View Full Version : 1/32 Parallel 7ft RC model build
This kit was made back in the 80s and a good friend of mine Matt Thor sent it to me recently. It's partly built but has a long way to go. She will be fully detailed and a diving boat when finished. Now this is a good sized model. Finally. Without a doubt this is my favorite of all my boats. Can't wait to get started this weekend.
I'm trying to figure out now which boat to make her. She's a VIIC.
I'll update from time to time as I go along.
Steve
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l114/U-812/1-32%20VIIC/P1030755.jpg
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l114/U-812/1-32%20VIIC/P1030759.jpg
So many of the parts bags have never been opened in over 20 years.
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l114/U-812/1-32%20VIIC/P1030760.jpg
Opened the deck gun. All white metal castings like so many of the parts for this boat including the flak gun, hatches and net cutters.
Syxx_Killer
05-22-09, 08:15 AM
I'm definitely following this thread! That is one cool looking model. Seven feet is huge for a model. It's too bad they don't make such a cool kit anymore. If I had that model I would probably model it after U-556 because that boat's history is sad and ironic.
Thank you. I'll look into that boat. An even better verson of the VIIC is avaible from my friend Bob at OTW designs in the UK. So yes you can still get a model of this size.
http://www.otwdesigns.com/Type7/type7.htm
Steve
nikimcbee
05-22-09, 03:18 PM
I'm definitely following this thread! That is one cool looking model. Seven feet is huge for a model. It's too bad they don't make such a cool kit anymore. If I had that model I would probably model it after U-556 because that boat's history is sad and ironic.
Ditto:salute:. I'd love to build one, but I don't have the r/c building expierence/ the equipment.
I still want to build a simple kit.:hmmm:
It's too bad someone doesn't make one. A simple type 7 of some sort. But the numbers aren't there. Last I checked there's maybe 3000 people world wide that run subs or have an interest to do so. Many of those are the modern boats which have little interest for me. And most of the folks here too I would imagine.
Just picked up two motors for her and a 128 amp forward reverse ESC. Bit by bit.
Steve
Syxx_Killer
05-22-09, 08:21 PM
I'd love to have an RC sub or even ship, but even if I had one I'd have no place to run it. :cry:
Ditto:salute:. I'd love to build one, but I don't have the r/c building expierence/ the equipment.
I still want to build a simple kit.:hmmm:
I completely agree. Part of my "dream collection" includes a 1/72 Type VII and Gato sub. It'll probably never happen though because it would cost quite a bit and I'm just not an artist like so many others on this forum. The talent on this forum is just amazing. :yep:
One thing that always amazes me about RC subs is that the radio frequency works underwater. I guess it's no different than modern subs getting alert messages underwater. That still amazes me. One thing I have always wondered is, what happens if you dive your sub too deep and out of frequency range? Does it have a failsafe to surface or does it go straight to the bottom?
Sledgehammer427
05-22-09, 11:13 PM
I can answer this one
It all depends on what you were doing when it goes out of range, if it's on its way up, empty tanks, bloop, there it is, grab the boat and take it in closer. full tanks on the way down, thats one youre gonna have to grab the SCUBA gear for.
I'm sure i got that right...right?
Nope if you lose signal there is a slight delay and the fail safe blows ballast.
Steve
Sledgehammer427
05-28-09, 12:50 AM
well, R/C tech has certainly improved since I last remember
Miles and miles it has.
That doesn't mean you can't lose them still. But I keep mine in the shallows where I can see it. Once you can't see them anymore it's scary.
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l114/U-812/1-32%20VIIC/P1030761.jpg
When I started the work that had been started over 25 years ago by it's original owner looked like this. I worked the 3 day weekend to correct all the warps and mis-alignments.
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l114/U-812/1-32%20VIIC/P1030768.jpg
Much better. Now I have to fix and drill out all the limber holes next. The ones he made are so off I made a tool to correct them and make sure all the rest are the same.
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l114/U-812/1-32%20VIIC/limber_hole_maker.jpg
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l114/U-812/1-32%20VIIC/limber_hole_maker2.jpg
Tool goes into some Evercoat metal glaze putty and is removed.
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l114/U-812/1-32%20VIIC/limber_hole_maker3.jpg
Here you can see the one I corrected as a test. This will work well and take awhile. But that's a U-boat for you. Lots of detail which is why they are so much nicer than modern day boats. IMHO that is.
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l114/U-812/1-32%20VIIC/P1030779.jpg
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l114/U-812/1-32%20VIIC/P1030776.jpg
Starting to look like a hull again.
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l114/U-812/1-32%20VIIC/P1030781.jpg
The other big pain was the warp along the hull where it meets the deck. It didn't! It was all over the map as it must have laid on it's side for years. But a heat gun and some formers and gloves got it back. All resins have a memory and heat alone will usually return it to it's original shape.
More this weekend.
Steve
Sledgehammer427
05-28-09, 08:09 PM
I'm really following this, looks to be really interesting
Task Force
05-28-09, 08:15 PM
Wow, thats a big submarine model.:up: Cant wait for the end product.:yep:
You and me both!
But thanks gentlemen. I'll get more done on Sunday. That day is mine for building. Next week I can do some work every night before rack time and I'll be at flank bell. Well, sort of. ;)
Steve
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l114/U-812/1-32%20VIIC/DSC00104.jpg
P.S. a friend of mine has and old sail from the boat that was finished but needs to be restored. It's on the way. It will save me a bit of time!
Platapus
05-29-09, 05:57 AM
From an RC standpoint, how do you handle the diving trim?
That is such a cool model.
When you are finished, please film its operation so we can at least live through your efforts. :salute:
I always do that. But as for trim, and steady hand on the dive planes and good trim of the boat before operation combined with the ballast tank control. It you visit my website you can see many such boats(not as large) in operation on video.
Steve
nikimcbee
05-31-09, 03:29 PM
Is this the Robbe U-47 kit?
The Robbe is much smaller and less scale top a degree. It's also vacuum formed not and fiber glass hull like this one. The Robbe is a great boat though. I'm not knocking it only pointing out the differences. With after market brass decks and a bit of hand detail it turns into a fine VIIC.
Steve
Really nice build you got going here Steve. I will follow it closely.
Id like to see the proper SBS with lot of pictures, and maybe one day i can use your thread to build one myself.:DL
I'd really love to see that from you. The place to get the ultimate VIIC kit is from my good friend Bob in the UK at: http://www.otwdesigns.com/index.html
Some thing to think about.
Steve
nikimcbee
06-01-09, 02:37 PM
The Robbe is much smaller and less scale top a degree. It's also vacuum formed not and fiber glass hull like this one. The Robbe is a great boat though. I'm not knocking it only pointing out the differences. With after market brass decks and a bit of hand detail it turns into a fine VIIC.
Steve
Do you know if that robbe kit comes with everything you need to get it running? (sans servos):hmmm:
I hear this kit is harder to build, but it is way better than the dumas gato model.
Do you think a beginner could do the robbe kit?
You might be able too. The Dumas is a sort of Gato and hard to build and not very well running. The Robbe on the other hand is. But it takes time.
It doesn't include the servos, ESC, RX or batteries. It includes the motors, props, tech rack to mount your electronics too. It's a very good price for what you get. You'll need and radio. When you buy one it usually comes with 3-4 servos and the RX (receiver).
The electronics speed control is about 40 bucks and a battery again that.
A basic radio, ground, 6 CH is about 120-160 bucks depending on the brand. You have to use 75 MHz. You can not use and RC airplane frequency radio it's against the law and a good one too. 2.4 ghz will not work under water so forget them too.
Steve
nikimcbee
06-01-09, 02:52 PM
You might be able too. The Dumas is a sort of Gato and hard to build and not very well running. The Robbe on the other hand is. But it takes time.
It doesn't include the servos, ESC, RX or batteries. It includes the motors, props, tech rack to mount your electronics too. It's a very good price for what you get. You'll need and radio. When you buy one it usually comes with 3-4 servos and the RX (receiver).
The electronics speed control is about 40 bucks and a battery again that.
A basic radio, ground, 6 CH is about 120-160 bucks depending on the brand. You have to use 75 MHz. You can not use and RC airplane frequency radio it's against the law and a good one too. 2.4 ghz will not work under water so forget them too.
Steve
Cool. I need to look into it again:hmmm: I'd much rather have the rc sub than plane, and I like the WW2 subs more than modern ones. I need to find a robbe kit price, that will give me something to do at work in my spare time.:03:
I wish I could just pay somebody to build it and I would paint it.:D
joegrundman
06-05-09, 08:54 PM
Could you point me in the right direction for some resources for someone who'd be interested in producing an rc submarine for the first time?
www.subpirates.com (http://www.subpirates.com)
joegrundman
06-05-09, 09:05 PM
hey thanks for the quick response! it looks like a great hobby. Nice azaleas in the picture by the way!
You bet. She's a pay site but for twenty a year you get all the information you'll ever need. Lots of nice people there and it's all about love of the hobby.
I created the site years ago and last year gave it over to Matt Thor. One of the best builders in the hobby.
Enjoy. And if you join tell them I sent you.
Steve
Been working a bit every night before rack time on restoring this old CT. It has a long way to go. It was missing so many parts and I had to scratch build them. Long way to go but it's starting to take shape again. It needs lots of sanding and filling. Even up the edges on the splash shield. Add all kinds of brass. Not to mention the UZO and the railings.This CT is over 25 years old at best.
This weekend I hope to get the limber holes in the hull finished.
Steve
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l114/U-812/1-32%20VIIC/DSC00104.jpg
Before
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l114/U-812/1-32%20VIIC/P1030835small.jpg
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l114/U-812/1-32%20VIIC/P1030839small.jpg
After
I even got the conduits opened up again to the NAV lights so I can replace the old grains of wheat that were in there with LEDs.
Awesome model! Can't wait to see the finished product:yep:
Thanks Fish.
Worked all weekend. Got all the limber holes and drains drilled and filed out. What a pain.
Also got the business end done. Stern planes and rudders are in. M?ore during the week folks.
BTW the small VIIC is my Revell 1/72 RC converted boat. My very first. This will give you an idea just how big this model is.
Steve
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l114/U-812/1-32%20VIIC/P1030888net.jpg
HunterICX
06-15-09, 04:29 AM
what a beast it is for sure!
HunterICX
Syxx_Killer
06-15-09, 08:53 AM
Thanks Fish.
Worked all weekend. Got all the limber holes and drains drilled and filed out. What a pain.
Also got the business end done. Stern planes and rudders are in. M?ore during the week folks.
BTW the small VIIC is my Revell 1/72 RC converted boat. My very first. This will give you an idea just how big this model is.
Steve
I love the comparison pic! The 1/72 model isn't small by any means, but your big model really is BIG! :o:rock::arrgh!:
A lot of filling sanding and drilling holes. Started adding weld lines. Still have a long way to go but the hull is restored. All the really messy back breaking work is done. Now I can just enjoying building the model.
If you look closely at the saddle tanks in the stern picture you can just make out the welds. This is done with dimensional fabric paint. I have a bunch more of that to do tomorrow.
The deck is installed in sections to allow me to access the various pressure hull openings. More on that later.
More to come.
Steve
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l114/U-812/1-32%20VIIC/P1030916.jpg
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l114/U-812/1-32%20VIIC/P1030912.jpg
BTW I made the props from scratch. Lots of fun there! ;)
Steve
Getting close to being done but not yet. Still have a bunch of work to do on the inside next. ;)
Steve
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l114/U-812/1-32%20VIIC/nearFinished9.jpg
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l114/U-812/1-32%20VIIC/nearFinished8.jpg
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l114/U-812/1-32%20VIIC/nearFinished6.jpg
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l114/U-812/1-32%20VIIC/nearFinished5.jpg
Forgot this one.
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l114/U-812/1-32%20VIIC/nearFinished4.jpg
That looks fantastic!:yeah: Great job!
:salute:
Can't wait to see her in the water.
I'm installing the engines now!
Steve
Well she's been tested. All systems running. No leaks. Air tight. I have two different ballast systems. One to get her to decks awash and the other once at the surface draws air through a snorkel and into the ballast tank to get her up high.
Next, as soon as I can get help lifting it in and out of the water, will be trimming and pool trials. After all is running well I can move on to the electric torpedoes and the launching system.
Here's a couple of videos of her. Can't wait to go hunting.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oD-f22b47ho
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ED178zwJ-3Q
Amazing that is huge nice work m8 you know what scale that thing is by the way nice work on the boat you will own the local pond or should i say sea that thing looks sea worthy:D
U-168
Thanks U-168 She's 1/32nd. 7 ft. long and 30 pounds dry.
I finally tested and finished off the ballast system. Here's a video of the pool tests. Next I take her to the lake for a real patrol with the decks on!
Steve
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l114/U-812/1-32%20VIIC/IMG_3584.jpg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_eqKZWyPII
Syxx_Killer
03-07-10, 08:50 PM
Great video! That is one cool sub! :arrgh!:
Well she's past every test now with flying colors. Next Friday weather permitting she hit's the local lake. Can't wait!
Next thing I'm considering doing is installing the working torpedoes that came with this boat. If only I could get the deck gun to work. Wait...if there's a will there's a way?
Steve
alexradu89
04-08-10, 12:56 PM
Working torpedoes ? You mean like really firing them at a certain point and distance ? As far as the deck gun goes maybe you could simulate it firing, like flames and smoke at least. :up: You can make the deck gun turn using a small simple engine that goes back and forth (and would allow the gun to turn sideways). She's looking very good nonetheless.
Thanks Alex. The beauty of this boat at this point in it's life is it's big enough to add as many working items as one needs to over time. Every time I have a good patrol she'll get an upgrade. ;)
Thanks again for the kind words about her.
U812
alexradu89
04-08-10, 02:44 PM
Now I don't know what other boats you have lying around, but have you ever thought of converting one of Revell's Gato's into an RC ? I've seen quite a handful of them around the web... giving the fact that it's been released a lot later than the u-boats I've heard that they're pretty darn accurate in detail and everything
PS: could also try attaching a small camera to the submarine haha if you're feeling a bit Jacques Cousteau-ish
http://sneillfx.com/page13
I've done it and although a great deal smaller it's still a decent sized model. One I can take to the lake under my arm. It takes two people to deal with the big VIIC.
There have been at lease 10 or more Gato's that I know of that have been converted to RC. And the Seaview and so on and so forth.
Look over my web site and you'll see what I mean. Currently I building a large Seaview for a customer: www.stevneill.wordpress.com (http://www.stevneill.wordpress.com)
Enjoy,
Steve
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l114/U-812/gato/P1030513.jpg
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l114/U-812/gato/_MG_7995.jpg
Sledgehammer427
04-08-10, 07:33 PM
My Gato's a display model in my bedroom, it's the biggest model I've built and it's my pride and joy.
Props on whoever's wearing the Foo Fighters shirt, I used to play in a band that covered FF songs all the time.
I'm going to buy another later on (probably later on in life) for conversion to R/C, I will just do something to make it truly unique.
I found a website that sells addons for the 1/72 Gato kit,
http://ibs.eastcoastarmory.com/Csets2.htm
I want to convert my R/C Gato into a GUPPY, that would be the coolest thing.
but you can also see they sell early war tower versions and many other parts to make your Gato truly unique (and how about making it a Balao? that made my day)
My T-shirt has nothing to do with the band: www.foofightersmovie.com (http://www.foofightersmovie.com)
It's a hour and a half movie I have been making for the last year. It's nearly done.
I'd say do the conversion we have enough Gatos. To learn more about RC submarines go here: www.subpirates.com (http://www.subpirates.com)
Steve
alexradu89
04-09-10, 01:54 AM
Oh my god ?! your movie ?!:o aw man if only it was a naval warfare/submarine movie. Loving the P-51s, not everyday you encounter someone who's hobbies are movies, model RCs :up::rotfl2:
Well it will be if I ever get a budget. But P-51 and pilots are cheaper to do than VIICs. ;)
I'd have to build a VII interior. But in Foo Fighters all I had to do was put the actors in a CGI cockpit. And the only reason I could even afford that is I do CGI for a living and have all the goodies to do it. But yes I WW2 submarine movie would be a desired next project if I can.
Thanks!
Steve
alexradu89
04-09-10, 01:35 PM
Can you tell us some of the project's you've worked on ? :yeah:Big ones maybe :cool:
Go to my website and take a look: www.sneillfx.com (http://www.sneillfx.com) there is a list there somewhere and more about the various movies I have worked on.
Thanks a bunch,
Steve AKA U812
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