In order to help this forum get kicked off I'm going to post the build-up I did of the ThorDesign USS Permit kit in 1/96 scale. This was originally posted to the ThorDesign site which no longer exists. It was also published in issue #57 of the SCR in an abridged format.
While the kit is no longer being offered by ThorDesign, used kits can be found. Building the kit incorporates most of the skills needed to build an entry level GRP SSN kit and will include updated tips where appropriate.
Of course, if you have a kit languishing on your bench and just haven't found the time to start it yet, just follow along and we'll build together!
THE KIT
1. Below are the contents of the Permit kit. Included is a sheet of 1/96 scale Permit class hull plans (hang them over your work area for quick reference), two epoxy hull halves, cast polyurethane appendage set and sail, a white metal fittings set with propeller, stainless steel drive shaft, stainless steel photoetched MBT vent detail set, and running gear linkage set. Upon receipt of any kit be sure to inventory the contents with the enclosed parts sheet prior to assembly. Notify the manufacturer immediately of any damaged or missing parts.

2. Shown is the resin sail with brass diesel exhaust diffuser molded into the upper trailing edge. Mounting bolts with nuts extend from the bottom of the part. To the right of the sail, and below, are the resin masts and sail mounted diving planes. To the left of the sail is the white metal fittings set with bollards, cleats, zincs, periscopes and other mast parts. Below them is the white metal propeller (a stainless steel set screw is provided).

3. Here are, beginning at left, the drive train resin parts (thrust bearing bulkhead and two WTC saddles). Next at top are the control linkage jumpers, thrust bearings, universal coupler and allen wrench. Below them are the stainless steel photoetched MBT vents and cast resin mushroom anchor. Continuing to the right are, first, the rudders, then the stern planes. If everything is present and accounted for, proceed with assembly.

PREPARATION - Parts Washing
1. Prior to assembly, care must be taken to prepare each part to ensure that glue and/or paint will properly adhere to it's surface. Using warm soapy water and a scotchbrite pad, scrub and wash each part thoroughly to remove any remaining mold release agent. Dry the parts and set them in a container to ensure they will not be misplaced.

2. Certain essentail tools and raw materials will be required to complete the kit. They include :
3/8" electric drill
Drill bit set
Dremel moto tool & bits
Needle file set
2 hour cure epoxy
Micro-balloons
CA adhesive
1/2" fiberglass tape
1/8" o.d. brass tubing
Tubing cutter
X-acto knife
Razor saw (small)
Ruler & drafting compass
Sand paper (assorted)
Masking tape
Dixie cups
Disposable brushes
Baking soda
1/4" closed cell foam
10-15 ozs. lead weight
1 tube Nitro-Stan putty
While the kit is no longer being offered by ThorDesign, used kits can be found. Building the kit incorporates most of the skills needed to build an entry level GRP SSN kit and will include updated tips where appropriate.
Of course, if you have a kit languishing on your bench and just haven't found the time to start it yet, just follow along and we'll build together!
THE KIT
1. Below are the contents of the Permit kit. Included is a sheet of 1/96 scale Permit class hull plans (hang them over your work area for quick reference), two epoxy hull halves, cast polyurethane appendage set and sail, a white metal fittings set with propeller, stainless steel drive shaft, stainless steel photoetched MBT vent detail set, and running gear linkage set. Upon receipt of any kit be sure to inventory the contents with the enclosed parts sheet prior to assembly. Notify the manufacturer immediately of any damaged or missing parts.

2. Shown is the resin sail with brass diesel exhaust diffuser molded into the upper trailing edge. Mounting bolts with nuts extend from the bottom of the part. To the right of the sail, and below, are the resin masts and sail mounted diving planes. To the left of the sail is the white metal fittings set with bollards, cleats, zincs, periscopes and other mast parts. Below them is the white metal propeller (a stainless steel set screw is provided).

3. Here are, beginning at left, the drive train resin parts (thrust bearing bulkhead and two WTC saddles). Next at top are the control linkage jumpers, thrust bearings, universal coupler and allen wrench. Below them are the stainless steel photoetched MBT vents and cast resin mushroom anchor. Continuing to the right are, first, the rudders, then the stern planes. If everything is present and accounted for, proceed with assembly.

PREPARATION - Parts Washing
1. Prior to assembly, care must be taken to prepare each part to ensure that glue and/or paint will properly adhere to it's surface. Using warm soapy water and a scotchbrite pad, scrub and wash each part thoroughly to remove any remaining mold release agent. Dry the parts and set them in a container to ensure they will not be misplaced.

2. Certain essentail tools and raw materials will be required to complete the kit. They include :
3/8" electric drill
Drill bit set
Dremel moto tool & bits
Needle file set
2 hour cure epoxy
Micro-balloons
CA adhesive
1/2" fiberglass tape
1/8" o.d. brass tubing
Tubing cutter
X-acto knife
Razor saw (small)
Ruler & drafting compass
Sand paper (assorted)
Masking tape
Dixie cups
Disposable brushes
Baking soda
1/4" closed cell foam
10-15 ozs. lead weight
1 tube Nitro-Stan putty



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