U-Boat R/C?

I just bought off an auction a wooden hand made U-Boat needs some attention. The boat seems to have an r/c function but I can’t get the top half off the boat to see inside. The propeller blade is broke but still rotates so I assume it is r/c but maybe it’s just a display model, I’m sure the experts on this forum will give me their opinion.

Dennis  

how heavy is it? does it feel solid ?

Yes it is solid and weighs approximately 1.2 Kg and the length of 28 inches (70 cm) it seems it has been exposed to some sort of moisture as the metal parts have rusted, it seems to be an old model. When I tap with my finger on the side of the boat there seems to be a hollow sound maybe just my imagination but the boat because it is made of wood makes it seem more solid than it actually is?

I think it is probably a "free flight" model with battery and motor. (No R/C)

You would set the rudder and bow planes and off you go!

I think you will find some well hidden deck fittings which can be removed to allow the deck to come off. They will be quite tight because they will be compressing some sort of seal?

A rather nice model from the early days of model subs.

David

It’s the U-boat R/C models equivalent of the Wright Brothers if you ever start a museum give me a call! Joking aside now you pointed it out there are two well rusted “deck fittings” at the front and back of the boat (circled red) and if carefully removed will probably reveal the internal workings of the boat.

Thanks David for the information I’m not quite sure what to do with the boat at the moment restore it as a static model or make it seaworthy again?

I opened the top half of the boat to access the motor/battery there is some work that needs to be done replace the battery, propeller/rudder. I don’t have the technical skills or time to repair it so I will be putting it on eBay so some more capable and enthusiastic r/c submariner can make a project of it and get the old veteran r/c where it belongs back on the water.