1/48 USS GRAYLING SSN-646 STURGEON BUILD

[racer]

Re: 1/48 USS GRAYLING SSN-646 STURGEON BUILD

Another neat thing is that because of the size of this beast, I can actually CNC mill out the brass
parts directly instead of going the photo-etch route.
Now maybe as I move forward up the hull, the metal parts may get more complicated but I do have
a 1/32" end mill which can really do fine milling.
We shall see.
Here is a shot of the brass parts for the section I am working on currently.
This is a 2"x2" piece of 0.010 brass sheet milled with the 1/16th end mill.

[racer]

Re: 1/48 USS GRAYLING SSN-646 STURGEON BUILD

I made some really nice progress today on the Grayling.
The cutting of the thin brass with the CNC went perfect!
They cut out super clean and fit great into the hull depressions.
I also threaded the prop shaft for the M6 prop and locked that baby down with some red Locktite.
Don't want that guy flying off that is for sure.
All that is left now is to paint the brass pieces black and add the zinc's. This would then be followed up with a flat clear coat to protect the paint.
Here are some shots of the finished product.
I am feeling pretty good this afternoon as you might imagine.

Top 3/4 Pic (There is a manhole hatch behind the top Rudder)


Bottom 3/4 Pic

[racer]

Re: 1/48 USS GRAYLING SSN-646 STURGEON BUILD

I was about ready to make my zinc anodes when I came across this diagram.
How cool is this!

[racer]

Re: 1/48 USS GRAYLING SSN-646 STURGEON BUILD

Added the decals this evening and CNC'd the zinc anodes out of styrene.
I sure am glad I found that drawing of the zinc's.
Almost done....

[racer]

Re: 1/48 USS GRAYLING SSN-646 STURGEON BUILD

With the flat clear coat having been put on for protection, the Propulsion Module section of the build is now totally completed.
I just hope the rest of it comes out as nice as this part of the build did.
Now, on to the next section of the build.

[racer]

Re: 1/48 USS GRAYLING SSN-646 STURGEON BUILD

Tonight I made huge progress on the next section of the boat.
I have the exterior details worked out as well as the WTC which will house the motor
and the servos for the tail surfaces.

[racer]

Re: 1/48 USS GRAYLING SSN-646 STURGEON BUILD

Here I have added the two waterproof connectors which will transfer the power to the servos, motor and the
rear Upper Rudder Stern Light. This will keep the WTC looking clean and modular.

[racer]

Re: 1/48 USS GRAYLING SSN-646 STURGEON BUILD

The boys have been hard at work in the fabrication shop and have completed
the three main bulkheads contained within the Control Module.

[racer]

Re: 1/48 USS GRAYLING SSN-646 STURGEON BUILD

I thought I would take some time and work out the detail photo-etching for the
Propulsion and Control Modules.
I was able to sift though the many photos of this class of submarine on the net and I think
I have captured these details fairly well.
I was only able to find the one photo of the MSW suction and discharge details and
took a shot at them here.
I have been corresponding with Jeff who has done a fine job on a set of Nuke Sub photo-etch details in 1/96th and
he was going to look at seeing what kind of details could be had blowing them up to 1/48th scale.
The MicroMart Photo-Etch Kit should be on the door step Friday.

[PaulC]

Re: 1/48 USS GRAYLING SSN-646 STURGEON BUILD

Tom, please post the MSW image if you can. I've seen drawings but never a pic.

[racer]

Re: 1/48 USS GRAYLING SSN-646 STURGEON BUILD

Here is a shot of the propulsion module details.
Photo etching?? No.... CNC.
I pushed the machine to the max with this one for sure.
Using a 1/32 end mill I was able to create all of the outlines.
I also needed to duplicate 1" and 1/2" size holes in 1/48th scale which meant getting out the pin vise
and micro drills.
I think we all know how easy it is to snap a #80 drill bit.
I decided to give it a try in the CNC machine.
How to chuck up a hair size bit??? Just chuck up the pin vise itself.
I actually was able to peck drill at .001 depth levels till it went through the metal without breaking the bit.
I guess I was a little premature getting that Photo-Etch kit.

[the dark knight]

Re: 1/48 USS GRAYLING SSN-646 STURGEON BUILD

wow! That is a very sharp build! Keep up the good work!

[racer]

Re: 1/48 USS GRAYLING SSN-646 STURGEON BUILD

Here is my 2nd cut at the aft flood grates with careful guidance from my Jedi Master Wlambing.
This should cut very well with the 1/32 End Mill in the ABS sheet stock.

[racer]

Re: 1/48 USS GRAYLING SSN-646 STURGEON BUILD

I finished the first grate this morning and it came out great. (or is that grate...something like that)
It has every bit of detail that the 3D model has.
On to the second one.

[chuck chesney]

Re: 1/48 USS GRAYLING SSN-646 STURGEON BUILD

I've been watching your build....Great job! It's very professional, and should yield a first class sub. I have a question regarding the watertight electrical connectors. What brand are they, and where did you get them? Are they truly waterproof, or just water resistant? They look (from the photos) like the sort of thing that almost all sub guys could find a use for.
Thanks, and keep up the really good work !