Got my Robbe U 47

[noney]

I received my Robbe U 47 kit yesterday. Holy crap! Having said that, I am looking forward to beginning construction. I will not post any kind of construction thread as it has been done, but I will ask questions from time to time. I already have one and I am just on the first page of the "assembly instructions". This question may sound quite simple minded, but I learned a long time ago not to assume I understand everything there is to understand about a subject.

The instructions on page 21 state, "when using Stabilit-Express spread the adhesive out thinly and avoid thick filets or resin." (I have Stabilit-Express) The next line is in "bold" print and states, "Use cyano-acrylate glue ("cyano") for all joints unless stated otherwise".

My assumption would be that this means, if you are not using Stabilit-Express, then use CA. Is this an accurate assumption?

The instructions also refer to "glasspaper". I would assume this is an abrasive paper using silicone chips, which is pretty much "sandpaper". Is this correct?

Thanks, Gene

[Rogue Sub]

I would read that and

I would read that and think that everything I put together is going to be using CA (cyano) and only use the other when specifically told to do so.

CA is the building block of this sport and makes sense to me.

As for glass paper

http://palimpsest.stanford.edu/don/dt/dt1548.html

Now about this no build thread business. I for one want to see a build thread. I want to see what the kit comes with. I want to watch how it goes together. I know you say it has been done before but, everyone one likes to see the work in progress. It is the best part, I think, of this website. You get to watch projects come to life. Not to mention with a build thread, if someone notices something that was missed or incorrect we can correct you before it is to late. In the Navy we call it watch team back up and many people would be dead or injured without it!

So, I guess what I am really saying is.... I wanna see some pictures. I am really glad you got your boat. Was it the one you really wanted to build or did you have a different deciding factor?

Kevin

[noney]

As for glass paper
http://palimpsest.stanford.edu/don/dt/dt1548.html

Now about

As for glass paper

http://palimpsest.stanford.edu/don/dt/dt1548.html

Now about this no build thread business. I for one want to see a build thread. I want to see what the kit comes with. I want to watch how it goes together. I know you say it has been done before but, everyone one likes to see the work in progress. It is the best part, I think, of this website. You get to watch projects come to life. Not to mention with a build thread, if someone notices something that was missed or incorrect we can correct you before it is to late. In the Navy we call it watch team back up and many people would be dead or injured without it!

So, I guess what I am really saying is.... I wanna see some pictures. I am really glad you got your boat. Was it the one you really wanted to build or did you have a different deciding factor?

Kevin[/quote]

Hi Kevin,
After I posted these questions I realized I should have posted in the Builder's catagory. I appreciate your comments concerning a builder's thread on my boat, and perhaps I will do that. I am gathering the modler's tools I need, and I have to order CA as no one near me here on the coast carries it. After I get everything together I will start a thread on the Builder's forum. I especially like your thoughts regarding comments from those that could help me. I will need all that I can get.

Yes, it is the boat I wanted to start with. I like the old style submarines and am planning to purchase more of the same after I get this one together and operating. I am pretty sure I am going to buy a Sub Driver from Caswell after I get further into the kit I have right now. I was chatting with Kerry Addington thru emails and he thinks it would be a good idea too.

Thanks again for the information and comments.

Gene





Gene

[polaris]

I have to agree with

I have to agree with Kevin on the thread thing, no matter your level of expirence or if the model has been done before, shoot most all the kits out there today have been done and most have threads here, you should at least post a progress report complete with pictures as you go.

I had never assembled a sub before and posted a thread as I went along. I cant tell you how much help I received, not to mention having your work posted for everyone to see will also help you to stay on track, case in point, I became too fixated with details instead of focusing on getting the thing done and in the water, Mr Merriman was the one to point that out to me, I certainly appreciated his time to comment and get me back on track. (He was spot on right) Once you start a sub your never really going to be done with it anyway, its forever a work in progress, details and finish work can always be re-done later. Things can happen and before you know it your project takes a back seat and never comes to completion.

So post a thread and keep us informed, ther are lots of folks that like to see projects take shape, at least I do even if its not mine. It can always serve as inspiration for others.

And NO Kevin that was not a But Kiss , just an agreement.

Regards,
Stuart

[noney]

Hi Stuart, I read your

Hi Stuart, I read your thread and bookmarked it for future reference. I took notice of Dave Merriman's comment at the time about too much focusing on the detail. That was a good comment and gave me something to think about as I waited for my kit.

As soon as I get all the stuff I need together, I will start a thread and we will see what happens. Thank you for your comments.

Gene

[Rogue Sub]

What you butt kiss Stuart?

What you butt kiss Stuart? Not after we try to run your boat over on its first deployment!! LOL I like to refer to those little incidents as custom weathering!

Glad your gonna make a post nooney. I look forward to your build as I have always want to see what the kit really comes with.

Kerry is a great guy aswell. As always make sure you get what YOU want... its your money.

Kevin

[JWLaRue]

Let's see if we can

Let's see if we can get some folks who have built one of the robbe kits to respond here about the Stabilit-Express and/or CA question. I'm a little nervous about saying that CA should be used only because the folks that have built one of these have always noted that they use the Stabilit-Express as per the instructions.

Maybe the difference is between overlapped joints vs. butt joints?

-Jeff

p.s. Where ever you do use CA, make sure to cover it with paint as CA is not waterproof! It will degrade with time in the water.

[noney]

Hi Jeff,
I've got the

Hi Jeff,
I've got the Stabilit-Express and was planning on using it exclusively. I believe you had commented to me in the past regarding this issue. Anyway, I was planning to use it, and then I read the instruction sheet and because of the apparent contradiction, decided to ask here on the forum about CA. It is interesting that Robbe would suggest using CA if what you say is correct. I am not questioning that fact, your being correct that is, but Robbe does not mention covering it with paint. Perhaps that is assumed. What are your thoughts on that? I have used CA on model trains and model planes with no problem, but, and this is a large but (not one to be kissed I might add), I never operated a model train or plane under water.

The truth is, I have never used Stabilit-Express and I guess I'm a little worried about that. I really like hearing what you guys have to say.

Kevin, not to worry about my buying what I want. I like to take advantage of you guys with the experience, but ultimately I know I must make the decision. I usually end up going with what I feel viscerally as it is usually right for me. Most everything I know, I learned from someone else.

Gene

[JWLaRue]

Hi Gene,

.....I use CA all

Hi Gene,

.....I use CA all the time for my r/c subs....but almost exclusively for non-structural attachments. The few times I have used it where structural strength is needed, I have had some failures if it was not painted.

Stabilit-Express seems to have good reviews from those who have used it. (I've not had the opportunity).

The wording of the robbe instructions does seem a bit odd. that's why I'd like to hear from one of our U-47 experts! (just to be safe)

-Jeff

[bob_eissler]

When I built the type

When I built the type 7, I used the slow setting super glue on the internal parts and was disappointed with the brittleness of the joins. When building the type 21, I used epoxy for plastic bonding that is readily available at Menards (Walmart has a similar one) and was much happier with the strength of the joints. the Type 21 is much less work than the type 7. On the Type 7, add more supporting material to attach the front pieces to the center section and make sure the watertight compartment is watertight before adding the rest of hull parts to it.

[tsenecal]

The skin of the Robbe

The skin of the Robbe type VII is ABS plastic. use a glue like this:

http://www.rplastics.com/weldon4807.html

it will literally weld the plastic together.

same for glueing the tech tray parts together.

use the stabilit express to glue the plastic to anything else, like the tech tray to the endcaps, or the brass parts to the endcaps.

and yes, my first sub was a robbe type VII, and that is how I built it.

[noney]

Bob, thanks for the comments

Bob, thanks for the comments and "heads up". I will watch these for this on the build.

Tsenecal: I just happen to have a container of the 4807 and will do a little experimenting with it. How long ago did you build your boat?

Gene

[tsenecal]

it was built in 2002.

it was built in 2002.

[fgroza]

There are similar glues available

There are similar glues available at Kmart,Walmart etc, that are labeled 5 min. plastic cement. It is very close to Staublit but less expensive. It contains meythel methakrelate ,spelling ? It is made by Devcon,Permatex and others. Just look at the back and see if it contains MM. This stuff sets up hard and bonds to plastic by fusing itself to the base material.
Frank

[noney]

I'm up here in Glacier

I'm up here in Glacier National Park and have somehow found a place where I can log onto the internet. Very low strength. If you have never been up here, try to make it someday. This is my first time and it is amazing. Anyway, just as soon as I get back I am going to start a build thread. I am sure I am going to need a great deal of help.

Gene