USS Dolphin finished model - AGSS-555

[fx models]

Hi guys...

I wanted to close the loop as promised even though it generated zero interest the other day [ha ha] and show the final model of the Dolphin we sent out to San Diego today. Yesterday it was an epoxy hull out of the mold and by today, it was finished and out the door. I am SO mad. I went through all the trouble to make this one particularly fine detail and in the end I forgot to put it on the boat. ARGGHHH... It was tiny and not noticeable in all likelihood but I will give them a $4 discount. ha ha...

Here is a brief overview of the Dophin, courtesy of the Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet]http://www.fxmodels.com/AGSS-555/DSC_5171-640x480.jpg[/img]
Overall image


Sail closeup. Sail numbers ARE that big on the placard for the boat. Behind safety bar in aft bridge are two periscope wells which on the model are engraved detail with yet more rivets around them.


Port side sail showing ladder rungs and other details


Tail Surfaces and prop


Forward draft markings. Protrusions from hull are lift pads and hull mounting points for other equipment


Bow showing plates, covers, gratings...

[jutland67]

Superb work as always Marc,and

Superb work as always Marc,and what a different subject. By the way, how do you make the numbers for the draught markings on the rudder ? I have to make some also in 1/72 scale for my OTW Trafalgar class.

[tmsmalley]

Fantastic work as always Marc!

Fantastic work as always Marc! A real masterpiece. That would be a great one to RC. Be sure to let us know when hull kits are available.

[fx models]

Thank you very much for

Thank you very much for the nice comments.

@Jutland
The draft markings I drew up in CAD and with the benefit of our laser cutter I cut them out. I can go smaller but there is a lower limit with very tight detail, not due to the laser but to the material being cut. Still you can get pretty tight! I use white sign vinyl which is 2mil [.002"] thick. It is quite good and after it bonds to the hull will not come off in water. A sealer makes it even better.

@Tim
As far as a hull kit, Tim, Dave Merriman and I talked on the phone a couple of days ago, and we are sending him both a Mystic hull and the Dolphin hull so that he can work WTC magic on both. Mystic will actually be a second project even though it was done long ago. Dolphin is easy since it has only stern planes and rudders. No sail or bow planes. Ballast is important on such a boat...

[jefftytoo]

I join the others in

I join the others in commending your amazing work, Marc. (Um, though there's still that little matter of a Seaview enclosure . . .)

When you were in San Diego doing that Dolphin virtual tour work you mentioned the other day, did anyone bring up anything about her upcoming decommissioning? It was all the talk at the WWII SubVets meeting I attended at the Seal Beach Weapons Station last weekend. Not a dry eye in a house -- a houseful of diesel boaters!

Jeff Porteous

[fx models]

I join the others in

I join the others in commending your amazing work, Marc. (Um, though there's still that little matter of a Seaview enclosure . . .)

When you were in San Diego doing that Dolphin virtual tour work you mentioned the other day, did anyone bring up anything about her upcoming decommissioning? It was all the talk at the WWII SubVets meeting I attended at the Seal Beach Weapons Station last weekend. Not a dry eye in a house -- a houseful of diesel boaters!

Jeff Porteous

Hi Jeff,

Yeah there is this little Seaview enclosure yes... what about it?

Sorry Jeff, Navy has to come first and you have been perfectly patient waiting for us. Heck I haven't even asked you for money yet! ha ha

Actually I heard the 'ugly rumour' as certain folks have been calling it and its just that, a rumour. At this point there are no specific decomm dates for Dolphin unless things changed in the last two weeks... and I am sure I would have heard something.

[fx models]

When you were in San

When you were in San Diego doing that Dolphin virtual tour work

whoops... Just noted what you said. Virtual Tour work has not been done yet.

[jefftytoo]

Sorry, Marc, guess I mixed

Sorry, Marc, guess I mixed up my dates. Next time I'll stick to figs. (Ouch.)

Okay then, if and when you ARE in S.D. working on the Dolphin virtual tour project, lemme know! I'd love to drive down from L.A. for a visit if possible . . . Seaview pre-pays notwithstanding.

Thanks,
Jeff

[novagator]

Excellant work, very nice!!!

Excellant work, very nice!!!

[fx models]

Thanks John... The model was

Thanks John... The model was delivered and the folks in San Diego were very happy. Now they want more... always a good sign.

Marc

[JWLaRue]

Hi Marc,

It sure looks to

Hi Marc,

It sure looks to me like we have a new "top of the modeling" heap around here!

-Jeff

[fx models]

Awww gee shucks now Jeff!

Awww gee shucks now Jeff!

I think that I am just more vocal that's all!

By the way I saw images of Steve Reichmuth's new sub he is making [1/40 scale French Arethuse class boat] and its spectacular so far. He created the masts using lost wax casting and his sail pattern is gorgeous. Hopefully he will post it ver here if he hasnt already.

Marc