Revell Skipjack

[steveneill]

Got one of these awhile back and have always since I was a kid wanted one. My dad worked on this boat and what later became the Washington at Mare. He died in 64 on his way to Mare when I was only 13. Car accident. We use to talk about the Skipjack all the time. So there's another reason I wanted to build one. In his memory.

BigDave and I were only just starting to talk about this on the 17th. I had found a bunch of his old cylinder parts I planned to use for the Skipjack. He wrote me about Evercoat and I wrote him back about it and asked him about where I could get the bladders and pumps. I always get a quick response from BD but this time I didn't and then the so very sad news.

This boat will be the USS BigDave. Damn I miss him already.

Steve

[greg w]

Hi Steve. I have a skipjack and I was able to get Big Dave to make the internals for it. He just replaced my air pump last month. I don't know where he got the pump from but It is an Oken SEIKO Rolling Pump 12 VDC he used a pump controller from Kevin Mcleod (sorry if I spelled that wrong) I also do not know where he got the bladder but it measures 7" x 3 1/2"

[greg w]

Here are a couple of pictures to give you an idea how he had me do it. There is a lipo hardcase battery that has been waterproofed under the ballast bag. This was to be his new universal cylinder but he decided to focus on individual projects as I think he liked the challenges more than the production.

[Ralph --- SSBN 598]

Those pumps are all over E-bey from $7 to $50.
Most are used and some ore new.
They come in 12v and 6v.

[bob_eissler]

The mini air pumps that Bob Martin sells (ex-Caswell) work great too and Kevin Mcleod's controller fits it. The controller also operates a small solenoid valve (or servo) to release the air that Caswell used to sell. They are easily found on ebay also. Here is an example-

http://www.ebay.com/itm/3-way-Normally-Closed-NC-MICRO-mini-pneumatic-air-solenoid-valve-/322025266662?hash=item4afa339de6

[Guest]

http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/DC3V-12V-5V-6V-Small-370-Motor-Air-Pump-Oxygen-Pump-60Kpa-Aquarium-Fish-Tank-DIY-/252816914612?hash=item3add0ff8b4%3Ag%3AsZsAAOSwuxFYw3ZQ&_trkparms=pageci%253A167251eb-0d43-11e7-b646-74dbd1801d5e%257Cparentrq%253Aeaba088b15a0ab66b5b72ac6fffb5eed%257Ciid%253A8

[bruce martin]

Steve the bladder appears to be part of a blood pressure cuff, which I use for my boats, they come in 3 sizes , adult, child and infant. I order them from my local parmacy store, they are made by AMG. I can get you the numbers if you like, I'll have to do it later as I'm at the office right now. Fantastic name for your boat, BD will be missed for a long long time.

Later Bruce

[steveneill]

First off I have to tell you guys that hands down you are the best group ever. Thanks so much for your enthusiastic responses and help!


Bruce thanks that would be a big help I'll contact Bob about the pumps I like to keep things in the family if I can as you all do. Andy thanks a bunch too.

Again thanks so much you great guys. It's great to be building a boat for me for a change. I seem to build everyone's boats but my own.

I need to get BD's avatar on the boat. I know they didn't do such things on the boats but this is different.

All the best,

Steve

[steveneill]

Here are a couple of pictures to give you an idea how he had me do it. There is a lipo hardcase battery that has been waterproofed under the ballast bag. This was to be his new universal cylinder but he decided to focus on individual projects as I think he liked the challenges more than the production.

Looks like I'm already doing the same config. Thanks so much Greg!

[Ralph --- SSBN 598]

Steve, US boats are launched with a artwork bow cover.
You could place the BD avatar on the bow.
Seen on the display table and mostly under water in the water.

Just thinking out loud.

[steveneill]

Thanks Ralph!

[steveneill]

So the plan is to mold the prop in silicone and then cast them from two part resin. A grub screw to hold it on the shaft which is a stainless steel shaft.
I made some plex bulkheads. A prop bearing support from very thick styrene. Oilite bearings and a dog bone set up. I haven't glued anything in place yet you are just looking at a fitting.
Next up I'll make all the dive planes and rudders with stainless steel control shafts with control arms. Nice thing about this model is its open in the stern making it real easy to hook the business end up before you close it.

[Foxtrot Oscar]

Here are a couple of pictures to give you an idea how he had me do it. There is a lipo hardcase battery that has been waterproofed under the ballast bag. This was to be his new universal cylinder but he decided to focus on individual projects as I think he liked the challenges more than the production.

What volume is the bladder you are using? Im working on something similar

[steveneill]

I got an adult sized bladder.Not sure on the volume as they aren't listed by volume. Adult 1 tube # 106-768 is how they are titled. I got mine off of Amazon.

[Ralph --- SSBN 598]

Steve,
For a starting point which Tim Senecal suggest was 400ml water ballast tank.
I made mine 425ml and I can get full surfaced waterline with room to spare and I have no problem getting to the bottom.
Some times a bit worrisome.
Ralph