plug and mold - who done it and how

[john b]

Hi all
I was wondering who done there own and how did you build yours . Ive done a bunch of ship hulls which are alot easier
but for a nuke sub did you make the plug then split it or did you make your plug in 2 parts
thanks for your input
john

[bob the builder]

Different application than the one

Different application than the one you're asking about, I'm sure, but if you're interested in seeing how I did my Nautilus, look here]http://www.rc-sub.com/disneynautilus.html#nautamolds[/url]

[anonymous]

Here's another thread on scratch

Here's another thread on scratch building I did. BTW Bob's work is outstanding!

Steve

http://www.subcommittee.com/cgi-bin....type+17

[john b]

Bob and Steve
I just got

Bob and Steve
I just got done checking out both of your guys work and all i can say is simply amazing.Bob i cant beliave the amount of detail on the nautilus glad to see you went with the rubber mold cause i wreck a few plugs myself from not putting enough release agent on.I dont think id ever have the patience to take on somthing like that .definitly at work of art. Steve your build really gave me alot of ideas on doing my plug and mold as 1 member said you make it look so easy.you hadve some great ideas for doing the detail work . definitly so fine craftsmanship from the both of you .Buy posting your builds it really does inspire new guys such as myself to get more involed. hats off to you guys
john

[anonymous]

And hats off to you!

And hats off to you! Your what we hope to see. Can't wait to see you start a project! If you need any help just yell!

Thanks so much for the kind words.

Always happy to inspire,

Steve

[tmsmalley]

Here's my write up on

Here's my write up on my scratch project John. http://www.rc-submarines.com/Alligator_Junior/

Give a "holler" if you need more info!

Tim

[john b]

Tim
The Alligator is awsome

Tim
The Alligator is awsome ,I really love the conning dome . i take it its all scratch built?
john

[pirate]

Bob and Steve,
I looked at

Bob and Steve,
I looked at some of the projects you guys have done, and the number of them. You guys are machines! Your wives must feel like widows. Amazing how you guys find the time. Excellent work!

Pete

[anonymous]

Pete,

That's d amn nice of

Pete,

That's d amn nice of you to say! Don't forget Tim too. He's one of the best!

Steve



Edited By U812 on 1133905443

[john b]

Ok question for Bob Steve

Ok question for Bob Steve and Tim
If you were building the ohio what way would you guys make the mould givin the size of the ohio .would you
1. make the plug in 2 pc's
2.make the whole plug the try moulding it in 2 parts
thanks for your guys suggestens
john

[anonymous]

My personal preference would be

My personal preference would be to make a solid plug and mold it in two pieces. Worked very well on my the type 17. I show you just how to do it in my thread.

But by know means is that the only way to do it. Gentleman?

Steve
--

[pirate]

John,

You got it right for

John,

You got it right for the process I use, building a two piece mold box. Here's a link to the material I use.

http://www.dickblick.com/zz335/08/

I use the Por-A-Mold hard so the sides will stand up on there own. But it took 4 gallons, $160, to do my 1/96 Virginia—

http://www.geocities.com/submarineworks

But even if you could afford it for your Ohio, I think either using the Por-A-Mold Thixotropic backed up with something rigid, it's painted or spatula'd on like in Bob's Nautilus process, or a straight fiberglass mold would be best. Then there'd be no chance of it changing shape on you, is the way to go.

[john b]

Pete
I would really love

Pete
I would really love to go with the rtv but a $165 bucks for a 10lb container im sure id need quit a bite for the ohio. sure i can make the box tight to the plug but it would definitly be to flexiable . so i tink the fiberglass mold is going to be the best route

[anonymous]

John,

the BJB 50/40 I used

John,

the BJB 50/40 I used was about 100 bucks a gallon. On my 45 inch type 17 I used a gallon. With the right material the RTV does have to be very thick. 1/8 of an inch in some places on my mold and plenty strong and is very hard to tear.

The other option is a parting board and a two piece glass mold.

But then you have to wax and PVA each time you do a layup. Bith wotk great. The glass mold is harder to work with but much cheaper. The RTV costs more but is easy to work with. Your call.

Steve

[john b]

Steve
Ive done both ways and

Steve
Ive done both ways and i love the rtv not only is it easier to pull fromm but it takes detail extremely well. when i did a super struture for my NJ battelship i was able to pull casting a much as i wanted. The fiberglass mold is cheaper but i also had a problem when i was making a mold the pva didnt release right and i ended up destroying the plug.
john