GUPPY III Conversion - USS TIRU - 1/144

[ssn705]

Ok, Got some work done and got some pictures taken and finally got a moment to upload them... All of the work has been on the sail, go figure, since it is the only major thing left. I hemmed and hawed and racked my brain during deployment about how to deal with the deadlights...well, I decided that all of my plans were overly complicated with minimal chance at positive results, so I decided just to cut them open and leave open holes, so that decision allowed me to move into wrapping the sail.

First had to make the TBT and pedestal...







Then, adding some support structure because I decided to wrap the front of the sail separately and just deal with a seam (that I though was going to be covered by Masker piping, but I decided to forgo that placement)...



And the front wrap...





Starting the deadlights...



Finished...



And a full shot (PUFFs and Sail not permanently mounted yet, plenty of detail to go)




Cheers,

Dave

[salmon]

Great conversion. I like the sail!

[ssn705]

Thanks. Trying to get some little detail stuff done. I also found a picture today that shows that the forward safety track does not follow the plans that I have (at least not at the time I am modeling). At least the change will be minor... Just a pain. I've been adding the little "blisters" to the front, back and sides of the forward PUFFs array. I haven't figured out what they are yet, but they are going on. The detail is going on the sail as well. I have to make 8 handgrabs for the aft end of the sail. I was going to get a manufactured jig, but I think I will probably just make a temporary one. Pictures when I get a chance.

Cheers,

Dave

[ssn705]

Track fix... the old track placement (per yard plans) is the sanded down section, while the new piece is the big raised curved that needs to be knocked down a little...



And the little bumps and stuff on the Fwd PUFFS (there are some bumps on the side that still need to go on)



Cheers,

Dave

[bharris]

Looking great Dave, we were wondering at the last SubRon-4 get together when you would return and we would see more progress.
The mysterious "blisters" on the fwd, PUFFS dome are for the DUUG-1 hydrophones (4) It was a French POS interim acoustic intercept device that gave bearing only. We lovingly called it Degall's Useless Underwater Gadget, The WLR-9 replaced it thank god. The flat faced hydrophones were about 1.5in diam with another mounting ring around that.
Good to see you are back and working on Tiru.
Here is a fair pic for size reference, hope it helps.

Bob

[ssn705]

Bob, I figured it was some active intercept thing, thanks for confirming the system. I knew someone would have the answer. I've only been back since the 12th, but I had to use some of the leave time for building, right? When is the next 4 get-together? I'm in a shore job now so I should probably have time available.

Cheers,

Dave

[bharris]

Dave, the next SR4 get together will be 10:30am Mar 19 at Tony's house in R.I.
Bill should be posting that soon on the forum.
Bob.

[ssn705]

I'll clear it with COMSUBHOME

[ssn705]

Grab iron work...





Cheers,

Dave

[ssn705]

Big day! Added the sail. And about an hour later pried it back of. It had gotten a little out of square when it set. When I think it off, I also choose to adjust the safety track next to the sail out slightly parallel to the original. And now the sail is back on.

Cheers,

Dave

[ssn705]

Scribed the transfer doors in the sides of the sail. Also started finishing the join of the sail to the deck.

Maybe some pics tomorrow.

Cheers,

Dave

[ssn705]

Woo...XO turnover was a bit busier than expected, but I expect to get some progress made over the weekend.

Cheers,

Dave

[ssn705]

Some progress. Got the seam at the bottom of the sail cleaned up completely. Shot a rattle can of gray to check it out and verify some other clean up. Put the bottom part of the sail Masker piping in...



I also started work on the handrail that runs around the sail. First a bunch of .020 rod glued into some tiny holes. After they have dried I will trim them down and started the first section of rail.



Cheers,

Dave

[ssn705]

Well, that went a little quicker then expected...





Never thought I would end up doing this much detail on a submarine in this scale...

Cheers,

Dave

[wlambing]

Looking good, Dave!!!

B^)