The original modular ballast system.

Way back in the early to middle 90's, the late Bernie Wood and the late Nick Burge (both AMS members) got together to design a new ballast system for a U-Boat Bernie had purchased from an ex AMS member, Jim Ward. When Bernie bought the boat, it was built as a surface running boat, with no capacity to submerge built into it.

The result was very interesting indeed, and can be classed as the forerunner to the cylinder/module system used today.

I've reproduced it below (I still can't figure out how to upload PDF files to the forum) but if anyone would like a full size PDF copy, let me know (with your email address, please, via a PM) and I'll send you a copy. It's very interesting reading...






Richard

A very interesting and influential article. (Just look at my boats. Though I don't remember reading it at the time.)

( A bit hard to read in parts.)

I was impressed by him building his own 2 cylinder compressor!

We are really lucky now to have small water and air pumps.

David

The WTC goes back even farther I've learned (initially, in the mid-90, I thought I was the first to invent the concept ... Mr. Burge put me straight in no uncertain terms!). Within the pages of a 1967 issue of Model Boats (a MAP publication) a picture taken at a show clearly showing a clear (must assume it was Acrylic), removable cylinder for use in model submarines.

The wheel has many, many authors. So does the WTC.

David

The wheel turns in many ways, how fast depends on the hamster!


Richard