Author Topic: Outer Torp Door prototype for casting (Read 16221 times)

Rokket · « **on:** 07 May , 2007, 05:25 »

I have a prototype for casting, check out:

http://amp.rokket.biz/resin.shtml

Mike K · « **Reply #1 on:** 08 May , 2007, 10:35 »

Looks Good! And every one will need, at least, four, even if all doors are shut. The after tubes have no shutters, on the model.

Mike K.

wildspear · « **Reply #2 on:** 23 Jun , 2008, 20:49 »

Where are we standing on these outer doors mike? I could use some for front and back.

Rokket · « **Reply #3 on:** 24 Jun , 2008, 05:14 »

We FINALLY have some progress, with pictures of the masters (no resin casting yet) and info being released in a few days.

Basically, there will be:

Shutters (the skinny long hull pieces that are often mistaken for "outer doors")
Outer Doors (hatches with hinges)
Tubes (partial)
Torp Heads (partial, to stick in tubes)
The stern tube shutters will be PE (because they have to be thin) - Some boats had no stern shutters.

The kit will be complete, but MAYBE the shutters will be available separately for those that want good shutters closed. Instructions will show how to add the "decks" between tubes, and the cutout slots for the linkage.

The tubes will be 25mm (1 inch) with 1 reinforcing ring for bow, and 2 for stern. To show empty tubes the modeler can add standard evergreen styrene tubing (about 8mm tubing).

We are CLOSE. Torp heads to do, and molds to make, then pricing based on resin.

wildspear · « **Reply #4 on:** 24 Jun , 2008, 06:34 »

I'd be willing to buy the outer shutters so keep me posted. I'd even buy some test peices(getting nervous since my contest is coming close.

Rokket · « **Reply #5 on:** 29 Jun , 2008, 01:25 »

Don't worry about your contest, we should have just about enough time to get some test pieces working. One mold problem are the tubes...they are quite compound and will require a removable, collapsible plug for the inside.

What are you showing open (how many? I recommend one!) and what are your plans/deadline? Also, if you are far along, we'd lobve to see picture up here!

Rokket · « **Reply #6 on:** 29 Jun , 2008, 07:43 »

MASTERS are made!

http://amp.rokket.biz/resin.shtml

Just torp heads, then a complex mold...

wildspear · « **Reply #7 on:** 30 Jun , 2008, 12:52 »

i would like to get on your pre-sell list for sure.

Rokket · « **Reply #8 on:** 01 Jul , 2008, 03:33 »

No worries. It should go for under $1 million...

whaynesmd · « **Reply #9 on:** 01 Jul , 2008, 16:28 »

Any chance to purchase a single set-up; that is one shutter and outer door combo for those who want only a single tube opened?
Walt

Rokket · « **Reply #10 on:** 02 Jul , 2008, 01:57 »

hadn't thought about it...interesting point. Will get back to you!

TAS · « **Reply #11 on:** 02 Jul , 2008, 08:11 »

Great work on the shutters and doors! I see they are up to your usual high standard! I'll be ordering soon!

Mike K · « **Reply #12 on:** 03 Jul , 2008, 13:06 »

All we need is the number of dollars, for a set. Or, to be more crass, How much? And a snail mail address to send it to.

Mike K.

Rokket · « **Reply #13 on:** 04 Jul , 2008, 03:12 »

It's a matter of working out the numbers. We pride ourselves on a fair price for all (our work, your enjoyment). It will be a combo of how much resin, and how difficult those #$%^&*!-ing tubes are. In fact, we have a potential design change that should benefit all: the tube will be shortened severely, and molded with the torp head in it. For those that want long empty tubes, the head could be drilled out, and standard tubing can be attached. That will make the mold easier and the price cheaper... and it seems we'll go with shutters as one kit, and doors and tubes as another. Might do the "decks" between the tubes, either as PE or as templates for putting holes in sheet styrene.

Thanks for the kind words and the interest! Will keep you posted!

wildspear · « **Reply #14 on:** 12 Aug , 2008, 20:30 »

How goes the doors? I have decided to not enter the contest in sept. It would force me to take short cuts and rush things.... I dont want to do that. So I have extra time to beg and bother about the doors......

Rokket · « **Reply #15 on:** 14 Aug , 2008, 03:06 »

Hmmm, what's that noise? some kind of begging and bothering....

Progress is being made! Still only one shutter exists, but with a modification, and a mold plan has been drawn (the tube and the outer door are a bit finicky). Still no pricing, but a mold has been made for ANOTHER project, so in a way closer.

Excellent decision not to rush. Personally I have worked on some projects a looong time (real life interferring) and byt he end, shortcuts happen. It's just not right!

hang in there, soon we will have test castings...and who knows, you might even get to participate in a free evaluation...

wildspear · « **Reply #16 on:** 14 Sep , 2008, 20:50 »

Hmmmmmm......... anything on the outer doors?

Rokket · « **Reply #17 on:** 15 Sep , 2008, 05:34 »

Good but slow progress...

tests casts of the one shutter, to aide building the masters for the rest
and tho the outer door master is perfectly acceptable, we have new tech so will make a new machined master in aluminum or delrin with new hinge

wildspear · « **Reply #18 on:** 20 Sep , 2008, 09:37 »

I believe my terminalogy is mixed up, I ask about the outer door but I'm thinking its the shutter that I want. Remember I'm a reformed ground pounder......The outerdoor is what sealed the front of the tube from the sea...correct? The shutter went over that and made a more streamlined ship...correct?

Rokket · « **Reply #19 on:** 20 Sep , 2008, 18:11 »

You are correct - outer door was a hatch over the tube, and the shutter was a long thin panel to streamline the hull. BOTH are underway...really!

wildspear · « **Reply #20 on:** 22 Sep , 2008, 07:47 »

Ok, I know I can be a pain....just checking

. I plan on going to the Silversides tomorrow, I need better shots of many things and maybe I'll remember to get measurements this time...lol!

They just opened there new Silversides museum in july so I'm curious to see what they have there.

Rokket · « **Reply #21 on:** 23 Sep , 2008, 06:05 »

You have fun and gte heaps of great pix!

wildspear · « **Reply #22 on:** 08 Oct , 2008, 12:01 »

The banner at the top of the home page said "torpedo doors-check the yard" I'm checking.....any news?

wildspear · « **Reply #23 on:** 25 Nov , 2008, 13:35 »

hmmmmmm....any news for the new year

Rokket · « **Reply #24 on:** 26 Nov , 2008, 00:30 »

New outer door was machined (finer precision, lathe), but needs bits added. JUST for you, will shift to shutters and send you a test cast!

wildspear · « **Reply #25 on:** 26 Nov , 2008, 06:34 »

cool! Thanks!

wildspear · « **Reply #26 on:** 26 Dec , 2008, 20:25 »

Hmmmmm.... Any new news?

Rokket · « **Reply #27 on:** 30 Mar , 2009, 05:15 »

It's still in prototype, but very close...machined now for accuracy:

Thanks to Mike Keating's ongoing AMAZING dedication, Knowledge, and General "Moxie". The torp nose will have the appropriate tow/hoisting pad eye, but it is going to be some type of accessory as it would impede casting.The outer door will be machined aluminium and then cast resin.

There's molds and casting, but we are cose.

If you want to know more about Gato+ torps and tubes, or just get some col stuff, checkout Periscope Film: http://www.periscopefilm.com/

Rokket · « **Reply #28 on:** 07 Jul , 2009, 06:13 »

The SHUTTERS (BOW) are ready and available for sale. For more info see: http://amp.rokket.biz/1_72_gato_sets.shtml

US $9.95.
Stern (Portsmouth) PE shutters coming soon.

Tubes and torp noses prototyped and in the works.

Author Topic: Outer Torp Door prototype for casting (Read 16221 times)

Mike K

whaynesmd

Mike K