to finish how about the video below. Sorry for the divergence Tom!

https://youtu.be/kq6fJkLv3Hc?t=52

[JWLaRue]

Tom,

What scale are you looking to build?

-Jeff

[sam reichart]

Looking forward to it. I always wanted to stuff some torpedoes in a big OTW Type XXIII.

[thor]

Be very careful with high capacity capacitors. If you don't know what you are doing you can burn the crap out of yourself.

[salmon]

Thanks guys....Scale is not a consideration. All I want to do is get a proof of concept going and let the creative minds run. I did build a 3D torpedo that I will gladly share when I finish posting.

[JWLaRue]

We have quite a library of good information in our back issues of the SCR. A quick scan of the SCR Index shows a number of articles on working, scale torpedoes. Two that seem most relevant to this discussion and should provide some assistance are:

• The Evolution of Miniature Electric Torpedoes: issue 50, page 20
  
• Snapshot: Small Motors for Torpedoes: issue 52, page 43

btw: I have the torpedoes that are seen in issue 50. Gary sold them to me a few years ago.

-Jeff

[salmon]

btw: I have the torpedoes that are seen in issue 50. Gary sold them to me a few years ago.

-Jeff

Jeff,
I am not sure if I should hate you or not. I am truly jealous as those torpedoes are a work of art.

[JWLaRue]

Agreed, quite an impressive build achievement. I consider myself just the caretaker of these things. I do need to bring them out and run them....and take some video.

-Jeff

[salmon]

Coming this issue of SCR, I discuss an experiment I did to build a electric capacitor torpedo. I will share here more of that design and further experimentation with going to 1/72 scale-ish torpedo. This has been a fun item to play with!

[ccontrol]

Tom,

What scale are you looking to build?

-Jeff

I'm thinking 1:1

Too much?

[salmon]

Slightly, and it is too hard to transport unless you are suggesting I model a 1:1 Gato to launch it!

[bob_eissler]

Picked this up at Toys R Us for around $12. Think the guts can be transferred to power a torpedo very easily.

[hunter h]

cheers Bob Martin did some torpedoes with a timer and capacitor drive they were posted on YouTube . h