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A while back I grabbed a Lindberg IJN 1/72 I-53 kit. I'm going to attempt (attempt) to build it as an r/c boat. I'm shooting in the dark here, so stick with me as I trudge through uncharted waters. I'm sure I'll make a few mistakes along the way. But then, that's where the real fun is.... in the learning.
This beast is about the same size as the Revell Gato, coming in at just over 58 inches long.
In following with the directions (probably the only time I will) the first step is to install the torpedo tube doors. I was a little miffed to find that the true installation of the doors has them as being closed, whereas the picture shows them open. Oh well. I'm not going to fight over the little details.
There is also an inner brace that is screwed into place to cover all three doors on each side.
There are inner braces throughout the length of the inside of the hull that, in the stern, would interfere with the installation of the prop shafts. A quick sanding job with a Dremel got them out of the way.
The stern is already equipped with holes for the prop shafts to run through. They needed just a touch of enlarging. I had good luck in that the shafts that came with the kit are exactly 1/8", so putting in place my own metal shafts will be an easy chore.
On the inner stern, I used aluminum 1/8" ID tubing as a place holder and support for the prop shafts to eventually run through. These supports were welded in place with a two-part marine putty that hardens after about an hour and cures overnight. So enough for today.
This beast is about the same size as the Revell Gato, coming in at just over 58 inches long.
In following with the directions (probably the only time I will) the first step is to install the torpedo tube doors. I was a little miffed to find that the true installation of the doors has them as being closed, whereas the picture shows them open. Oh well. I'm not going to fight over the little details.
There is also an inner brace that is screwed into place to cover all three doors on each side.
There are inner braces throughout the length of the inside of the hull that, in the stern, would interfere with the installation of the prop shafts. A quick sanding job with a Dremel got them out of the way.
The stern is already equipped with holes for the prop shafts to run through. They needed just a touch of enlarging. I had good luck in that the shafts that came with the kit are exactly 1/8", so putting in place my own metal shafts will be an easy chore.
On the inner stern, I used aluminum 1/8" ID tubing as a place holder and support for the prop shafts to eventually run through. These supports were welded in place with a two-part marine putty that hardens after about an hour and cures overnight. So enough for today.
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