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Hi Rick,
My first model was patterned after Deep Flight Aviator, but I decided to make a
canard design for the wings - similar to an aricraft that I always liked, the
Varyeze. That first model was small , I think 1/12 scale. I made it
out of foam and fiberglass. It was ok for a general cool looking sub but
as a practical matter it didn't make much sense, I found myself trying to crame
everything into this design I made, where the functionality was not fully
developed. My second design was based more on what I could realistically
do in the real world and was a larger scale. It was made using cardboard (
or maybe very thin plywood) and I actually made ribs and then filled inbetween
with foam, then I fiber glassed over the whole thing. Hot glue is
fun to work with - instant gratification ! One problem I had was that the
model was too buoyant so I had to compensate with lead placed in some strategec
locations. When I first placed it in the water it turned upside down (
shades of needle fish ! ) that got my attention right away
! I changed my design because of that. Here is a link to
some pics:
Brian
I'm finding that out now. I found that Gorilla Glue was probably my
best bet - unless I wanted to keep making batches of 5-minute epoxy.
The scale human figures are invaluable. You find out right away
what works in terms of ergonomicas, fit, points of view, etc. It's
enlightening.
What materials did you use for your models?
Rick
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Sunday, November 29, 2009 11:30
PM
Subject: RE: [PSUBS-MAILIST] Working
subs
Actually Rick, I benefited
immensely by making some models at the begining stages of my sub
design. Even with the actual methods of construction I found that in
order to make a sturdy model you needed to think about these things even on
a small scale. Also when I was trying to come up with a over all
"look" for my sub the term "form follows function" was a guiding
format for me.
Brian
Ya - the doctor said cutting paper dolls was too
dangerous :-D
Rick
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Sunday, November 29, 2009
6:30 AM
Subject: RE: [PSUBS-MAILIST]
Working subs
Rick, Am I to understand that you
are playing with barbie dolls now?
brian
I purchased, as part of my modelling efforts, a series of
anatomically correct mannequins. They're about two inches to the
foot, so a twelve inch high figure is equivalent to six
feet. The joints appear in all the right places as measured
against a human figure - me. They also bend naturally. I
was fortunate to find them at $10 CDN each.
They also have really cool uniforms. Seriously, making
models, scale and life-size, can't be overstated. Cardboard,
poster board, wood, metal, copper pipe - whatever works.
Rick in Vancouver
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Saturday, November 28,
2009 8:25 AM
Subject: Re: [PSUBS-MAILIST]
Working subs
I know evolution as apposed to design doesn't sound too good,
but it suits what I'm
trying to acheive.
Hi Alan. Evolution of design is the best approach. You have a
full size mock-up ? Another great idea. It worked well for me. I
made a lot of serious changes to the design after making mock-ups.
After I zeroed in on the hull design I made models too. About 1/10th
scale and used them to experiment with different ballast tank
designs, water flow, weight distribution, balance, etc.
That was a really fun part of the process. Sitting inside
the mock-ups and imagining where the windows would go, how the
controls would function, where all the stuff would sit, how seating
would be arranged etc.
It's been a multi-year process and a LOT of fun. Looking
forward to seeing yours as it evolves.
Frank
D.
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