Models By Design Biber build up...

The wtc is now completed and it fits...and it works. The end caps are on their way back to Paul H to have 1mm shaved off all round, they were just a touch too big.

I was going to install a 12v 4.5a/h gel cell up in the bows, but it didn't fit (grrr!) so I've ordered a 12volt 3700a/h nicad pack specially made to fit the space available.

Flood holes are drilled, shaft is temporarily fitted, so next job is to make a start on the detailing of the conning tower, finish off the 'scopes, and then make up the few bits on the deck.



I think I've worked out how to release the torpedoes, but that entails much brass work, so there's a job for my tame engineer. A friend in Bristol is getting the metal work that supports the rudder and rear dive plane made up for me, and as you know, Alfie is going to make the torpedoes operational.

Without the help of Alfie, Andrew Gray and his friend Terry, Dave at ACTion Electronics, Kevin Coombs, Ramesh, Andy Lawrence, Andy Oakley, and the two Paul's...Cook and Holman, I wouldn't have even got this far with the build...I thank you all for your advice, assistance and hard work on my behalf.

Starting to add the detail to the conning tower today...here's the first piece, which I presume would be a spray or wave deflector, I'm not exactly sure what it is.

And the four lower plates made and glued into position. Spot of filler when the glue is dried, and that's that bit done.

And a bit more work done...front and rear lifting eyes made up and fitted.

I've done a bit more detail work this morning, started adding the various access hatch covers, fuelling pipes, etc. Each access cover needs six bolt heads added, so I'm going to do that by using blobs of superglue gel, and also the all the weld lines I'll do using the same method. They look really good done like that...it's easy to do once you have your eye in. My old mate Andy from our sister forum www.radiocontrolmodelboats.com came up with the idea, and it works so well.

And the exhaust vent made from a section of plastic kit sprue and two brass washers fitted.

And a bit more deck detail done...I haven't a clue what the little elongated triangle shaped mast on the bow is or what it does, I'm guessing it could be a sighting device of some description. But whatever it is, here's my rendition of it.

Next job is drill the holes in the access covers and ad the bolts to each one, six per hatch. I was lucky enough to acquire some 1mm diameter brass bolts, so that's what I'll be using.

And a bit more...

The pilot's hatch wheel and the exhaust stub made and fitted.

And here's the Biber so far...my good friend Andy Oakley is making up the rudder and dive vane for me from alloy, he's a master at that sort of stuff.

I hope to get the windows cut out over the weekend, then they can be glazed internally.

Onwards and upwards...in between sailing my Neptune, domestic chores, and a nasty angina attack which laid me low for a couple of days, I have managed to get the battery tray made and fitted, and today I've just fixed the WTC fittings down.

I admit to 'borrowing' Mark's (grimreaper) idea of using velcro strip to secure the WTC into the hull (thanks Mark...hope you don't mind me nicking your idea?)

It's so simple...why have I never used this before? A strip of velcro bolted through the hull (I used two because the WTC is quite long), drop the tube in place, pull the velcro together...job done. Brilliant idea.

Good stuff Velcro.

I also use it to hold external ballast weights on.(For last minute pond side trim adjustments.)
Also magnets for cut off switches.

Black Velcro on a subs hull hardly shows.

woahhh their Richard that looks a nice bit of kit realy nice but just a slight correction I cant take credit for the velcro idea mate that is all down to Chris at Sheerline apparently he used to use brass straps and a nut and bolt but did away with the idea and started to us the velcro but hey keep going with the sub looks good so far I am looking and learning ready for my next build just as soon as I sell my U47.

Regards Mark

just remembered Richard dont forget that if you tighten the velcro down dry they will strech when they get wet just make sure you check the tightness when you get them wet

Mark

got to be careful Richard wife is over my shouler but looking at getting a typhoon always loved the looks of the model just got to save the best part in cash then put it on the flexible friend if hwmbo aint lookin ha ha

regards mark

nice, tidy work there Rich where's the weld lines the stand looks good aswell

How long is she mate?

wow i'd have said no more than 36"-40" max mate

Just copied this from MBD's website...

Scale: 1:6.8
Hull: 51 inch
Beam: 5.1/2 inch

The build had stalled for a while, I've been waiting on a few bits to arrive from various places, but thanks to Andy Oakley (tattooed) the rudder and rear plane are finished and on the way.

Once they arrive, I can crack on and get all the important bits installed...wtc, rudder and plane linkages, and the propshaft can be fitted permanently once I make the skeg for it.





Seems a shame to paint them!

just glad i could help Rich