Small World Models 1/96th Blueback Kit Restoration

[salmon]

Matt, That is really nice. I need to learn how to create hulls from a drawing in Fusion.

[sam reichart]

That detail on the snorkel head is pretty amazing at that scale.

[thor]

Here is another update and a huge milestone was reached with this project. All of the 3D CAD work is complete. The sail, scope, shears, and appendages have all been printed out and fit tested. I am very happy with the results, although there were many failures along the way. The hull will go into the 3D resin printer next week leading to the final step of pulling the epoxy mold off of the 3D pattern for the production of kit parts.

My thanks go out to Bob Martin for his very kind patience with me on this kit, as well as the many folks waiting for its release. I think you will be very happy with the end result and how fast this kit will go together.

More to come on the assembly methods we came up with to make this kit go together very fast and accurately.

[thor]

Here are a few more model shots from the 3D CAD.

We will be adding a beautifully crafted 5 bladed brass propeller to this kit. It will come standard with a 1/8" bore with set screw.

I hope to have the prototype running in the water at the Carmel FunRun this August.

[FormerlyPetn7]

Great work! It's nice to see this classic sub/kit coming back.

[thor]

Here are a few photos of the hull master printing on the resin printer. The hull master has been split in half into sections approximately 13" long. The two halves will be joined to form a single master.

[thor]

The first half completed printing overnight. Here it is hanging over the resin bath ready to be removed from the build plate. The second half will be loaded up today and should complete in around 33 hours of printing.

[thor]

The detail is not showing up in these photos because the scribe lines and other details are covered in wet resin. A few minutes in the alcohol bath will clean them right up!

[thor]

After a few delays, the Small World Models 1/96th scale USS Blueback has been completely reworked and is nearly ready to mold up. The only item requiring molding is the hull. All of the other components are 3D resin printed out in extra strength resin. There is still a small amount of cleanup to do but it is very nearly done. Here are a few photos for you to review.

[sam reichart]

Wow, Matt. That boat looks spectacular. Fantastic detail on the hull and sail. When’s it going to be ready for release?

[thor]

Thanks very much, Sam! The 100 F+ temperatures are making it tough to do much in the shop right now. As soon as it cools down I'll get the hull molds completed and then get the first batch of kits off to Bob.

[thor]

Here is a shot of the appendages and the scopes/shears. Carbon fiber rod is inserted inside each of the masts to make them very robust. The carbon fiber rod is provided. I have not received the brass propeller from the manufacturer yet, but the kit includes a beautiful, scale propeller for the kit. I will post it up as soon as I have it in hand.

[sam reichart]

Here is a shot of the appendages and the scopes/shears. Carbon fiber rod is inserted inside each of the masts to make them very robust. The carbon fiber rod is provided. I have not received the brass propeller from the manufacturer yet, but the kit includes a beautiful, scale propeller for the kit. I will post it up as soon as I have it in hand.

They look fantastic. Are there any reinforcing materials in the appendages, or is the resin robust enough to withstand bumps and scrapes?

[thor]

Hi Sam-Yes, there are 1/16" carbon fiber rods in the stern fins, 1/16" brass rods in the stern planes, & 3/32" brass rods in the rudders. This resin is pretty tough stuff. I think it will hold up very well.

The two 1/16" carbon fiber rods in the stern fins are used to align the appendages onto the hull properly. Once they are secured the carbon fiber rods in the open hull space are cut away to allow the controls and propeller shaft can be easily installed.

[sam reichart]

Hi Sam-Yes, there are 1/16" carbon fiber rods in the stern fins, 1/16" brass rods in the stern planes, & 3/32" brass rods in the rudders. This resin is pretty tough stuff. I think it will hold up very well.

The two 1/16" carbon fiber rods in the stern fins are used to align the appendages onto the hull properly. Once they are secured the carbon fiber rods in the open hull space are cut away to allow the controls and propeller shaft can be easily installed.

As I expected… engineered to last. Great stuff, Matt. The original Blueback from Dave was a super popular kit; I expect this iteration will be just as popular, if not more so.

What’s the recommendation for the ballast system?