Dumas Akula - Few questions on improvement

[Rogue Sub]

Well after the last run I had it is very obvious that I need a better prop. Anyone have an idea what size and type works best for this model. I know a few of you out there have done this kit aswell.
Also anyone know a good way to fill in the cracks for flush mounting? I have tried this creen modelers putty but once it dres water makes it dissolve and crack. The real problem is that its a plastic hull.
I also want to activate the front planes because right now the thing looks pretty bad porpusing and trying to go under. Very unrealistic (i know its pool toy). Anyone have some tips for hooking up the planes? I was thinking a seperate wtc up forward with a micro servo?
V/R Kevin

[crazy ivan]

Don't try to tell me

Don't try to tell me it's a pool toy! I fatally sliced up my first liner on the maiden voyage from those sharp brass fins hitting the pool sides and bottom. Anyway, my 27 foot pool proved way to small to manouver much in with a boat this size.

I did all my filling and filleting with Squadron White Putty. I know there is probably better stuff out there, but it adhered well, dried rock hard, and has held up fine to water. Only drawback is a tendancy for hairline cracks in areas where the hull may flex some. I just rout out the cracks and fill them back in with more.

I run a 6 blade 40mm Raboesch brass prop I got cheap from Engel. The Akula hauls butt with it. It's just about scale for the boat and looks pretty good, especially if you extend the tail back a bit.





Your task with the bowplanes will be easier if you mount them at centerline (as I believe the real thing has them) and fasten them to the lower hull half. If your innards are in the way, use an arched coupler to hook them together. Here is how I did mine on my admittedly highly modified Akula.





Edited By Crazy Ivan on 1161205969

[Rogue Sub]

I have been using squaron

I have been using squaron green putty on mine and the cracks are kinda what im trying to get rid of..
Where did you get your bow planes from Crazy Ivan. I have nearly destroyed a pool liner as well and have rounded them abit but yours look way better!

[crazy ivan]

Thanks, I cast them from

Thanks, I cast them from resin. Much nicer. I will get around to the stern planes and rudders one of these days.

[Rogue Sub]

do you still have the

do you still have the master for them? If so, are you wiling to make me a set?
Just ordered the prop aswell. Not sure if i got a good deal though i just paid 40 including shipping. Started refilling the seems today aswell and I primered it to try and use ultimate bondo putty to fill the holes. Do you know where i can get some styrene board to make a level deck as you did aswell? what did you use to make the safety rails?



Edited By Nuke Power on 1161306335

[crazy ivan]

Actually, I gave the master

Actually, I gave the master to BigDave a loooooooong time ago. He was going to make a proper mold and cast some for our group. Maybe we can persuade him to get on it when he isn't too busy selling his experimenters kits.

If I recall, we got several of the props from Engel for around $12.50 apiece, including the overseas shipping. Of course, that was back in 2002. They did arrive in a matter of days, which seems typical of Engel.

The .020 styrene sheet and the .040 dia. rod for the safety track is made by Evergreen, and I got both at my local hobby shop. I made a pair of longitudinal dams on the rear deck area from some balsa strips and poured in a bit of polyester resin to fill in the void under the flattened deck. The styrene sheet sits on top of this. (Your bondo can likely serve the same purpose.) The balsa, now saturated with resin, made for a sandable edge which, when filled in with a bit of putty, allowed the deck to be fethered nicely into the hull.

[Larry Kuntz]

Speaking of bow planes, I'm

Speaking of bow planes, I'm in the market Mr. Dave. Do you have the mold from CI anymore? Are you still thinking of making some?

[Larry Kuntz]

Sorry about the double post

Sorry about the double post as I'm getting errors when posting..



Edited By Larry Kuntz on 1161476511

[bigdave]

Hey Larry,
You have a

Hey Larry,
You have a Dumas Akula too?? That's funny! I have never seen it!! Ha!! BD.

[bigdave]

Hey Larry,
You have a

Hey Larry,
You have a Dumas Akula too?? That's funny! I have never seen it!! Ha!! BD.

[bigdave]

Hey Larry,
You have a

Hey Larry,
You have a Dumas Akula too?? That's funny! I have never seen it!! Ha!! BD.

[Rogue Sub]

yeah id like a set

yeah id like a set of those planes as well. Especially right now considering ive ripped my boat apart!

[crazy ivan]

You hear that Dave?? Customers

You hear that Dave?? Customers are pounding at your door. Don't make me come over there!

[crazy ivan]

What's with the Ikonboard errors

What's with the Ikonboard errors and the double posts????



Edited By Crazy Ivan on 1161566965

[JWLaRue]

Excellent question. I've been getting

Excellent question. I've been getting them too. Whatever the problem is also seems to be affecting the PMs as well.

So far, I haven't found any obvious cause. It's almost like it is some sort of performance related problem.

The good news is that (he sez as he crosses his fingers) we are tenatively planning on migrating the forum over to the new software the middle of this week.

Stay tuned for a formal announcement.

-Jeff