Uzushio submarine possibility

It occured to me today that it might be possible to semi scratch build a Japanese Uzushio submarine from the black version of the MMB sub sonic diver kit, available on Ebay. The shape of the hull seems virtually identical to the prototype and any subtle shape differences could be added/removed with wet and dry paper. A scratch built sail and additional rear fins could be added. The sail could be attached over the raised bump on the hull. Surface detail could be scribed in and the flat upper deck could be filed to shape. What do people think? My only concern are the front dive planes on the model which obviously aren't on the prototype! Could the model sub still dive without these (as a dynamic diver)? If all of this was possible one could have a near scale working modern sub for a very cheap price. It is very tempting as an idea and would be a great beginners project with opportunities for weathering, etc.

Cheers
Simon

Hi Simon,

Looks like a good idea. I have had a very quick look at Google images and the full size sub has a flat deck. You may find you have to make lots of mods to the upper hull - so remake it? Without wishing to reopen old wounds - we felt that the hull fit (gap?) could have been better so recasting the top half may be an idea. Keep it light. Rear vanes will probably work. The grp hull makes modication easier than, say, plastic.

I've seen the sub in action at Alfold (there is some video of it on here somewhere (Alfold show?))and it was a very lively, fun dynamic diver. The propulsion system seemed good.

Yes, first impressions , go for it!

David

Many thanks David and Richard for your comments and the plans; much appreciated. As I'm sure you have felt in the past, my problem is wanting something that I can't afford, and even if I could I haven't any previous building experience with subs and so the larger more complex models would probably fox me. I've spent so long asking numerous rc submarine folk on various forums so many questions that I'm sure they just switch off when they see my name! I just can't decide what route is best for me; I know exactly the type of submarine I want (the ideal one would have been the Small World Models Blueback in 1/96 scale... if I'd been wealthy) but these are generally restricted to the bigger and very expensive model kits. The Trumpeter Seawolf is the only "large" scale modern US sub that is affordable but I wish it had the correct shaped bow because the real thing is a rather nice chunky looking sub! Richard, you mentioned modifying the Seawolf to other types of submarine but looking at its width, it is far too wide for something like a Sturgeon or Permit (around 10 feet more) for example. It could be a freelance design of course having a sail with dive planes (as I want) but having spent too many years building accurate railway models I just couldn't live with a fictitious model. I did once see a very nicely made freelance submarine, using the Seawolf, with a Sturgeon look, on sale on US Ebay and I was sorely tempted but I just couldn't commit myself! If only some of the excellent 1/350 scale subs were in a slightly larger scale; these would then be ideal for rc conversion to dynamic diving. The Dragon kits 1/350 Ohio is just about big enough to get the rc stuff in and I've seen two of these converted, but without any details given.

Oh dear!

This is absolutely true Richard, but it's not the type of sub I'm after, sadly. For me, it's not just owning an rc submarine that's important, it's having one that's the right looking one. I'm sorry that I'm sounding difficult! How easy would it be to alter the nose cone on the Trumpeter Seawolf to the more bulbous aspect of the real thing? The existing one just looks all wrong to me.

Cheers
Simon

It's a cracking looking model you've made Richard; very nicely done!

all of rich's subs are spot on simon , i've seen them 1st hand