#3 11 years ago

HMS Thetis

HI Dave
I assumed the hull would be self supporting with fixings applied to the various parts to hold it all together. Years ago I did a Darnell U-boat which was similar although did not use a separate WTC so had bulkheads fitted. This submarine was not a success! This time I thought I'd use a separate WTC but I haven't got round to this; it's one of my other challenges!
Have a good Christmas,
Edward

#2 11 years ago

HMS Thetis

HI Edward
Fibreglass castings really need an internal frame fitting, preferably whilst still in the mould. Your hulls have moved over time but should still fit if gently compressed into shape. Gentle heat will soften the fibreglass and aid the alignment but it will not hold its shape.
Did your original plans include such frames or had you hoped the hulls would be self supporting once assembled. There must have been some form of fixing to hold the pieces together.
You mention a pressure hull so I am assuming this is a separate watertight container that fits inside your castings. is it possible to provide support from the pressure hull to you outer castings?
I do work in fibreglass but am no expert on submarines so please accept my apologies for my lack of knowledge.
There must be a few submariners about who have faced similar problems, hopefully someone with such experience will answer your cry for help.
Good luck
Dave 😀

Live long and prosper

Dave

#1 11 years ago

HMS Thetis

A number of years ago I started to build a 1:48 scale model of HMS Thetis. Because I couldn't find a scale hull of a Group 1 'T' class submarine I had to make my own mould. Having done my research using NMM plans and numerous photographs of both Thetis and her sister boats I did this and had the hull cast by a local firm which has now ceased trading.

I have come across problems which have stymied my efforts to such an extent that I have put the model to one side and done another which is currently occupying most of my free time. The main problem is that the fibreglass seems to have contracted at different rates to the extent that the top section of the hull will not fit the lower section without reinforcement. This prevents the fitting and removal of the pressure hull. I apologise for the quality of my photographs.

My question is, how can I adjust the fibreglass to get it all to fit? Will heat do it or will I have to make the pressure hull an integral part of the boat? If heat will go it, what is the best source?

Needless to say, this is not my only problem! There are many others but this is the main one at the moment!

I hope somebody can advise me how best to proceed.

Edward

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HMS Thetis

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