1/32nd scale Type II Project

[JWLaRue]

Okay.....some have asked for some photos and descriptions of the Type II that I am currently building.

The next couple of replies will begin the process.

I make no claim to providing updates as often as some! But I will update as often as progress warrants. My goal is to have the boat ready for SubRegatta '06.....so there is some self-imposed time-pressure to make progress.

Enjoy and I look forward to questions and conversation,

Jeff

[JWLaRue]

The hull that I am

The hull that I am using as the basis for this model is a "one off" that Matt Thor did from the molds that were made several years ago by Dave Manley (Small Worlds Models). The original intent was to make some corrections, to add appropriate detailing and then use this hull to create a new "master". Eventually, Matt and I decided that it would actually be easier to make a completely new set of molds using some 4-axis CNC systems that he had access to at one of his clients. So far, Matt has one half of the mold done, but work priorities has delayed making the other half indefinitely.

My thought is that once Matt is able to complete the molds and make a few hulls, most of the work that will be done for this hull can be directly transferred to the new hull.

So......instead of waiting, I decided to do the necessary corrections and to use the hull-in-hand to make a running R/C model. Since Matt made this hull using his typically excellent epoxy resin and cloth skills, the hull is actually very well made.

This first photo shows an overall view of the starboard side of the hull after correcting the separation (upper and lower hull) line to follow the waterline.



The dark red that can be seen at the bow and stern ends of the upper hull is the epoxy and filler mix used to correct the waterline. This was done for both upper and lower hull sections.

This next photo shows a bows-on view of the hull. The 'white' deck that you see is actually a full-size plot of the CAD drawing for what will eventually be a photo-etched deck.



Next up, the dive surfaces.

-Jeff

[JWLaRue]

Other than the hull itself

Other than the hull itself and the basic conning tower casting, everything will need to be made for this sub with the exception of the twin propellors.

Anticipating that someone might eventually produce a 1/32nd scale Type II kit for sale....and that I really did not want to make two bow/stern planes.....I opted to make molds and cast parts to be used.

This next photo shows the set of three master parts and their two-piece molds]http://www.subcommittee.com/forum/Molds and Masters.jpg[/img]

Each master part was made to accomodate a square-shaped pivot rod. I prefer square to the usual practice of round because the square cross-section prevents the pivot rod from rotating freely inside the part.

These parts were made from 'blanks' that were constructed by gluing together several layers of sheet styrene. The center layer is a clear sheet. This provides a ready visual reference to the centerline of the part which is very handy when shaping the airfoil-like shapes of the parts. This can be easily seen in this next photo.



Also visible are some characteristics of how the molds are created and used. For example, the four large hexagon-shaped depressions/pins are used to ensure correct mold alignment when casting. The square brass rod that is seen in the master is placed in the mold so that the final cast part retains the square-shaped hole through the part.

When the parts are installed, they only require to be slipped over a square-shaped rod. No alignment ever required.

Next up, the parts installed.

-Jeff

[JWLaRue]

With all the control surfaces

With all the control surfaces cast, it was time to mount them to the hull. This first image shows both the starboard bow plane and the bow guard.



The bow planes were made from one of my favorite building materials, G-10. This sheet fiberglass material is very, very sturdy and is an excellent material to be used where strength is required.

Each bow plane guard is made from three layers of 1/16" sheet material. The center layer has a 'tab' that extends into the interior of the hull, where both tabs (port and starboard) are screwed together. A photo of this construction will be supplied when I next disassemble these parts.

The end of the bow guard will also be used to provide a pivot point for the bow plane pivot rod....the pin can be seen protruding beyond the end of the guard.

The bow plane guards have yet to be filed to the correct cross section shape of an airfoil.

The rudder and stern planes are seen installed in this next photo.





Also visible is the keel skeg...made from G-10 and the work-in-progress A-frames that are the prop supports. The A-frame was originally designed to be used with the OTW Type VII kit and as such modification is necessary to fit the Type II hull. Remaining to be done is to re-shape the outer guard arms to be closer to the stern planes.

Next up is a closer look at the conning tower,

-Jeff

[silent runner]

Jeff-
Looks very good so far!

Jeff-
Looks very good so far! You are certainly farther ahead on your Type II than I am. But then, you have the advantage of a substantially better hull to start with. Your pix are helping me alot. Keep up the great work.

Mike

[JWLaRue]

Last batch for this weekend.....

The

Last batch for this weekend.....

The conning tower of the early Type II U-boats had an interesting two-level deck which I am in the process of replicating for the model.

Currently, I am still adjusting the CAD drawing to correctly for the confines of the conning tower. Because there seems to be virtually no photos showing the details of the Type II conning tower (even less than the scarce Type VII conning tower photos!), I am having to apply some small amount of interpretive drawing...which also gives me some leeway to fit the drawing to the model tower casting.

Like the main deck, this too will be done as a photo-etched part.





That's it for the now....more as progress occurs.

-enjoy!

Jeff

[Stephen Vick]

Hey Jeff,

I built U-57 from

Hey Jeff,

I built U-57 from the last hull Dave laid up from that Mold. I have enjoyed it immensly, it is a great performer. I have since aquired better info and plan to re-fit U-57 next summer. I took Best of show with U-57 at the Inland Nautical Society spring 05 regatta.
Do you plan to do the decks in photo etch?

Take Care,
Steve Vick

[JWLaRue]

hi Steve!

I'd like to be

hi Steve!

I'd like to be able to share our Type II sources of information....there isn't all that much around! Would you be interested?

The main and conning tower decks will definitely be done as photo-etched. I'm essentially doing them as a one-off under the assumption that we won't see a vendor produce a kit anytime on the near future.....and no way am I going to try to get all those deck slots done any other way.

-Jeff

[gotland]

Hey Jeff,

well done till now!

Gotland

Hey Jeff,

well done till now!

Gotland

[btrippis]

Jeff ,Your postings are very

Jeff ,Your postings are very timely. I purchased one
of Mats type II hulls from Dave's original molds. I am
currently working on it with help from Steve Vick. Do you
know about the German book on the Type II. Steve told
me about it. It's available on Amazon.de. Has quite a few
photos of all type II boats. The text is in German however.
Regards, Brian

[JWLaRue]

Brian,

Are you referring to the

Brian,

Are you referring to the book [i]Vom Original Zum Modell]? That is one of the few books that I know of that does have good coverage of the Type II.

If you don't mind my asking, did you buy your hull from Matt directly? If so, then we essentially have the same hulls to start from.

-Jeff

[btrippis]

Jeff, Yes I bought the

Jeff, Yes I bought the hull from Matt here on Sub Swap
many months ago. I find it hard to find time to work on it.
I wish I was as far along as you are. When I see steve's
Type II running at the local boat pond it is inspiring. He
has so much detail to the finish of his subs. Seeing
your photos on here is also inspiring. I will be working on
my type II this evening trying to get some of the control
surfaces installed. What is the chance of buying a photo
etch deck when you get yours finished?
Regards,Brian

[btrippis]

Jeff, Sorry I ment to

Jeff, Sorry I ment to reply to your question on the book
in my previous post. Yes that is the book. I purchased it at Amazon.de after seeing Steve Vicks copy.
Regards, Brian

[JWLaRue]

Brian,

We can likely arrange for

Brian,

We can likely arrange for additional decks to be made.

Once the photo negatives are done, the photo-etching part is more a matter of how many do I/we want!

-Jeff

[anonymous]

Jeff,

this is great too see.

Jeff,

this is great too see. I'll be watching close on this project. I've seen Steve's in the wet at my last get together. It's really a nice boat!

Steve