New guy with Revell 1/72 Type VII C R/C conversion question....

[thor]

I can get you in touch with Dan if you change your mind. His craftsmanship is pretty incredible.

[indiana_mike]

That would be great, Thor. I will at least see what hes offering.

[bob_eissler]

Guess I can add to the discussion.
I feel the Type VII is the most iconic U boat and I think the other U-boats are most interesting as well. I have a Revell type VII I brought to last year's Carmel fun Run but didn't have to time to test it out in the pond there. I used, and strongly recommend the Merriman fittings to adapt it. I have a RC Sub groups WTC in it. There are 2 problems with the wtc: it uses a peristaltic pump and balloon. This means it takes about a full minute to dive and surface. Also, the wtc comes as a kit without instructions and the pictures and video they show are conflicting so you have know what you are doing to get it put together.
Unless you are experienced and have a 75 Mhz transmitter and receiver, I strongly recommend you use an easy-driver for your Type VII. Use their standard sub-driver if you want more. The plastic hull flexes fine to get a 2" cylinder in and out. Don't feel you have to by their electronics package as well. You can find cheaper on hobby king or other suppliers.
I am building a Revell Type IX this winter with Merriman fittings and sub-driver. It is about as far along as Salmon's build. Not finished but good enough for buoyancy testing if it was warm enough. This is larger than the Type VII and a better candidate for your first sub.
As far as the 1/48 scale Arkmodel Type VII, I bought one last winter and had no trouble with delivery. I paid with Paypal after delivery so there was no risk involved. Trumpeter is showing a 1/48 scale model and I can't help but wonder if it is the same molding, worth waiting for. I'm not a fan of their wtc so I'm thinking you would have to make one yourself about 3 to 3 1/2" in diameter and less than maybe 30" long that will displace enough water. A bit of a challenge.
I should add that I am a big fan of plastic kit conversions. No they are not as strong as a fiberglass hull but you can easily get one together in a month or two with lots of scale detail versus the year or two of bringing a fiberglass hull of a u boat up to the same level of detail. I just hate cutting out all of the limber holes in fiberglass!
Oh I should mention I have a Robbe Type VII, my first sub. It is a good learning experience and has enough size to be impressive but don't get carried away trying to make it a static diver!

[indiana_mike]

Bob, thanks for all that info...i may have to pick your brain a bit more later if your dont mind. It just so happens i went to the hobby shop a few days ago and a 1/72 type IX followed me home so thats another option.

[bob_eissler]

Bob, thanks for all that info...i may have to pick your brain a bit more later if your dont mind. It just so happens i went to the hobby shop a few days ago and a 1/72 type IX followed me home so thats another option.

The Type IX is a better choice, the extra size makes it easier to work on and it has more presence on the water.

[thor]

Bob,

I have the same set up in my 1/72nd Type VII. The peristaltic pump is not the problem, it is the drive motor for the pump. I changed mine out for a brushless motor which improved the dive time to less than 15 seconds. Much better!

[indiana_mike]

What size WTC would i need for the 1/72 type IX? 3"...?... 3.5"...?

[thor]

Mike,

Here you go. I cannot say enough good things about Norbert Bruggen and what he has done for the hobby.

Take a look at the 1/72 Type VII link. The system I use is detailed on that page.

http://www.modelluboot.de/

[bob_eissler]

Thor, 15 seconds is a lot better dive time! I'll have to try a brushless motor. Bruggen's wtc looks interesting and I admit that I would give it a try.
Mike, a 2 1/2" cylinder fits into the type IX by removing the deck held in place by magnets. The sub-driver packages the components very nicely and their new system is gas less.