First Sub - Need a little help with choosing sub.

[tigerclaw27]

Decisions decisions...

Looks like i have

Decisions decisions...

Looks like i have 2 options.

First is the SubTech Albacore and will run me about 700 USD. It comes with everything, made in the US (no duty under NAFTA ) and is a nice starting model that no-one so far has failed to complete.

Second is the Engel Lafayette and will probably end up costing closer to 1400 USD. This kit will probably also take more time to complete, and I have plenty of time now. On the other hand as Lyle pointed out, I dont want to be stuck with a ship that will be in drydock permenatly.

Hrmm.....

[Guest]

Mark,

Give me a call!

Lyle

Mark,

Give me a call!

Lyle

[tigerclaw27]

After some thought I've decided

After some thought I've decided against the Albacore kit, cause I'd like something more challanging, and dont mind working for 2 months full time to complete a nice model.

That being said, I'm still not 100% sure about the Lafayette. I'll talk to Frank at SC on Tuesday or Wednesday (as Jason advised) and I'll go from there.

I did decide to get a Thor Permit hull, mainly because Lyle gave me what i think is a really good deal. And with that hull I'll either reseverve it for after the Lafayette project and try to put a custom WTC/electronics package in it. Or if I fail to get the Lafayette, then I'll pick up a DE WTC package for it.

I think this is the best for me, given the amount of free time I have. It may not be the best solution for every newbie. But one thing all newbies should do is call the distributers/manufacturers of the hulls they are instrested in, I really cant believe how helpful they are. Thanks Lyle. I'll let you guys know how it goes, and what I end up with, and maybe even some in-production photos.

Take Care,
Mark

[toneburst]

@Mark,

to make choices easier (or

@Mark,

to make choices easier (or is it harder?) look at the pics of my Engel Lafayette (changed it to SSBN-625 "Henry Claw")








More pics available if you like.

Jos

[tigerclaw27]

Sure, always love looking at

Sure, always love looking at pictures.

[tigerclaw27]

Do you have any of

Do you have any of her running fast? Diving or surfacing? or Sittings just below the surface (maybe partial conn/periscope sticking out?)

Thanks for the pics so far, they're great too

[toneburst]

Mark,

We had a regatta ont

Mark,

We had a regatta ont the 20th, and I'm awaiting a CD with 380 pics. Since there where only 4 operational subs (including my 2 boats) and most modellers where very interested I guess there will be more interesting pics. Secondly a friend of mine made some video's, that will be published on the web halfway this week. I'll keep you informed, but the page will probably be http://users.pandora.be/moonen.hilda/page12.html . There are some short 3 video's now, but not of my boats. I'll keep you informed.

Some pics I already have (not to good quality) that might be according your last request:


Running medium speed, tanks about 25% full.


Surfacing with angle.


Running slow speed and making a sharp turn after surfacing.


I do have pics I made right after the Kit arrived (showing all parts and packaging) and the pics from the CD that comes with the kit (showing the original boat and all building stages). I cannot publish them, but I could send them to you directly. Broadband preferred (and a big mailbox).

Cheers,

Jos

[Guest]

Hey there MArk. Take it

Hey there MArk. Take it from another newbe to the field, take the Albacore. Yes the U-boat is infanantly sexier but with this kit, unless you are very good at kit bashing and heavy mods, please start with a kit like Sunbtech's Albacore or one of Thor's USS Permit.

[Scale Shipyard / WLU]

OK, I have read through

OK, I have read through this and I will add my nickles worth here.

First of all, do not buy anything other then what You Want to Build, Own and Operate. If you like the Lafayette, then get one.
I do however recommend the Small World Models kit, the cost I believe is actually less then the Engel kit and the amount of pre assembly work that Dave Manley does for you will be a learning experiance in itself.

If you do not like a boat, but you buy it because someone recomended it as your best " Get your Feet wet" project. Blow that idea off, for you are sure to regret it later at some point, and it may end up here on the message board with a For Sale sign on it.

If you love that U-Boat, then get it, there are hundreds of people around the US alone who frequent these boards who are willing to help you out with any problems.

Reguardless of what ever advise or 'Deal' you are offered here, Get What YOU Want.

W.L. Upshaw

The Scale Shipyard

[safrole]

Now THAT's advice you can

Now THAT's advice you can believe. My first RC airplane was a large piper cub because I loved it, even though the old hands said get a cheap trainer because you'll just end up wrecking your baby. They were right. I wrecked it, fixed it, and repeated that cycled until it looked like a creation from Dr. Frankenstein. But what's to regret?

Are you getting two subs right off the bat? I'm jealous. Time AND money! I have not yet figured out how to have those two things at once, but it sounds like you'll be able to really jump in with both feet.

[bradv]

I'm suprised that for a

I'm suprised that for a first sub kit, no-one has yet mentioned the Dumas Akula, with SubTech parts of course I very much appreciated Skip's advice in chossing this as my first R/C sub recently - it was simple to build and a great price (even including shipping down here to Oz) which were the two most important factors for me.

I very much enjoy sailing this model as it performs wonderfully, even though it's a dynamic diver (which saves cost and complexity over a ballasted boat for a beginner like me). It looks great in the water and was very reliable for the entire Aussie SubRegatta held recently. Plus I got over 3 hours of runtime with the included NiCAD battery pack - I didn't manage to exhaust the extra NiMH pack I built, which should have almost double the capacity. There's lots of piccies of it here :
Brad's SubCommittee Member WebPage
There's been several articles regarding this kit over the last couple of SubCommittee Reports, including some very nice enhancements.

Whatever you choose, I hope you very much enjoy building & sailing your creation!

[anonymous]

Just some more $.02. I

Just some more $.02. I agree with Lee somewhat, you should get a boat that you like, but you really need to consider the extra complexity that this hobby demands. If I went with what I truly wanted, I would have ended up with a 32nd Parallel Gato or Type VII and been almost immediately overwhelmed. I ended up putting off my purchase for two years (research takes me a while...) during which time I went to two regattas, watched boats, talked to people and harrassed the masters of the hobby for info.

Ultimately, I decided that the ALBACORE would give me good value, a reasonably quick build time, and extra skills I would need for later boats. My advice? Try and get to a regatta or local fun run where people have a variety of boats. Ask questions about building and running, look the kits over in person. Most owners are happy to spend time with newcomers, 'cuz we were all there once. Also talk to the masters; Matt, Skip, David Merriman, et al. Your research may point you down a different path.

Another key aspect is post-sale support. I have no experience with SWM or Engel, but I do read good things about them. Personal experience with Skip has been first-rate. Same holds true for Matt and David.

Get to a meet. Who knows, maybe you can catch a special "show price" on a kit as well...

If you have any questions, drop me a line. Be glad to try and help.

Chris

SC1614

[toneburst]

As for post sale/spare parts

[color=#000000]As for post sale/spare parts from Engel]

[bcliffe]

Mark,

My impression is that you

Mark,

My impression is that you live in Canada based on your reference to Nafta. Customs will still ding you for money when ordering from the US. Gotta pay the Tax Man

If you reside in Ontario then I may be able to hook you up with local modelers that have built subs. I myself live in Ottawa.

If I am wrong feel free to dis-regard this post.

Cheers
BC

[Guest]

A good place for networking

A good place for networking with other modellers, Canadians included, will be at the SC SubRegatta July 24 & 25th, at Johnston, RI , USA. See what you might want to build, do your research, and probably be able to buy it right there. Maybe you'll take it home with you. There will be many members and vendors in attendance with a wealth of knowledge and advice to share with you. I always get advice from the gurus in the field of model subs at this annual Sub Regatta.
You might even win that sub kit or electronic device you want, in the raffle which is held each day. Be sure to make plans to attend.