OTW Type VII build in 1/32 scale

[bob the builder]

Well, I'm a terrible blogger. I keep telling myself that I'll post up progress on my builds as I make it, but then I get busy... and forget... and really have no other excuses.

Here is some information and pics on my current project, a 1/32 scale Type VII from OTW Designs. You can view more detailed information, more photos and videos of the build on my site at http:/www.rc-sub.com:

This is a commissioned build for a customer who bought it as a retirement gift to himself. Like all things, this has taken longer than I anticipated, but I'm getting near the finish line now, having nearly completed paint and hoping to move on to trimming within a week.

Here is how I received the hull. Most of the basic assembly was complete, but there was some damage in shipping that needed to be reworked. I also needed to redo the linkages as there was considerable binding. The OTW cylinder was fresh out of the box and I started my work on that aspect first. I installed a sound module that will pipe through an Engel waterproof speaker as well as a remote switch for turning the model on and off.

[bob the builder]

I moved on to fabricating some new torpedo shutters from brass sheet by embossing the rivets from behind. The brass railings were repaired using silver solder and new brass chains were installed.

It was here that I got serious. Shipping and handling a boat of this size (over 82" long) is challenging, and getting that big 4" diameter cylinder in the hull is also a challenge. I hated the idea of spreading the hull and jamming the cylinder through the top. It seemed like a recipe for cracked paint, damaged fiberglass and scratched cylinders.

So... I cut the whole hull into three sections. Theoretically these will fit into a Pelican transport case that will make transport a breeze and protect the boat from damage. The hull was cut with a diamond cutoff wheel and then 1/4" thick plastic bulkheads were put in place to keep the hull shape and bolt each section together on.

I also elected to install a bow thruster, though just how effective this will be is anyone's guess. I went with mounting the motor in the wet. It will be oiled well prior to and after each run. My research shows that this is a viable alternative to trying to seal the thing in a watertight compartment. Time will tell!

[bob the builder]

Now is probably a good time to note that this build will have three fully functional torpedoes; two front and one rear. I experimented with gas powered torpedoes with limited success. I found the path just too unpredictable and didn't like the dangerous aspect of messing with the liquid air.

From there, I committed to making an electric torpedo work. To that end, I sourced a (supposedly) 32nd scale torpedo kit from China. It was really not usable as it came, but the core stuff would work well to get me started. The key is finding a timer circuit that will only power the weapon for about 4 seconds or so after launch. The weapon is activated with a reed switch that is energized from a magnet from the launcher assemblies. A timer circuit that I found allows a customized time from 1 second to 4 hours. I have them set for between 3 and 5 seconds, which should be plenty of time to get the weapon about 10 or 15ft from the boat.

I ran into major issues with the cheap components that came from China, namely the batteries and reed switches. New ones have just been ordered and I created a new body in 3D and am printing that out.

Preliminary testing is really exciting and I can't wait for testing of these new weapons!

[bob the builder]

Here is a bit of a breakdown on my painting procedure. It's a departure for me from my usual methodology, but I'm excited about how it's turning out so far:

1.) Base coat of red primer
2.) Wet hull and apply rock salt. Let dry
3.) Base coat of appropriate gray colors. Highlight panels with airbrush.
4.) wet hull and scrub salt off
5.) matte clear coat
6.) Grimey black/rust paint dilution wash over entire model
7.) matte clear coat
8.) apply acrylic rust solution with clear matte acrylic and chalk powders
9.) apply semi-gloss clear
10.)Final weathering with pastels, paint, etc.

[bob the builder]

So, that brings me to where I'm at as of this morning! Next steps are to get the paint done and get it wet for trimming! Hoping for completion in the next two weeks, but we'll see if life complies!

[sam reichart]

awesome work on this model. I like the salt treatment; it's used all the time in static model kit builds!

[jefftytoo]

Ditto, Bob. Wow.

JeffP

[crowman17]

Looks great Bob ! I have to get mine done also.

Marc

[bob the builder]

Final paint and weathering is complete. You can check my YouTube channel under "RCSubGuy" for a complete work up if you're interested, but the Cliff's Notes version is that the final paint was applied, the salt scraped and washed off and weathering was accomplished with a mixture of acrylic matte clear and chalks. I really like how it turned out in the end. Jeweler's string (1mm diam) was used for the rigging and I fashioned some magnetic latches for easy disassembly of the rigging for access and transport.

All in all I really like how it turned out.

Now.. on to trimming!

[scott t]

So when you press the remote button will it make a klaxon horn sound or the automotive chirp?
Great job Bob.

Scott T

[bob the builder]

Here is the YouTube video link for those interested!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XzeRqgq36qY

[sam reichart]

Beautiful job Bob. I would be interested to see how well the hull splits you created hold up, and how smoothly the joints look where they come together. The deck removal is so ,u h less an issue with the way you've split the hull.

[sam reichart]

that should have been "much", not ", u h" in my last post. where's the friggin "edit" button?

[bob the builder]

Trimming is complete!

I've successfully trimmed out the boat over the weekend. I was very surprised that I actually ended up with more flotation than I needed, which was a very good thing as it's much easier to add weight or remove foam than it is to add foam if space is limited.

The boat has full surfaced trim at the correct waterline and submerges on a perfectly even keel. I'm very much looking forward to how it will perform during her maiden voyage which will likely take place on or about the 8th of next month (I'm leaving on a business trip this weekend for two weeks

Enjoy the video!:

[thor]

Looks great, Bob!