1/96 scale ThorDesign USS Permit

[PaulC]

DRIVE TRAIN - WTC Saddle

DRIVE TRAIN - WTC Saddle Installation

To equip the Permit for R/C operations, you have to either build or purchase a watertight cylinder (WTC). These units house all the necessary electronics and gear while keeping the water out. Given the Permit's dimensions in 1/96 scale, a 3" diameter cylinder is the best size to use. In this build-up a WTC-3 from D&E Miniatures was installed.

1. First, the location of the WTC and its mounting saddles must be established. Locate the WTC as far forward in the hull as possible without hitting the indexing lip. The saddles should be spaced far enough apart to evenly support the WTC. Take care that the saddles do not interfere with the flood/drain holes in the lower hull or the ballast tank flood/drain holes in the WTC. Once the proper saddle locations are determined, mark the edge of the indexing lip on the lower hull.



2. Test fit the kit suplied saddles in the hull. Sand and file down the high spots until you achieve a good, close fit. Make sure the saddles just meet the hull and are not wedged in.

NOTE][/url]


3. To ensure the proper operation of the automatic pitch controller in your WTC, the cylinder must be properly oriented in the hull with a zero bubble. Begin by using a vial level to make sure your Permit hull is perfectly level on its stand.



4. Place the saddles in the hull and lay your WTC in the saddles. Check the WTC's attitude with the vial level. It should be perfectly level, along the hull's longitudinal axis. If it is out of level, carefully sand down the outside of the high saddle until the WTC is level.

Be sure to check the attitude of the WTC's drive shaft. It should rest level at the hull's horizontal center line and be centered on the hull's longitudinal axis. One should be able to draw a straight, imaginary line down the center of the hull, from the drive shaft to the center of the stern where the prop shaft will exit. Making this alignment true minimizes drive train vibration during operations.




5. Sand the hull interior and saddles to rough up the surface where they will be joined. Place the saddles in the hull and install the WTC. Check the WTC's attitude with the level. If it is at zero bubble, apply a drop of CA between the top of each saddle and the hull. Capillary action will draw the CA into the space and tack the saddles in place.



6. Remove the WTC. Brush a batch of 50/50 epoxy & micro-balloons into the seams between the saddles and the hull. Build a fillet around the base of each saddle with the epoxy. Set the hull aside and allow the epoxy to cure completely.

[PaulC]

DRIVE TRAIN - WTC Locating

DRIVE TRAIN - WTC Locating Pin Installation

The WTC locating pin ensures proper registration of the WTC within the hull each time it is installed. This is critical in maintaining the proper alignment of the drive train and control linkages.

1. In order to position your WTC in the same location within the hull every time it is installed, a locating pin should be installed. The piece consists of a cast resin base contoured to fit the inner hull and a 1/8" brass pin.



2. Using a 1/8" bit, drill a hole in the lower horizontal centerline of the WTC's ballast tank. WARNING][/url]

3. Test fit the locating pin in the hole. Lay the WTC in position in the hull and check it's clearance and attitude. The WTC should sit properly in the saddles and should remain level in the boat. If the locating pin's base is too high, slide it next to a WTC saddle and mark it. Grind down the high area with a belt sander or Dremel sanding drum until the base is the same height as the saddle.



4. Rough sand the bottom of the locating pin foundation and the inner hull where it will be glued. Mix a batch of 2 hour epoxy. Brush epoxy onto the bottom of the WTC locating pin foundation. Reinstall the WTC in the hull with the pin in place. Allow the epoxy to cure completely. Once the glue is dry, remove the WTC. It can be installed correctly, and identically, every time.

[PaulC]

DRIVE TRAIN - Stern Bearing

DRIVE TRAIN - Stern Bearing Installation

1. With a ruler or calipers, measure the hull width across the centerline at the stern.



2. Divide the measurement by two and mark the hull. Repeat the measuring and marking for the vertical axis of the stern.



3. Using a 3/32" drill bit, drill a hole at the center of the stern where the two marks intersect. Using the hole as a pilot, replace the bit with the next higher size and re-drill the hole. Work your way up to a 1/4" bit, then drill out the hole. The opening should now allow the drive shaft bearing to pass through.



4. Place the WTC in the saddles and install the universal coupling joint (UC-2 type) on the drive shaft. Place the drive shaft bearing in the rear of the hull and slide the stainless steel propeller shaft through it. Install the other universal coupling joint (UC-2 type) to the forward end of the prop shaft. Insert the dog bone coupler between the two universal couplers and push the prop shaft as far forward as possible to ensure a good positive connection. Hold the shaft in line with the WTC drive shaft. At the stern, mark the prop shaft leaving enough to properly mount the propeller (approximately 5/16").



5. With a cutoff wheel, cut the shaft and file off the rough edges.



6. Cut a piece of 3/16" i.d. tubing approximately 1 3/4" long and deburr the ends with a file.



7. Remove the universal coupling and place the tubing on the WTC drive shaft. Slide the prop shaft into the tubing. NOTE][/url]

8. With the tubing and shaft in place on the WTC drive shaft, mix a small batch of 5 minute epoxy and apply it to the stern bearing. Slip the bearing onto the shaft and into the stern.



9. Apply a film of Vaseline to the propeller and place it on the shaft. Tape the prop in correct position, centered in the stern of the hull. Allow to cure.



With the bearing tacked in place, mix a batch of 50/50 epoxy and micro-balloons. With a brush, apply epoxy around the base of the stern bearing inside the hull. Build up a fillet around the bearing, carefully avoiding getting epoxy in contact with the prop shaft. Leave the prop in the correct position, centered in the stern of the hull. Allow to cure overnight.

[PaulC]

DRIVE TRAIN - Thrust Bearing

DRIVE TRAIN - Thrust Bearing Bulkhead Installation

Even with a perfectly aligned shaft, an unsupported drive train can vibrate excessively. If transferred directly to the hull, this vibration can cause significant structural damage. By installing a bulkhead mounted thrust bearing, your drive train is strengthened significantly and the hull should suffer no ill effects from continued operation.

1. In order to mount the thrust bearing, the thrust bearing bulkhead must first be installed. It is best to locate the thrust bearing bulkhead as close to the WTC as possible.

IMPORTANT: At least 2 inches must be left between the bulkhead and the end of the WTC drive shaft to allow room for the UC-2 universal coupling set-up and prop shaft wheel collar retainer.

Once the proper thrust bearing bulkhead location is determined, mark the hull.



2. Test fit the bulkhead in the hull. Sand and file down high spots until you achieve a good, close fit. Make sure the edges just meet the hull and are not wedged in. Sand the interior of the hull underneath the bulkhead to roughen it up. NOTE][/url]

3. Tack the hull in place with a few drops of CA. Secure it to the hull using a 50/50 batch of epoxy and micro-balloons. Apply the epoxy with a brush to the bulkhead/hull joint and build a small fillet along the seam. Set the hull aside and allow the bulkhead to cure completely.

[PaulC]

DRIVE TRAIN - Thrust Bearing

DRIVE TRAIN - Thrust Bearing Installation

1. Install the WTC and place the 3/16" i.d. tubing used in the stern bearing installation on the WTC drive shaft. Slide it aft on the drive shaft until it meets the thrust bearing bulkhead. Make sure the tubing doesn't droop as it slides, but stays inline with the shaft. With a sharpie, draw a circle around the tubing on the bulkhead.



2. Remove the WTC. With a 5/16" bit, drill a hole for the thrust bearing through the circle mark on the bulkhead.



3. Place the thrust bearing into the hole from the stern side as shown. Slide the propeller shaft into the stern bearing and forward through the thrust bearing. Reinstall the 3/16" tubing on the WTC drive shaft. Slide the prop shaft into the tubing. When coupled, the WTC drive shaft and prop shaft should form a straight line through the thrust bearing bulkhead to the stern bearing. If necessary, widen the thrust bearing hole with a round file to ensure a non-binding fit.



4. Mix a batch of 50/50 epoxy and micro-balloons. Slide the thrust bearing out of the bulkhead. With a brush, apply epoxy around the bearing. Slip the thrust bearing into the bulkhead. Avoid getting epoxy in contact with the prop shaft. Allow to cure overnight.



The bearings supplied with the kit are oil impregnated "oilite" bearings. As the shaft heats the bearing during operation, oil is released to assist in lubrication. It is recommended, however, to apply a good, waterproof bearing grease to the shaft where it contacts both the stern and thrust bearings.

[PaulC]

LINKAGES - Rudder

The following items

LINKAGES - Rudder

The following items will need to be purchased to complete the control linkages:

Threaded rod with clevis (2)

1/8" Brass Tube (12")

1/8" Wheel Collars (2)

Du-Bro 1/ 16" Threaded Ball Link sets (2)

1. Your Permit kit supplies a drawing of the most effective linkage arrangement for your boat. The supplied parts eliminate most of the fabrication required. From left to right are the rudder jumper, two stern plane control links, a wheel collar for joining the two stern plane control rods and an allen wrench for tightening the set screws.



2. Because the propeller shaft runs down the center of the boat, and the control axis of the tandem rudders crosses the centerline as well, a jumper is used to connect the rudders and prevent binding against the shaft. Insert the rudders in their bearings and slide their control shafts into the collars at each end of the jumper. Tighten the set screws with the allen wrench. Check the control horn for movement. If it binds against the hull, remove the jumper and trim the control horn to ensure proper clearance.



3. Remove the rudder jumper. Drill a 1/16" hole in the center of the control horn.



4. Insert a clevis in the hole in the control horn. Thread a length of rod into the clevis. Most hobby stores sell prefabbed Du-Bro rod & clevis sets. However, they can be purchased separately and assembled. NOTE][/url]

5. Reinstall the rudder jumper as shown. Work the control rod to make sure the rudders move together and do not bind. With the rudders centered, mark the control rod approximately 2" from the WTC control rods. Cut the rod at the mark.



6. Cut a 3" length of brass tube. Flatten 1/4" of one end of the tube with a hammer. Drill a 1/16" hole in the flattened area and insert a ball link.



7. Drill a 3/32" hole in the top of the tube at the open end as shown.



8. Place a wheel collar over the open end of the tube and tighten the set screw until it enters the hole (the wheel collar can be soldered in position on the rod if desired). Slide the brass tube onto the rudder control rod. Snap the ball connector into the plastic quick connect threaded onto the WTC control rod. Center the rudders and tighten the wheel collar until it secures the rudder control rod to the brass control tube. Power up your radio & WTC and check the rudder operation. They should respond in tandem without binding.

[PaulC]

LINKAGES - Stern Planes

The following

LINKAGES - Stern Planes

The following items will need to be purchased to complete the control linkages:

Threaded rod with clevis (2)

1/8" Brass Tube (12")

1/8" Wheel Collars (2)

Du-Bro 1/ 16" Threaded Ball Link sets (2)

1. To avoid the propeller shaft, the stern plane linkage will use split control collars and linked control rods. Insert the control collars onto the stern plane control shafts and tighten the set screws. Check the control horns for movement. If they bind against the hull, remove them and trim the control horn to ensure proper clearance.



2. Remove the stern plane control collars. Drill a 1/16" hole in the center of each control horn as shown. Insert a clevis in the hole in each control horn. Thread a length of rod into the clevis. NOTE][/url]

3. Reinstall the control collars. Work the control rods to make sure the stern planes do not bind. Bend the port control rod forward of the wheel collar up at approximately 45°. With the lower part of the control rods parallel to the boats longitudinal axis, bend the port rod back down until it is parallel with the WTC control rod. Mark the port stern plane rod 2" from the WTC control rods. Cut the port rod at the mark.



4. To join the control rods, bend the starboard rod with pliers 45° so that it crosses the port rod. Bend the starboard rod back parallel to the port rod where they cross. Mark off 1/2" of overlap on the starboard rod. Cut the starboard rod at the mark. Slip the supplied wheel collar onto the two control rods. Center the stern planes and tighten the collar. Manipulate the stern planes via the control rods. They should operate in tandem without binding. Adjust the rods in the wheel collar as necessary until the stern planes operate correctly, then tighten the set screw.



5. NOTE][/url]

6. Cut a 3" length of brass tube. Flatten 1/4" of one end of the tube with a hammer. Drill a 1/16" hole in the flattened area and insert a ball link.



7. Drill a 3/32" hole in the top of the tube at the open end as shown. Place a wheel collar over the open end of the tube and tighten the set screw until it enters the hole. NOTE][/url]

8. Slide the brass tube onto the port stern plane control rod. Snap the ball connector into the plastic quick connect threaded onto the WTC control rod. Center the stern planes and tighten the wheel collar until it secures the stern plane control rod to the brass control tube. Power up your radio and WTC and check stern plane operation. They should respond in tandem without binding.



With the boat almost completely assembled, the only task remaining prior to getting her wet is to batten down the hatches...

[PaulC]

HULL FASTENER

The clean lines of

HULL FASTENER

The clean lines of the Permit class are elegant but they don’t provide a discreet means for hiding fasteners for the upper and lower hull halves. Traditionally, a standard Phillips head screw is countersunk in the side, or upper stern, and threaded through a nut fastened to the underside of the lower hull. It’s effective to be sure, but has always offended my sense of scale realism.

While building the Permit kit, I sought a hull fastening method that was equally robust, mechanically simple, yet as near to invisible as possible. After wracking my brain through most of the kit’s construction process I finally hit upon an idea that worked (please note the following images were taken after the boat was completed).

1. A brass rod was mounted inside the Permit’s upper hull approximately 1/2" abaft the bow sonar dome demarcation line. Care was taken to align the rod so it was affixed below the height of the lower hull indexing lip's overlap 1/4”. Holes were drilled in the upper hull, but not through the upper hull, and the rod was glued in place.



2. Next, a vertical slot was filed in the indexing lip, one on each side, into which the rod would fit once the hull halves were put together. Note][/url]

3. With the two hull halves aligned, I needed something to hold them in place against hydrodynamic forces while underway. Many ideas were explored, but the final solution was something already used in the boat][/url]

4. A hole drilled in the hook allows it to be fastened firmly against the upper hull using a sail attachment point. Once taut, the band provides the necessary tension to keep the upper hull from sliding forward. NOTE][/url]

5. For extra stability, a small tab of brass was glued to the underside of the upper hull at the stern cut. It slides under the upper section of the lower hull, keeping the rear of the upper hull in place.



The arrangement has stood the test of time beautifully on many patrols.

[PaulC]

BALLAST & TRIM

1. To ensure

BALLAST & TRIM

1. To ensure proper R/C performance, the boat will need two things: ballast weights and flotation foam. The D&E WTC-3's ballast tank provides ample volume to float a Permit. Lead weight must be added to the bottom of the hull, underneath the tank, to both keep the boat upright on the surface and properly offset the buoyancy in the WTC dry spaces when the ballast tank is flooded. In addition, closed cell flotation foam should be added below the surfaced waterline to establish the boat's level trim when submerged (image courtesy D&E Miniatures).



Which kind of foam? Most of us have an old styrofoam pool float laying around somewhere. Unfortunately, the large cell styrofoam it contains is unsuitable for r/c submarine use. Closed cell foam insulation used in home construction, such as Dow BlueCor, works well and comes in thicknesses as small as 1/4".

What about surfaced trim? The upper hull of the Permit has a scribed line depicting the scale surfaced waterline. However, trimming the boat to ride exactly at this line is secondary to establishing the correct submerged trim. Establishing the proper submerged trim is essential for safe underwater operations and will usually result in a surfaced trim close to the scale waterline.

However, unless a Permit boat is at rest, it is virtually impossible to determine if a model is riding at it's scale surfaced waterline due to the minimal freeboard these SSNs possessed. Once underway, waves will wash over the hull and even if the surfaced waterline is off, the model will look quite realistic.

2. To begin, cut two strips of 3/16" closed cell foam 1" wide and 25" long. With an X-acto knife, slice half way through the foam down each strip's length (this enables it to match the hull contour more easily). Using waterproof silicone adhesive, glue the strips to the inside of the upper hull, port and starboard, just below the surfaced waterline (start at the bow sonar dome demarcation line and work aft). Once the adhesive dries, place the upper hull on the lower hull and check the fit. Trim or sand down any high spots on the foam that prevent the proper mating of the two hull pieces.



3. Affix 12 ozs of lead to the inside of the hull on the bottom beneath the ballast tank. Self-adhesive 3oz bars can be found in most hobby stores, or silicone adhesive can be used. Button up the boat with everything needed for a patrol including WTC, linkages, running gear and battery.



4. Fill your bathtub or test tank. Place rubber bands around the hull near the bow, stern and ballast tank area. Put the boat in the water and turn it over to fill the ballast tank. Gently rock the hull to ensure all trapped air bubbles are released. Turn the boat back over, keeping it submerged.



5. Proper submerged waterline is 1/4" of sail showing with the boat in level trim. This provides slightly positive buoyancy for patrols. If the boat rides too high, slip weights under the rubber bands at the ballast tank area until the proper waterline is achieved. The boat depicted is close to the proper height with 12 ounces of lead. NOTE][/url]

6. With the boat at the proper submerged waterline, level trim must be obtained. Here the boat is down by the stern. Place small pieces of foam under the rubber bands aft below the surfaced waterline until the boat is level.



7. Remove the boat from the water. Note where the foam and lead was placed on the hull under the rubber bands. Remove the pieces and set them aside. Dry the hull interior. Use silicone adhesive and affix the foam and lead pieces to the inside of the hull in their respective locations. Make sure the foam is below the surfaced waterline, yet as high in the hull as possible.



8. Once the adhesive cures, return to the bathtub and flood your boat until all air is out of the ballast tank and hull. Leave the boat in the water for several minutes more then return and check your work. This allows water to fill every nook and cranny. The trim may still require some fine tuning. Add weight and/or foam until it rides correctly (level with 1/4" of sail above water). Repeat steps 7-8 until proper trim is achieved. Be patient and take your time.

[PaulC]

DETAIL & PAINT - Detailing

DETAIL & PAINT - Detailing The Boat

The ThorDesign Permit kit depicts USS Permit (SSN-594) in it's as-built condition circa 1962. However, the boats of this class served well into the 1990's and underwent many modifications. To properly detail your model, chose the specific boat and service period you wish to depict and research her thoroughly. For the purpose of this build, I chose to model USS Thresher (SSN-593) at the time of her loss on April 10, 1963.



Deck Fittings - Permit kits come with a selection of white metal parts to represent all the major deck fittings such as cleats, windlasses, etc. The hull is molded to represent these fittings in their retracted, at-sea positions. To depict them in their extended positions, drill a pilot hole for each fitting in the upper hull and file out the opening. Clean the flash from the white metal part and insert it in the proper hole. From the back side, apply epoxy to glue it in place. On this build, I chose to leave the in-port details off.



Stern Light - 1. Drill a hole in the upper rudder to accept the white metal part depicting the stern light beacon. I shaved off the resin housing molded into the top of the rudder for a more accurate appearance.



2. Apply a drop of CA to the bottom of the stern light part and insert it in the hole.



Periscopes & Masts - An assortment of resin and metal parts are included to depict the various periscopes and masts. Using the plans, drill and file out holes in the sail top for the masts you wish to install.

1. For this project only the single attack periscope was used. Cut a length of brass tube to represent the periscope barrel. Clean the white metal periscope top and glue it in one end with CA.



2. Next, drill a hole in the sail top. Insert the periscope. Friction will hold it in place during patrols. For other masts, insert a small threaded rod in the bottom of the mast. A washer and nut can then be applied from the inside of the sail to hold it in place.



MBT Vents - A tree of stainless steel photo-etched Main Ballast Tank vents are supplied with the kit.

1. Cut or twist a vent from its tree. File off any rough edges. Due to their tiny size, it is best to hold the part with a pair of needle nosed pliers. To increase grip and avoide scratching the part, wrap masking tape around each half of the pliers.



2. To countersink the part in the hull, I beveled the hole out with a small rat tail file. Masking tape was put around the area to prevent scratching the hull. The photoetched part was the placed in position and held in place with masking tape. The tape was sealed tightly around the mating surface and MBT opening.

From the back side, a drop of CA was placed in the joint between the hull and part. Capillary action draws it into the gap and secures it. Once dry, the tape can be removed and the outer seam between part and hull should be clean and glue free.

Early Permits had their stainless steel vents painted black, but at sea the paint would quickly wear off. As a result, they were left unpainted starting in the mid 1960's.



Zincs - Once the final paint job is finished, the zincs should be affixed to the stern. Their location is indicated on the plans and scribed in the hull. Place masking tape on either side of the scribe mark, apply CA to the underside of the metal part and lay it between the tape in the proper location. This prevents the glue from damaging the adjacent paint. As full scale zincs were unpainted, leave these parts in their raw, white metal condition.

Strainers - A 1/96 scale set of photoetched SSN vents and strainers was purchased from Jeff LaRue. The 637 MSW suction and discharge strainers were used in the Permit hull. They dressed out the big round holes very nicely. Installation was accomplished in the same manner as the MBT vents.

[PaulC]

DETAIL & PAINT - Primer

1.

DETAIL & PAINT - Primer

1. The key to any paint job is preparation and attention to detail. Patience during the primer stage will yield excellent results. Like David Merriman, I'm a firm believer in using industiral grade coatings for epoxy hulls. For this project, an industrial grade epoxy primer manufactured by a local plant was used. NOTE: When spraying solvent based paint be sure to observe all necessary safety precautions such as proper breathing protection and ventilation of flammable solvent fumes.



Don't own an airbrush and don't want to? Applying paint from aerosol spray cans is your alternative. Hardware and automotive supply stores carry a good selection of products which can produce a finish that is quite respectable.

2. Sand the entire hull with 600 grit sandpaper. The goal is to remove any of the shine from the surface. Cast resin parts should be sanded as well with 400 grit to remove any remaining flash or mold imperfections.



3. Lay out the hull halves and resin parts in a well lit work space which will not be damaged by overspray. Wipe down the hull and parts with thinner to remove any residual oil or grease. Prepare the primer per manufacturer instructions. Spray with a double action air brush (a Paasche VL was used for this project) in long, even strokes. Apply a thin coat of primer to avoid sags or runs. The intricate scribed detail in the hull and sail should begin to really pop out. Avoiding heavy applications of paint to these areas will keep them sharp.



4. Once the primer has dried sufficiently (consult manufacturer's recommendations), wet sand the primer with 800 grit. Be careful not to sand back down to the epoxy hull itself or remove any scribed detail. As the boat becomes smooth, the paint dust slurry will fill in any tiny pin holes in the hull.



5. For larger gaps and imperfections, such as seams and joints around the stern planes, apply automotive grade body putty. I used NitroStan 9001 on my project. It is quick drying and waterproof, exhibiting little or no shrinkage over time. Once the putty dries in the seam, wet sand the area smooth with 800 grit.



6. Clean excess dust from the parts and run a small pointed object, such as a scribing tool or thumbtack, through any scribed detail that is filled with dust. Air brush another light layer of primer over the entire surface of each part. Repeat steps 3 - 5 until all surfaces are smooth and blemish free.

[PaulC]

DETAIL & PAINT - Finish

DETAIL & PAINT - Finish Coats

Great effort goes into an outstanding paint job on any boat. If you're a novice r/c sub driver, consider postponing the final finish painting until you've run your boat several times in primer. The water won't hurt the primer and it could save having to repair assorted dings and scrapes generated during the initial shakedown period at the pond.



1. For the finish coats, automotive grade coatings or enamel hobby paints are recommended. NOTE][/url]

2. Before you begin, make sure all objects to be sprayed are dry and clean of all dirt, grease or fingerprint oil. Spray the lower hull and rudder with red oxide. Mix the paint per instructions. Here, a double action air brush was utilized. Long thin strokes should be used until the entire surface is covered. Allow the hull to dry.



3. Wet sand hull with 1200 grit paper. Avoid sanding down to primer. Repeat steps 3 - 4 for two more applications.



4. Mask off the lower hull down the midline and stern planes (use 3M 1/4" or 1/8" tape). Prepare the flat black for spraying per manufacturer's instructions. Spray a thin coat to lower & upper hulls, sail and upper rudder.

When masking off an area, shoot a thin coat of clear over the seam prior to shooting the new color. This will prevent bleed-through under the tape.



5. Wet sand the hull and pieces with 1200 grit paper. Avoid sanding down to primer. Repeat steps 3 - 4 for two more applications or until the desired finish is achieved.



6. Place the propeller in a small cup and spray the back side with gold. Once it is dry, place it on a rod and shoot the top side. Use a fine tip to get good coverage around the hub between the blades. Buff with 0000 steel wool.



7. With the boat painted, protect the finish with an application of clear flat lacquer or polyurethane. Spray a thin coat over the entire model and let it dry. Then, rub with 0000 steel wool to further buff the finish. Repeat 2 - 3 times to build a good tough barrier.

[PaulC]

DETAIL & PAINT - Hull

DETAIL & PAINT - Hull Markings

1. The best way to depict the standard markings on a Permit boat is to apply dry transfers. The main hull markings were located on the bow, sail, flank and upper rudder. Use the plan sheet as a reference when mapping out the precise locations on your model. For best results, transfers should be applied to surfaces that have been clear coated.



To get the proper numeral sizes and font to depict U.S. Navy markings in 1/96 scale, use Woodland Scenics dry transfer sheet #MG740 for the letters and #MG747 for the numbers (45° USA Gothic).

2. Hull numbers were located under the sail planes. Cut out the appropriate dry transfer from the master sheet. A Post-It note makes for a convenient, self-adhesive straight edge.



3. Select the appropriate marking and align it on the model. The plastic sheet should be up, with the transfer on the back side, against the model.



4. With a burnishing tool or other firm, blunt instrument, rub the face of the transfer. The number will adhere to the model.



5. Peal away the plastic sheet to reveal a sharp, crisp number. Repeat, making sure to keep adjacent numbers properly aligned.

Once all markings are applied, spray the entire model with a final coat of flat clear to seal and protect the transfers from damage.



The same steps were followed to add the draft markings to the bow and upper rudder.







With the boat assembled, trimmed and painted, its now time to put her through her paces on patrol.

[PaulC]

ON PATROL

The first run of

ON PATROL

The first run of a new model sub is aways a heady thing. All the time, work, and money invested, not to mention the expectations of the crowd, can all lead to disaster if you're not careful. If at all possible, take an experienced r/c sub vet with you to double check your preparations. One missed item on your pre-run checklist can ruin your day. Pick a spot with clear water and bottom features you are familiar with.

A good plan is to commence with surface running first. Get the feel of how she handles, the response you can expect from rudder and throttle commands. When you're comfortable, bring the boat in and park it for a static dive next to the shore. Command a vent and check the trim. Adjust as necessary. Often different water densities will require minor ballast adjustments.

With a good final trim, blow to the surface, make a circuit and aim the boat towards you. Command a dive. As she dips under observe her behavior. She should level off at periscope depth. If so, you're on your way (if the worst happens, she'll be heading to shore at your feet and the recovery will be easy). As you get to know your new command, keep an eye on run time. Don't want to end on the low note of a flat battery (with a standard 1500mah NiCad I can get a run time of approximately 1 hour -- your results may vary).

My own Permit proved to be a wonderful performer. Docile underway, she turns smartly and has gobs of power in reserve for getting out of trouble. With the planes mounted high in the sail she has a tendency to be drawn upward by surface capture at periscope depth -- just like the real thing. I always run with the attack scope extended to help gauge my depth. As idiosyncrasies go it proved to be minor. Every boat has them.













The above images were taken of Thresher several seasons ago. She is still running strong, and despite other projects, retains a special place in my modeling heart.

[xxl]

Re: 1/96 scale ThorDesign USS Permit

Nice boat now i want one