DazDaMan

Hi there, this is my first post, so please be gentle!!

I want to build an R/C Shark. No, not a Gruapner one! More like a Great White one!

I've been interested in building an R/C shark for some time, and I know of one guy who has built one out of metal and plastics (Math Vos) but I was looking to do something else, possibly out of wood (although I dunno if this would work, with the model being a dynamic diver??).

Anyone got any hints/tips/ideas?

Thanks in advance.

Captain Nemo12

Right on!

If you consider buiding it out of wood, it might be a bit challenging because you need to seal the the spaces between the planks, if you use balsa, that might be good too but be sure to cover the model with a waterproof substance, duct tape, expoxy resin, etc. One good thing about RC sharks is that you already have the fins as control surfaces, and with a a dynamic diver, the process just simples out more. I have a a few pics of my "RC Shark" if you like, I can send them to you.

SJN

something like this

DazDaMan

CaptainNemo - I was gonna cover the thing in fibreglass (or maybe just the epoxy will do?) to seal it. Would love to see the pics you have.

SJN - something like that, yeah!

Should I build to a particular size? I was originally going to build a 3ft version (the static version I built ended up at almost 4ft!).

I had considered making the jaws work, but I might be getting a bit ahead of myself here!!

DazDaMan

Here's a couple I've found - sadly no building details!

Captain Nemo12

Cool, it's hard to see the prop on that thing, maybe it propels by moving its tail just like a real shark!

DazDaMan

I can't even see a prop! If it used its tail for propulsion, you'd think you'd be able to see the portion of the body that moved?! [sm=confused.gif]

I did once see a model shark used for a robot olympics-type thing that had a moving tail. Really smart, but again no construction details

DazDaMan

CN - don't forget your photos!

DazDaMan

I'm debating the size of the shark. I was tempted to build big (for more realism), but I imagine my eventual "territory" is gonna be either a pool or a pond. I imagine, too, that a bigger shark is gonna be a ***** to sink without a lot of weight in it.

Plus I was hoping to test out my waterproofing in the bath, so that rules out a scale model "Megalodon"!!

Captain Nemo12

You asked for them! Well, My sub is only a 2 footer, since it's meant to be a dynamic diver, I didn't figure out that it will need too much space. Control is by a 2 channel radio, and the diving planes are the fins.

The sub is based on the Nautilus from 20000 Leagues Under The Sea, scale is close to 1/114.

DazDaMan

I thought of doing a sub-based model, but I dunno if it would be entirely what I'm after. I'm a bit of a perfectionist!

Captain Nemo12

I recommend trying the tail movement method, don't know if this could work but, what if you don't use the tail for pulpulsion? Use it to steer the sub! Divide your shark into 2 halves vertically, attach the prop(s) to the 2nd half (tail). Use a geared motor system to move the 2nd half of the sub left and right, and you have your rudder! I think that for this method to work, you'll need to put some more weight into the 1st half. Don't make your shark too big or the motor(s) for the rudder movement will be too weak to turn the tail.

DazDaMan

I was thinking something about 30ins long (2.5ft), with a top-hatch instead of a middle join. Applying the K.I.S.S. principle here!

The tail was always intended (in my case, anyway) as a rudder - that's just the way I always thought it out!

I was also going to build the model with the prop projecting from the bottom (as per SJN's photos), too.

DazDaMan

Currently in the tank of the Moneterey Bay Aquarium, California, there is a 4ft 4ins female Great White Shark!

She's been there for almost a month now, and is doing very well. Click on the link below to see the tank's webcam:

http://www.mbayaq.org/efc/efc_hp/hp_obw_cam.asp

The shark has been VERY active today!

DazDaMan

So, what I'm intending to do is an all-wood model, roughly 30in or so long, dynamic diving.

Anyone think this will or will not work?

Captain Nemo12

Nothing is impossible, here is a website that document a wooden RC sub model construction:

www.heiszwolf.com/subs ->click on the blue "Model" buttom at the left, then, click on where it says " Zeewolf" at the top.

DazDaMan

Ahhh, thanks for that link. Starting to look a bit more promising now!

DazDaMan

I bought a large rubber shark at the weekend, around 29ins, and it looks just about right for the RC version....!

Captain Nemo12

any pics to share with us?

DazDaMan

I'm sure I can do some tonight! Also, I'm going to have a look at some dude's subs after work, so I'll get some shots...

DazDaMan

OK, here are a few pics. Enjoy!

1) The innards of the Typhoon (which I think is a Russian sub??)
2) The Typhoon and a U-boat (U-25). The Typhoon is a GRP model, while the U-boat is "bread and butter"-built. The guy suggested I build my shark the same way.
3) A British nuclear sub - I forget the name of it
4) My near-4ft static model great white shark

DazDaMan

More sharks. Front to rear: roughly 12" long rubber model; 29" model bought at the weekend; Bruce - 45"

Captain Nemo12

nice boats! Does the ballast tank installation in the Typhoon work well? That's a pretty interesting position for the tanks! What's Bruce made of? From the paint, it looks like paper marche.

DazDaMan

He was still working on the Typhoon, but having looked at the guts - My God! Rather him than me!

"Bruce" is a balsa-wood box with polystyrene to form the shape (in my infinite wisdom, I thought weight would counter out the bouyancy of it - d'oh!!). I was originally going to cover it in fibreglass, but once I figured that the model wouldn't work in its intended form, I covered it in cartridge paper and watered-down PVA glue, then painted it with Humbrol paints (which is why it looks a bit sub-standard!!).

Oh well....!

DazDaMan

Oh yeah, it's a bit dusty, which might account for the finish looking a bit "off"...