1/144 Seawolf

[Radioman]

Just finished reading some old posts on building the Seawolf. Found them to be very helpful.

This being my first sub build, many of my questions have been answered. Will post pictures as I start the build. I don't have the WTC yet, was thinking of making my own but the best way is to buy one it looks like.

Tom Radioman

[Radioman]

Have started the build. Cutting flood holes and fitting the hull together.

[salmon]

Nice start. What have you learned from cutting out the flood holes?

[Radioman]

Salmon

They are a pain to cut out and file. Trying to cut them to the outlines. This is a first for me building a sub. Have built other ships.

[Ralph --- SSBN 598]

I am watching your progress.
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Flood holes.
They can be a pain to do.
What I learned many years ago, was to make wooden blocks that are cut to the size of the finished hole.
They are slightly tapered so they will fit in a under sized hole and then I can slowly file the hole bigger and the wooden block will go deeper in tothe flood hole until it is the correct size.
If I should over file the hole, I can put wax on the wooden block and use it to put body putty to fill the over sized hole to the right size.


And here a couple of blocks are in the hull.
The small flood hole in the back is not yet to correct size.
Just a little more filing was needed.


I think this makes cutting in and sizing floods a little faster with fewer redo(s).

[Radioman]

I am watching your progress.
----------------------
Flood holes.
They can be a pain to do.
What I learned many years ago, was to make wooden blocks that are cut to the size of the finished hole.
They are slightly tapered so they will fit in a under sized hole and then I can slowly file the hole bigger and the wooden block will go deeper in tothe flood hole until it is the correct size.
If I should over file the hole, I can put wax on the wooden block and use it to put body putty to fill the over sized hole to the right size.


And here a couple of blocks are in the hull.
The small flood hole in the back is not yet to correct size.
Just a little more filing was needed.


I think this makes cutting in and sizing floods a little faster with fewer redo(s).

I like your idea will give it a try. Never thought of using wax as a release agent just keep the suggestions coming need all the help I can get.

[Radioman]

Just to let everyone know I am still working on the sub. I have a few other projects going on also. a small carrier and the USS Balitmore.