WTC/Dive unit

[scrumpyjack]

Has anyone got or know where I can obtain a design for a WTC/dive unit please.
I just haven't got the dosh to buy a ready made one plus I'd like to have a go at 'doing it' myself.
Fred

[robert f.]

DeepSeaDesigns used to sell a

DeepSeaDesigns used to sell a general arrangement plan for a WTC. I'm not sure they still do, but you could give it a try. Look for their URL in the vendors' list.

Regards,

Robert

[polaris]

Nuke Power posted a detailed

Nuke Power posted a detailed thread on a do it yourself WTC over at SubPirates in the How To section.

[scrumpyjack]

Unable to access Subpirates, and

Unable to access Subpirates, and cannot find DeepSea Designs. But thanks

[Guest]

First link that comes up

First link that comes up on google-

http://www.deepseadesigns.net/

[scrumpyjack]

Yes thats as my be

Yes thats as my be but the link just times out!!
Did you actually try it? Cos I can't get it to work.
Fred

[Guest]

Yep, works okay at my

Yep, works okay at my end.

[Guest]

Seems a bit flaky- perhaps

Seems a bit flaky- perhaps that site has some bandwidth issues. The plan was featured in a past issue of the report.

It was a few years ago, and unfortunately I can't recall what number the issue was. Perhaps someone else can chip in here?

To give a bit of background to this design, it uses a gas system. If this system is your cup of tea, then you'll like the design, if not it won't offer so much.

It's always helpful when asking about this sort of thing what your skill level is, and what tools and equipment you have at your disposal.

[robert f.]

I just tried the link

I just tried the link above and it worked fine.

The drawing is for a WTC 3.0" diameter x 11.75" long, but of course the general idea of its layout can be used in any size WTC.

And as SubCulture stated, a bit more info on your skill level, ambitions and equipment available is always helpful.

Robert

[scrumpyjack]

Well there's a question, whats

Well there's a question, whats my skill level!!??
How do you measure skill level? And what skill level are we measuring here? And surely if you are prepared to have a go ie the enthusiasm to try then aren't you a good way to making a reasonable fist of any job!! Plus if I make a cock up I have only myself to blame.
So what kind of skills you chaps got or had when you first took up making model boats?
Like the old saying 'Someone who has never made a mistake has not made anything!
Anyway skill levels
I'm or was till I took early retirement a Royal Navy trained electronics engineer having spent 24 years maintaining electrical/electronic equipment mainly on submarines and for 14 years primarily sonar equipment. Whether that has any relevance in your eyes only you can assess.
As for tools I have a fairly well equipped workshop (well garage and large cave (cave is a big wine store but without wine in my case!!) The only thing I lack is a lathe but have a father in law with one, lathe that is.
My modelling skills are pretty good having built an Imara tug, a Krick typeIIb U boat brought back to life a very large trawler. Admittedly my Type IIB U boat albeit complete I never got it into any water!! Oh and I am after two weeks a good way thru the completion (or making the bloody holes in the casing!!) of my recently acquired Sheerline Type VII
What else would you like to know? Or do I pass the skill test?
Sorry !!

[Guest]

Sounds like you have what

Sounds like you have what is required. Crack on!

[scrumpyjack]

Sounds like you have what

Sounds like you have what is required. Crack on!

Oh boy! Thanks!!
Right anyone got a decent WTC/Dive unit design please.

[myles yancey]

Sounds like you have what

Sounds like you have what is required. Crack on!

Oh boy! Thanks!!
Right anyone got a decent WTC/Dive unit design please.

Hi Fred
If I remember correctly there were a few articles printed in earlier SC Reports give me a little time and I will look up which SC Reports for you.

Thank You
Myles

[JWLaRue]

Fred,

The September 2000 issue of

Fred,

The September 2000 issue of the SCR (#42) has the article Ballast Tank Construction and the December 200 issue (#43, our first color cover! ) has the companion article How to Construct an R/C Pressure Hull ....both by Greg Sharpe.

The combination of the two will allow anyone with reasonable hobbyist skills to build their own dive module.

-Jeff

[Guest]

The link I posted to

The link I posted to earlier is the only published design I know of.

When I asked what skills you have, I was looking for an answer along the lines of- I am proficient with hand tools, I can cut and saw straight, file a flat side to a datum edge. Drill and mark out, happy with the use of a lathe etc. Might seem obvious, but I don't know you or your background. Submarines are hardcore- make a mistake it costs you, dearly.

As an electronics engineer, you should find wiring up the boat a cinch.

With regards to tools, just about everything can be fabricated using simple hand tools. It's easier to make endcaps and true up a cylinder if you have a lathe, but not essential. If you have a bench or pillar drill it will make light work of drilling out the endcaps for shafts, pushrods etc.

The problem with creating a generic design for something like a WTC, is that everyone has their own ideas on what makes a good system. Some swear by gas, some swear at it, some favour piston tanks, others dislike the pressure they place inside the cylinder etc. etc.

This explains why there are few plans or drawings out there. Most people look at how others do it, and ape them, perhaps adding an idea or two of their own or mixing lots of other peoples ideas together.

Additionally, some boats lend themselves better to a dry hull than a wet hull system. Some need special designs to overcome packaging issues.

If you haven't got it already, I suggest purchasing a copy of 'Model Submarine Technology' by Norbert Bruggen, available direct from Traplet.

This is a scratch builders 'bible' and covers comprehensively most areas of model submarine construction. Areas of special interest to a builder of a WTC or dive module are the sections on materials and their strength, sealing the cylinder and any entrances and exits from the cylinder including push rods and rotating shafts.