Working Periscopes/masts - How to do it ??

[jutland67]

Hi guys, i need some advice.I'm building an OTW Trafalgar class attack sub 1/72 scale. I would like to make the masts / periscopes work..i.e to e4xtend/retract. I have been experimenting with syringes,silicone tubing etc,to try and work out a SIMPLE but effective way to do it...but not having a great deal of success...any ideas guys ?? Thanks.

[novagator]

Take a look at Engle's

Take a look at Engle's set up for their Akula and Typhoon. That should help you out.

[wayne frey]

I would like to hear

I would like to hear other ideas as well.
I am studing the gears out of a window regulator from a jeep.
It may have possiblities. None the less,other attempts and successes wuold be interesting to read.

[sam reichart]

do you really want them

do you really want them to "work" or just extend when the boat submerges?

If the latter, a simple float system can be added to the bottom of the scope/mast so that when the boat submerges, the float moves the mast up.

[wayne frey]

Would it be too hairy

Would it be too hairy to figure out a way to have the periscope raise,then followed by the remaining masts?
Been done? I have a pretty sizable hull that has some room for gee wiz stuff.

[raalst]

I made a test rig

I made a test rig some time ago which used a
water pump (electric) and self made pistons
from brass tube and those circular things to
screw an axle or push rod to another.
This was just a "leaky" piston, but the pump
generated enough push to move the mast up.
gravity took care of the coming down.

I did not use it on my bruggen skipjack (not enough room,
no chance to get the tube to the tower unseen)
but it worked well on the test rig.
and it's easy to make the pistons (no lathe required, just a (soft) soldering iron)
I chose this way to avoid moving parts thru the
endcaps.

getting the masts to move one after the other might be
done by making the pistons a bit more watertight and
use the overflow from piston 1 to drive piston 2
(cascade)



Edited By raalst on 1094248387

[dietzer]

Wayne,

There's several ways to get

[color=#000000]Wayne,

There's several ways to get what you want]

[dietzer]

4) make a small "crankshaft"

4) make a small "crankshaft" shaft and attach periscopes and antennas to (horizontal) crankshaft. Use 90 degree bevel gears to mate to vertical rotating shaft from a servo in the WTC (only one shaft seal required, only one servo required). The crankshaft approach can allow you to raise/lower the equipment somewhat independently based on the amount of servo rotation. This would allow to raise 'scopes first, and antennas second using only one servo.

Oops.

I meant 'camshaft', rather than 'crankshaft'. A crankshaft would work, too, but would be much more complicated. A camshaft is simpler.

Carl