Hey all,

Ok i want to ask some questions and plan stuff out so that once im done buying my Optic 6 transmitter and this E-flite warbird i want to get a real radio starting from the least a 3ch to a 4ch. The 3ch i would build a dynamic sub but if i had 4ch i would build a static. I need to ask you guys the preferred radio range and what i need in the inside to accomplish both a simple dynamic or static diver. What i would like to build actually first is buy a 1/144 scale sub preferrably the seawolf and i will probably make it a static diver but can you guys tell me stuff with servos and waterproofing plus the main drive shaft and hooking up an emergency blow ballast tanks system thing.

THanks any help would be appreciated.
This wont be a project now but maybe on January
i just need a layout and plans so i can start buying the parts.

For a static diving submarine you will need a six channel radio. I am having some trouble understanding your question but from what I am able to discern are you speaking of converting a plastic model to a static diving submarine? If so you will need some sort of WTC. I have seen somewhere on the internet that those are available. Do a Google and you should find it. If I find it I will send you a link.

Pete

D&E Miniatures offers their 2.5 SubDriver along with a fitting package for the Trumpeter Seawolf conversion. You'll find the Seawolf & related parts at the bottom of the page on this link: [link=http://www.caswellplating.com/models/subs.html]Seawolf Conversion Kit[/link]

Dave is currently developing a smaller 2" SubDriver for the smaller Kilo as well as a complete conversion kit for Revell's Type VII. Here's an excellent link to look over his current project:

[link=http://www.subpirates.com/viewtopic.php?f=32&t=3468]New 2" SubDriver[/link]

Oh man that german WW2 sub looks SWEET. Know i just got to find out what i need for it. there is a WTC kit for this right? this sub looks nice so a 6ch radio do you need 2 for the ballast tank or is a channel for the emergency thing to kick in? If i have 2 motors for this sub can i just use one esc or do i need 2? Are there any good price reliable 6ch radios?

Actually a static diver would work fine with 4-ch, all you need is an automatic failsafe system to blow the ballast.

Regarding the Type VII, Caswell/D&E are soon to release a complete conversion kit using the new 2" Subdriver WTC shown under development on the second link. D&E's WTC are complete (less electronics) based on a propel ballast system. If you really want to take it up a notch, they'll release next year a propel torpedo system that will work in 1/72 & larger subs! [link=http://www.subpirates.com/viewtopic.php?f=41&t=3344]Torpedos Los![/link]

I have a Type VII conversion & am currently rebuilding the WTC I purchased from ArkModel (local Chinese supplier) with Dave Welch's Experimental WTC kit. Its RCABS & a good way to get on the water if you have the experience & workshop to build - both of which I lack at the moment.

Since you are looking at subs, don't forget to check out the 1/72 Gato. I've purchased Caswell /D&E's kit to make mine into a static diver & am excited about this conversion. Big Dave has a WTC kit available for this model as well. You can find more detailed information on this build at both Sub Pirates & SubCommittee sites.

Chuck

Nemo,

Yes, technially a four channel will work. I have seen people use the left stick as a ballast tank fill-drain. However to make things easier you either have a switched on-off-on switch or some sort of proportional slider to control the ballast tank(s). I have never seen a four channel radio with one. If there is one I stand corrected. A six channel typically has the capability to do all those functions.

best regards,
Pete

For now im going with that WW2 Uboat that i have mentioned earlier because i am a fan of WW2 subs diesel subs especially for the current subs today i am a fan of the Virginia Class Seawolf. I wonder if the Optic 6 has a switchable crystal because that would save me alot of $$$$. That is the radio i am currently working on getting at the moment plus the E-flite P47 but i think i can buy the 80dollar sub and put it together then gather the stuff i need as i go along. What about servos can you use the standard 3wire ones so that you can control it proportionally and are those rubber seals for the pushrods good enough? Plus the stuffing box and Orings. And how deep can these go?

Thanks.

I'm certainly not an expert as some others here, but I'll offer one bit of advice - don't simply buy a plastic kit with plans to convert until you've really done your homework & purchase what is needed due to the number of mods required to get it your sub to work.

For example, Revell's 1/72 Type VII is probably the easiest to convert using a small WTC that fits through the deck - others like the Seawolf will require cutting the hull. There is a new Chinese company called PureMTC that offers a small WTC option for dynamic & static divers that you can find on the web.

There are several options for seals to use as well as other components. Regarding depth, that depends on what you build your's out of, but you'll end up running these normally no deeper than 1-2 meters. Its no fun once you lose sight of your sub by nose diving it into the muddy bottom! [:@]

Again, I'd recommend spending some time researching the both forums I posted earier for the models you are interested in, register & ask questions that you cannot find the answes for. You'll find both forums filled with very nice folk who know their stuff! BTW, Steve Neill, SP's owner, has a new book coming out that you may want to consider getting that answers anything you need to know on RC subs. Look for the posting I placed here on the forum to the link that shows some of his work.

Chuck

Yep, an extra servo is always better. For example, complicated gas ballasts generally require more than one.

Chuck is right, SP and SC are probably your best resources in this hobby. Don't be shy!

Thanks i do like the Revell's 1/72 Type VII so i will probably get that one. I will research and probably get that book. For the Propshaft do you need any weights on the shaft for stabalizing or is that brass thing on the propshafts for something else? I remeber seeing alot of subs without their top hull showing whats inside. For the ballast tank im cosidering of either using a blader bag or the one i will most likely use is the piston kind with the 2 motors turning the wormgears the ballast tank looks like a giant syringe. Do they make that for small subs?

Alright ive been contemplating and i think for my first real sub i will probably first get one of the 30dollar kits and start with that. Plus im not sure how much money i will have left after buying alot of stuff for my other hobby. So i think i will buy a 30dollar kit and get some circuit boards to go in it or i might buy a 3ch radio and build a dynamic sub im not really sure. I will have to see what i will be able to buy i at least want a body and a wtc.

Here's a good reference for anyone interested on doing small scale RC sub conversions on the cheap. This Taiwanese example is a scratchbuilt comversion & done very well. [link=http://www.subpirates.com/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=3486]Trumpeter 1/144 Romeo Static Conversion[/link]

Chuck

Thanks alot this will help me quite abit. I like that romeo class sub i have read a book called SSN by tom Clancy and he had included the romeo Class sub in his book. Its a diesel sub isnt it?

Glad to assist. Feel free to contact that guy in Taiwan or post any questions on his post over at SP. He does some interesting work on smaller scale subjects.

Yes, the Romeo is diesel & there is one on display in a park in Shanghai's Qingpu district about 20km to the west of my office. One day, I'll have to get out there & take some photos.

Chuck

Thats sweet i wish i lived near something like that. What type of ballast tank did that guy use it wasnt very even it looked like he was using a piston type ballast tank since the front part rose faster. I hope to make at least a dynamic diver but i think i will just get a static diver right away but work on it slowly so i dont make any major mistakes.

If you are still considering a kit, there's some interesting reading on Dave Merriman's Trumpeter 1/144 Kilo kit. [link=http://www.subpirates.com/viewtopic.php?f=32&t=3516]Dave's Kilo Kit, Part 2[/link]. He's currently making masters for the correct 6 & 7 blade propellers used on the Kilo.

Thanks for the info yeah i gotta buy my stuff first like radio and other equipment im mostly an rc airplane kinda guy so i mostly spend more time into that. But if i get to have left over money i will buy a kit i will anyways in the future but im just researching around.

Thanks again.