Best RTR RC Submarine model (small scale)

[corsaire]

Hello there,

I don't have the time, nor the desire to invest in model building
an RC model sub. However, I'd love to "dive right into the water head first" with a RTR model, if any.
Is there a RTR (ready to run) or closest to it out there in the "cottage industry" that I can purchase?

I know Skip used to sell the RTR Albacore version, is it still available ?
or who's selling it now?

Thanks for the help,

Corsaire

[silent runner]

D&E Miniatures offers a RTR

D&E Miniatures offers a RTR Skipjack.
Depends on how much you want to invest.

Mike

[JWLaRue]

Closest thing to a RTR

Closest thing to a RTR R/C sub would be those manufactured and sold by Dave Manley of Small World Models. Nicely scaled models and not quite the 'hit' on your wallet as some others.....

Drop in a couple of servos, your receiver and battery......paint if you like and you're ready to go.

Dave/SWM can be reached at: http://www.geocities.com/smallworldmodels/

-Jeff

[tmsmalley]

Mike's Subworks (listed on this

Mike's Subworks (listed on this site's vendor pages) sells the SubTech Albacore - not sure if they will build one up for you, though.

You might also consider posting on the SubSwap forum and see if anyone has a built sub kit that's ready to go they would be interested in parting with. Better get out your checkbook though, this isn't a cheap hobby

[corsaire]

I once saw Skip's Albacore

I once saw Skip's Albacore prototype (water pump ballast activated) some years ago, but don't remember it in action.
I'm not interested in watching how fast it goes from one end of the pool to another (oops! sorry krauts)
So, of the three mentioned, which performs in a more scale-like manner?
Any advise?
Corsaire

[Guest]

What do you mean by

What do you mean by 'scale like'.

All the listed boats will serve you well. Clearly there is some price differential between them. All will require some model building, although it seems the tasks required have been kept to the minimum.

In addition to the guys already mentioned, there's an outfit in China that will build you a RTR version of one of their kits, although one or two of the subjects are not scale in the sense of an Albacore or Skipjack.

http://www.arkmodel.com/C7606_e.htm

[corsaire]

I apologize for not clarifying

I apologize for not clarifying myself, I meant "scale-like" manner regarding SPEED, in other words displacing at slow motion speed like a real sub, not like a Nikko toy, darting in and out.

Corsaire

[corsaire]

So, no one has really

So, no one has really had any experience with any of these models ?

Corsaire

[silent runner]

I would suggest that you

I would suggest that you purchase one of the Sub Regatta DVD's and actually watch several different boats, some kits, some scratch built, in operation. I believe that we all attempt to operate our boats in as 'scale-like' manner as possible. Comparing the above mentioned boats/kits to the 'Nikko or Wally-World' subs is like comparing apples to oranges.

[liftmys10]

Corsair, i have the Albacore

Corsair, i have the Albacore from Skip that i built. Its pretty slow because its geared and is built to scale. I dont know why no one shows pictures of their subs but here is mine..

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/224451/10

[jeffrey j]

....

Corsaire,
I agree with Silent Runner, the best advise given here to you is to purchase a DVD of one of the subregattas and really see what you like, once you pick out your fav. sub you really won't mind building it, and you will enjoy it that much more.
I saw a video of the Vancouver B/C subregatta several years ago, over 10 actually , When Mike Dory and Skip were putting Mike's type IX in the pond and he shot those torpedos out the front of it, I just about fell out of my chair, that was the coolest model "Man Toy " in my opinion I had ever seen in my life and had to build one, except maybe my uncles Playboys when I was a kid, but thats another story.. lol,, its over all size and the overall look of the type IX really hit me. anyway, good luck,, building is a real learning exercise and enjoyable. Jeff Jones

[silent runner]

Corsair, i have the Albacore

[quote]Corsair, i have the Albacore from Skip that i built. Its pretty slow because its geared and is built to scale. I dont know why no one shows pictures of their subs but here is mine..

I think that everyone that has commented here had pictures of most, if not all their subs on their individual SC homepages.

http://www.subcommittee.com/SubComm/mem ... mberID=237

[bcliffe]

Corsair,

The Albacore and SWM various

Corsair,

The Albacore and SWM various subs are both fine models, and perform well in the water. I have found that the SWM products require less building skills to get in the water.

You can find some video of the SWM Trenchant off of my web site.

http://www.bcliffe.com/subs/Submarines.html

Here is an on-line review I did of this kit to give you a feel for the amount of work required.

http://www.subpirates.com/viewtopic.php?t=171

The SMW model Blueback was designed to be an entry level sub as no foam is required to get the correct submerged trim. (at least that is what I have been told)

Some things you may need to think about, size may matter. The Albacore is a good size, but won't be able to turn in a pool, the Blueback is small enough to do this.

In open water the Albacore can deal with choppy waves better then the Blue Back.

The folks here are giving you some good advice, do some research of different boats, think about things like size,era, type of ballast system, etc.

While doing your research, and you have specific questions don't hesitate to ask.

Cheers
BC

[corsaire]

I'd just wish I had

I'd just wish I had the time to do all those beautiful models that demand
a lot of building time, since I'm not new to the model submarining "sport". But in the meantime, I think I'm inclining towards Skip's model: Albacore, which I think now is being sold by Mike Schubar, perhaps he could finish it up for me as I want an RTR model. 2nd option is that Trafalgar by SWM.
But if somebody is tired of their OTW or DK's Type VII, already built and running model and wants to sell, let me know.
Corsaire

[tmsmalley]

http://www.rc-submarines.com/SanDiego/01df4650.jpg

My Small World Models USS



My Small World Models USS Blueback