1/72 SSN 22 Connecticut

[eckloss]

For those that were involved in the discussion on how to best cut the top hull at the waterline... I had a lot of time to think about it on the drive back from Carmel.... I really don't feel comfortable with any other method than cutting it by hand. I'll be using a 52 tpi zona saw. the other suggestions were good, but they had one common factor.... the cutting blade would be running at high speeds. One misstep and the entire cut could be ruined. Doing it by has the best level of control. Yeah its gonna take a while, but i think its the best option with the least kerf as well.

e.

[bigdave]

I tend to agree with your choice Erich.
That was my first response at Carmel. Tape a line off well and work at it little by little.
Eventually you will cut through. That is how I cut my Labomba a few weeks back.
Used a Zona saw. You may go through a few blades with the glass Hull.
Mine was nylon, which although not abrasive to the saw was hard to cut being, well nylon.
Good luck! BD

[eckloss]

Dave... took a while, but i was finally able to get the top hull cut at the waterline. I'm going to tape it back in place and lay up some cloth underneath it to cut and serve as a sort of indexing lip or support. then i can glass the upper and lower hulls together.

e.

[bigdave]

Looks very good! BD

[thor]

Nicely done, Erich! You are way faster than most!

[greg w]

Eric you are putting us to shame with your build speed. Even Chris (speedy) Rueby

[crueby]

Eric you are putting us to shame with your build speed. Even Chris (speedy) Rueby

My Alpha sub build has started so slow since I am still working on my Corliss Twin engine. Gotta get DonS to mould me a hull big enough to take this puppy! The boiler will be a problem unless I can get that uranium off backorder...

[eckloss]

Thanks for the compliments guys, but all I have done so far is cut the upper hull.

[Larry Kuntz]

Chris - I might be able to get my hands on some 'still hot' lead bricks for the old 130" cyclotron.

[Larry Kuntz]

Chris - You could always us what Marvin the Martian used, the illudium Q-36 explosive space modulator.

[bigdave]

But if I remember someone had stolen the modulator!
Maybe it was Chris!
But we should stop posting in Erich's build. Sorry Erich! . BD

[eckloss]

Making indexing strips for the upper hull..... I taped the upper hull above the waterline back in place. Coated the inside of the upper piece with vasoline (my release agent of choice lol). Laid in two layers of cloth tape, let set, and then popped the upper piece back off. Poof.....indexing strips.

[eckloss]

The kit came with an indexing tool to properly align all the rear appendages. Not much to say here except photos speak for themselves.

[bigdave]

That indexing tool is really sweet.
Great idea by the manufacturer. BD

[eckloss]

attaching the pump jet