Author Topic: conning tower interior / 3D model / 1/72 (Read 23489 times)

Marko · « **on:** 13 May , 2012, 09:18 »

Here we go,

the last component of the subs interior, the others might get edited during final stages, will publish modifications if required

I took parts from Revell's 1/72 type VII again, drafted them out to a sheet of paper, scanned, and made these outlines:
note, black lines are main lines, red lines are only guiding lines, yellow are centerlines.
Now i have to take my drawings from F. K

Marko · « **Reply #1 on:** 13 May , 2012, 10:38 »

update, to get the impression how it will be positioned, i also have drawn the model part (green), which is outer layer, thickness of plastic is roughly 1.9 mm, so the green surface gets an offset towards inside:

the holes for periscope and the hatch hole to gain access to tower, are not in scale, since revell and CMK made them roughly 1,5 - 2 mm too small, i could easily drill through revell and nautiluss deck, however i could not remodel the CMK's interior, so i will make hole dimensions according to other manufacturers.

TopherVIIC · « **Reply #2 on:** 13 May , 2012, 12:10 »

Marko-
Not to knock anybody else's work in the past, but I suggest you make your work as accurate as possible as far as dimensions. Rather than perpetuate wrong dimensions because someone else made a part with wrong dimensions, you would be providing a part that is "more correct."
People who are serious tend to go for "more correct." I would rather have one after market part on any build that I knew was absolutely correct than five after-market parts that were slopped together and wrong.
Who knows - perhaps you will design modules for each compartment... better ones. I would always rather buy a better part than a known worse part.
Build up! Do not build Down!
Christopher

Marko · « **Reply #3 on:** 13 May , 2012, 12:25 »

Hm, well you have a point there, however i dont see myself designing the full compartments, first of all, would not be fair towards the CMK, and second of all, material for print outs is pretty expensive

besides, if already CMK compartments have been selling poorly (far as i know) i dont see much point in doing this on large scale, maybe if someone expresses a wish, i could make a second copy, if more than few, i might even prepare molds, but in reality that would probably not happen

however, i see potential starting a whole new project, maybe another kit, or whole new Uboat from scratch, my drawings stockpile is growing pretty much

here i would also exploit an option to shout out for type II boat / vessiko drawings. I have the book vom originall zum modell, there are a lot of drawings inside, however the scale/ format is really small - only A5 per drawing, some A4. I'd like to get those drawings on A2 format or larger (like the planmappe series) any idea where to get them?

an update:
photos of 3d render, top of the conning tower is lightly rounded, i displayed the whole thing transparent for now, also photos of current test:

tore · « **Reply #4 on:** 13 May , 2012, 13:06 »

Marko
It seems to me as if you have the conningtower hatch offset to stb instead of port. see photo below.
Tore

Marko · « **Reply #5 on:** 13 May , 2012, 13:17 »

Quote from: tore on 13 May , 2012, 13:06

Marko
It seems to me as if you have the conningtower hatch offset to stb instead of port. see photo below.
Tore

Oh, i made a mistake while unrolling the mantle of the interior, probably i inverted the sides, on the 3d model is the correct position

tore · « **Reply #6 on:** 13 May , 2012, 13:54 »

OK Marko, would you be able to make the top of the conningtower a bit domeshaped? See posted picture.
Tore

Marko · « **Reply #7 on:** 13 May , 2012, 14:18 »

uhm, it has a subtle dome, i think i made the ellipsoid cut in half, with height of 1,5 mm (per side), the peak of ellipsoid touches the bottom of the conning towers deck:

SG · « **Reply #8 on:** 13 May , 2012, 14:52 »

Marko there should be some interior shot of type VII conning tower on U-boot im focus nr 8, at least that's what they state on the preview summary: http://www.freetimehobbies.com/lu2008.aspx
I haven't got nr 8 yet but am due to order it.
Anyways there's a very nice rendering of the conning tower interiors in the videogame silent hunter 5, battle of the atlantic, it might be worth seeing it.
I am sure you're already familiar w these:
http://www.uboatarchive.net/U-570Photo8.htm
http://www.uboatarchive.net/U-570Photo7.htm
http://www.uboatarchive.net/U-570Photo9.htm
and the British periscope drawing at
http://www.uboatarchive.net/U-570BritishReport.htm
some more, but little to be seen:
U-47 (below)

U-408 (just posted for the ladder attachment)

Am gonna keep up the hunt for pics.
Congrats for the work you've done so far, it's pretty amazing and pure sci-fi to me, i've been following your thread silently but totally amazed by technical exchange of information, deep knowledge of uboats and skillfullness in 3d drawing
BRAVISSIMO!
SG

Marko · « **Reply #9 on:** 13 May , 2012, 15:44 »

Hello SG,
thank you very much for the kind words, feel free to speak at any moment, as you already noticed, the more i get feedback from forum users, modelers the better gets result. I have some photos of the conning tower interior from Laboe, and as you mentioned, ill take your advice and download demo version of the game, just to make snapshots of the interior. Once i tried the silent hunter 3, and its darned difficult to make shooting solution manually, i struggled even with the computer assisted targeting

well, new update, i rendered it in different colors this time:
-green is model exterior, still without 1,9 mm offset inwards (plastic thickness)
-red is conning tower interior, what is visible through skin
-purple is conning tower exterior, skin thick 0,5 mm in order to get a solid part

Though i have a question. As you know, conning tower pressure hull is centered, with no special link which i could show as solid, except if i make it solid like it has current rendering. i could take out the frames that link the conning tower interior with skin, but then i would have to model the whole interior of the conning tower as well (diesel air intake, air inlet for compartments, and the rest of stuff) any opinions?

tore · « **Reply #10 on:** 13 May , 2012, 23:12 »

Marko.
I believe the tower casing contains so many vital and interesting items that I would show it rather than just having a closed box.
Tore

SnakeDoc · « **Reply #11 on:** 14 May , 2012, 01:33 »

Few pictures can be found here:
http://uboat.net/gallery/U995C/
(photos 7, 8, 9).

And here:
http://u-995.com/brueckenwanne.html

--
Regards
Maciek

SnakeDoc · « **Reply #12 on:** 14 May , 2012, 01:53 »

Quote from: tore on 13 May , 2012, 23:12

I believe the tower casing contains so many vital and interesting items that I would show it rather than just having a closed box.

I also think, you should show the installations inside the conning tower casing (emergency blowing installation, emergency air intake and exhaust, magnetic compass, control room periscope, gravity tank for the fuel oil compensating system, diesel engies air intake, ventilation air intake and exhaust, compressed air intake, oxygen intake, aerials...)

--
Regards
Maciek

tore · « **Reply #13 on:** 14 May , 2012, 11:44 »

Marko
Before you put in all the stuff which belongs to the tower I guess you would have the basic steelstructure ready. The hatches are of course an important part of the structure. The upper hatch have the conventional shuttingdevice operated by a handwheel. Because of the overpressure which almost allways built up in the interior normally you would release the pressure gradually otherwise the hatch would fling open and in the exstreme the CO could be jettistoned, in fact when if the hatch had to be opened in a hurry there was alway a man having a firm grip on the COs ankles. So the upper hatch had lever preventing the hatch to fling open but allowed the overpressure to be released prior to opening. You see the lever on Simons picture. The lower hatch is designed as an emergency escapehatch hence a steelskirt protrudes down into the controlroom at the end of the skirt is a rolled up canvastrunk as can be seen on my photo below (ignore the very young concentrated me). In the event of an escapesituation, the controlroom and tower was flooded, the canvastrunk rolled under the watersurface of the trapped compressed air in the controlroom creating a watercolumn all the way to the upper hatch. The crew could then dive underwater, enter the submerged canvasopening and escape via the watercolumn and out of the top hatch. This procedure required some training which the crew got. Sorry long story.
Tore

Marko · « **Reply #14 on:** 14 May , 2012, 15:13 »

Oh, well this was already done by CMK on their lower compartment, so there is no issue regarding that. However, on your photo, someone is at the periscope. Is that periscope the forward periscope - sea-to air periscope? Or could be main persicope also used in the command section?

I also noticed, that tower interior stretches all the way to command section, so i extruded it roughly 6 mm below main deck (on the render marked as gray). I've also cut the mating surfaces to the exterior, so i will be doing the whole tower interior (all the plumbing)

tore · « **Reply #15 on:** 14 May , 2012, 23:08 »

That is the fwd periscope and the guy actually the CO operating it takes the bearing of a ligthhouse which we torpedoed for the honour of a journalist beeing onboard for a short trip.
The attack periscope could only be operated from the conningtower.
Tore

tore · « **Reply #16 on:** 14 May , 2012, 23:41 »

Quote from: Marko on 14 May , 2012, 15:13

Oh, well this was already done by CMK on their lower compartment, so there is no issue regarding that. However, on your photo, someone is at the periscope. Is that periscope the forward periscope - sea-to air periscope? Or could be main persicope also used in the command section?

I also noticed, that tower interior stretches all the way to command section, so i extruded it roughly 6 mm below main deck (on the render marked as gray). I've also cut the mating surfaces to the exterior, so i will be doing the whole tower interior (all the plumbing)

I am afraid a don`t fully understand your notice that the tower interior is going all the way into the controlroom, the part going into the controlroom and main ballasttank 3 is only the closed "tube" to accommodate the lowering of the attackperiscope. In the controlroom it just look like a circular bulkhead almost dividing the controlroom in fwd and aft section.
Tore

Marko · « **Reply #17 on:** 15 May , 2012, 01:56 »

well, what i ment was, that the joint between the conning tower interior and the pressure hull interior is made below main deck. Conning interior extends little bit below main deck, or is between main pressure hull interior and conning tower interior a solid piece of material, so that conning tower interior starts at the main deck line?

Marko · « **Reply #18 on:** 15 May , 2012, 09:28 »

Here is the rendering which might explain precisely what i mean "below main deck":
i also started on the surface-to air housing of the periscope, and there you see the beginnings of the main periscope design (main body done, now to the details)

tore · « **Reply #19 on:** 15 May , 2012, 11:04 »

Marko
I believe the conningtower steelshell is welded to the outside surface of the pessurehullplate and the "deck" in the tower is only a ligth floor which make a flat flooring to avoid the curvature of the pressurehull, thus the structure of the conningtower ( apart from the hatch) does not protrude into the controlroom.
Tore

Marko · « **Reply #20 on:** 15 May , 2012, 11:35 »

Okay, so its Okay that i have lengthen it since otherwise it would just sit on the main deck, not seated to the main pressure hull skin.

here is a little bit of progress, i am worried how will the periscope body fall out in printing, since the dimensions are really really small.

Marko · « **Reply #21 on:** 15 May , 2012, 17:40 »

well, i decided to enlarge the periscope, since i was not comfortable with the thin segments, also made some of the interior, this is what i came up with so far, with photos found online and in previous threads. This is another compartment which will be crammed up with wiring, so a lot of detail will come later on:

tore · « **Reply #22 on:** 15 May , 2012, 23:40 »

Marko
One element hasn`t been mentioned as to the upper part of the conningtower, the collisionstrengthening. The submarine hunting involved ramming as a weapon and the upper part of the tower was susceptible. quite a few submarines were rammed and survived. The top of the tower and even the periscopestand was constructed in order to (within limits) withstand collision. A visible element are the girders under the strong topcover as indicated on the picture below.
Tore

Marko · « **Reply #23 on:** 16 May , 2012, 03:28 »

are those girders placed in the internal position in the conning tower, or on the outside?

tore · « **Reply #24 on:** 16 May , 2012, 09:57 »

Marko.
The whole top of the conningtower is a cast steel piece and the ribs are intergrated in the casting and the ribs are protruding inwards. The one piece casting is welded to the towershell.
Tore

tore · « **Reply #25 on:** 16 May , 2012, 11:26 »

Marko, some additional info on the ribs. I believe the pattern of the ribs was like my hastely rough sketch where I have attempted to mark the ribs red. I`m not sure about possible ribs at the periscopehole, may be Simon knows.
Tore

NZSnowman · « **Reply #26 on:** 16 May , 2012, 14:12 »

Quote from: tore on 16 May , 2012, 11:26

Marko, some additional info on the ribs. I believe the pattern of the ribs was like my hastely rough sketch where I have attempted to mark the ribs red. I`m not sure about possible ribs at the periscopehole, may be Simon knows.
Tore

This is very near to it true layout. I will post the layout after I come back from work today.

Marko · « **Reply #27 on:** 16 May , 2012, 23:31 »

Okay, will wait with modifications till then, i noticed on photos that there are numerous small boxes connected with cables, so i will add also those, will help guiding at assembly where to put the wiring in.

NZSnowman · « **Reply #28 on:** 17 May , 2012, 03:29 »

Quote from: Marko on 16 May , 2012, 23:31

Okay, will wait with modifications till then, i noticed on photos that there are numerous small boxes connected with cables, so i will add also those, will help guiding at assembly where to put the wiring in.

Marko, I was to tried when I got home tonight, so will post it tomorrow for you. Also if you are after some of the piping and openings in the top of the conning tower casting, check out my PDF drawing I have started to add them. The three on the port side are opening for Order Telegraph and the one on the starboard side is for the Voice Tube.

tore · « **Reply #29 on:** 17 May , 2012, 04:35 »

Marko.
I have marked a few items in the conningtower on the posted picture below in addition there are numerous instruments and boxes related to the torpedofiring.
Tore

Marko · « **Reply #30 on:** 17 May , 2012, 04:45 »

Oh, well i've added already some of those, though i made them quite simplified, since i cannot make connections with printing, however i could make separate gauges as cylinders and connect them with wire, so they would still "float", currently they are incorporated into the walls of the compartment (see the last attached rendering), feel free to suggest if i should leave it as solid wall incorporation for strength or connect them with wire.

Oh, no problem, feel free to take your time and post the reinforcement detail as time will allow you, there is no rush, i can still work on the other side detail interior bits, and make the roof of the compartment with reinforcements later on

tore · « **Reply #31 on:** 17 May , 2012, 05:15 »

The cylinders shown on your rendering seems Ok to me. I don`t know how much details you want to put in, but the picture I show is the steering position of the tower, and as such the equipment shown is directly connected to the maneuvering of the vessel. Another section contain the equipment (boxes) related to the torpedo firing all the boxes are connected to electrical wires. Anyhow it is a certain system in the grouping the boxes.
Tore

NZSnowman · « **Reply #32 on:** 17 May , 2012, 20:15 »

Marko · « **Reply #33 on:** 18 May , 2012, 10:15 »

huuuh, this was tough job.

i had to trick the program since holes have already been made, and i could not trim without an edge...lots of mirroring and re-combining, anyways, here is the result

had to seriously remodify the periscope top, though the interior looks much more "full" with addition of these ribs, maybe they are a bit too thick, but i made them bit larger so there will be some analogy among other parts in terms of dimensions.

what is done till now, with some transparency applied; note, when built, this will be "only" 52mm long (inluding the periscope casing), 42 without, wide 25mm and 31 mm high (all external dimensions):

TopherVIIC · « **Reply #34 on:** 18 May , 2012, 10:51 »

That does not look too bad Marko! It is more spacious than say a 1:72 scale aircraft cockpit... but plenty to work from and add personal super-detailing!
Is there an extra girder between the periscope hole and the athwartship girder compared to Simon's layout?
Christopher

Marko · « **Reply #35 on:** 18 May , 2012, 10:56 »

not sure if you mean the diagonal one or the short connector between the two, but here is best close up i could make

TopherVIIC · « **Reply #36 on:** 18 May , 2012, 11:24 »

Marko
This one compared to SImon's sketch:

It also might work better and be easier to print if you used a PE ladder or a model railroad ladder to keep the scale of the ladder tubes proportionately slim... Just an idea
Christopher

tore · « **Reply #37 on:** 18 May , 2012, 11:49 »

I`m afraid the construction is becoming even more complicated as the big hole for the attackperiscope has an elaborated stiffening including the packingbox and the foundation for the very sturdy periscopestand on the top of the cover as indicated on the crossectiondrawing below. But there is of course a limit to what you can incoporate.
Tore

TopherVIIC · « **Reply #38 on:** 18 May , 2012, 12:01 »

Quote from: tore on 18 May , 2012, 11:49

I`m afraid the construction is becoming even more complicated as the big hole for the attackperiscope has an elaborated stiffening including the packingbox and the foundation for the very sturdy periscopestand on the top of the cover as indicated on the crossectiondrawing below. But there is of course a limit to what you can incoporate.
Tore

The part I outlined in yellow could be changed into the stiffening and stuffing box for the periscope... I suppose.
Tore - Is the interior stiffening in the Type VIIC/41 anything like in Vesikko at this panorama?http://www.kolumbus.fi/mika.ajomaa/Panorama_2_files/1.swf ? I know Vesikko is a Type II but wondered if the overhead members were similar
Christopher

tore · « **Reply #39 on:** 18 May , 2012, 12:37 »

I don`t think so Christopher. The stiffeners were much wider and went all the way connected to the rim around the periscopehole and hatchhole. I believe the periscopestand support on VIIC/41 was welded to the outer part of the towercower.
Tore

Marko · « **Reply #40 on:** 18 May , 2012, 12:46 »

i assume i could do with the PE ladder, if i manage to find one, and not to mention those valve wheels, need whole bunch of those in different sizes, though i am not sure where to start looking for them.

tore · « **Reply #41 on:** 18 May , 2012, 13:12 »

Just a small detail on the ladder, it is fixed to the inside of the hatchhole. The steps were curved outwards but the last step inwards and there were handrails.
Tore

NZSnowman · « **Reply #42 on:** 18 May , 2012, 18:44 »

In real life the 45

tore · « **Reply #43 on:** 19 May , 2012, 08:33 »

Simons detailed and high resolution drawings explain more than words of course, but I got hold of an inside photo of bad quality showing the towertop on U 995. May be it gives some help you can any how see the ladder and some of the strengtheningribs..
Tore

Marko · « **Reply #44 on:** 19 May , 2012, 09:03 »

ladder modified, however i wont be able to incorporate it into the hatch due to small dimensions in 1/72 scale, i am also thinking of leaving the diagonal girder in place despite the thickness, since it adds a nice touch to the detail, and i real life there is a support there, just cant make it so thin. Ive added some more various boxes according to photos that i have, also a speaker? on the top near the top hatch.

tore · « **Reply #45 on:** 19 May , 2012, 10:34 »

Yes it was a loadspeaker placed on the towercover close to the hatch and on the posted picture I have indicated the spot. More important I guess are the few boxes for the torpedotubes.
Tore

Marko · « **Reply #46 on:** 22 May , 2012, 14:22 »

Hello guys, a little bit of pause again, had lots of work....for work

enjoy in the newest additions, after i simulated plastic thickness, i noticed there wont be much of visible items, even if i thin it down to 1mm thickness (now is 1,7) check it yourselves:

I am not sure if i should add any more boxes to interior, since in my opinion, in such tiny compartment, less is more, especially if i would add bunch of wires, any opinions on that issue?

SnakeDoc · « **Reply #47 on:** 22 May , 2012, 14:41 »

Hi Marko

At the last picture I can see you have added air induction trunk for the diesel engines and the ventilation trunk in the conning tower casing - behind conning tower hull. But there are two ventilation trunks - for intake and exhaust - see Simon's drawing:
http://models.rokket.biz/index.php?topic=854.0
http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?55533ejick27kb2

--
Regards
Maciek

tore · « **Reply #48 on:** 22 May , 2012, 23:10 »

Marko
Do you intend to show the bridge as well? The upper conningtowerhatch is a bit too far away from the attackperiscope- stand. When the hatch is open it is a catch on the periscopestand which lock the hatch in an uprigth (vertical) position to be able shut it quickly.
Tore

NZSnowman · « **Reply #49 on:** 23 May , 2012, 23:37 »

Hi Marko

If you are going to add the air inlets behind the conning tower casing, check out the drawing below, it will help with the side view.

TopherVIIC · « **Reply #50 on:** 06 Jun , 2012, 16:38 »

Marko-
Here is a good picture of the top of the inside conning tower of U-995 :-) It shows the structural bracing Tore told us about...

tore · « **Reply #51 on:** 06 Jun , 2012, 22:53 »

Quote from: TopherVIIC on 06 Jun , 2012, 16:38

Marko-
Here is a good picture of the top of the inside conning tower of U-995 :-) It shows the structural bracing Tore told us about...

Very good picture Christopher.
On your picture I have indicated the catch where the CO released the overpressure before the hatch was fully open.
Tore

SG · « **Reply #52 on:** 15 Jun , 2012, 10:48 »

Marko, I finally got that nr 8 issue. And here it is! (the only pic of type VII conning tower interiors in the issue)
Cheers
SG

tore · « **Reply #53 on:** 15 Jun , 2012, 23:44 »

A very good picture showing the tower helmsman freezing while using the steeringbuttons on the remote electric steeringbox. He is looking at the gyrorepeater. You see both enginetelegraphs and the 3 voicepipes. The handrails on the ladder to the bridge is clearly visible. Some migth wonder why handrails on a ladder? The answer is when the bridge had to be cleared in a hurry the men didn`t use the steps but slid down using the rail as a guide very fast as the firemans pole.
Tore

SG · « **Reply #54 on:** 16 Jun , 2012, 02:36 »

Tore you are a treasure of precious information, we're all learning a lot, even the most hidden details of U-boats, from you! thanks soo much!

Rokket · « **Reply #55 on:** 16 Jun , 2012, 17:48 »

I second that!

Marko · « **Reply #56 on:** 29 Aug , 2012, 12:40 »

Hello guys,

well, project was quite a bit on a pause, and now we are slowly getting somewhere. Machine is ready, i also made a pre test subject for printing, just to see how big (small) can details be:
Since this is relatively small, it is not worth heating up the machine just for that, so we are waiting for additional items to be printed.

i made a gun bay and raw intake fan that needs to be modified for matching it up with Quickboost intake for AMTech/Tamiya 1/48 Ta-183, is a mix of Ta-154 gun bay and a little bit of fiction, but should spice the model up a bit, there is every tiny bit that i could think of, including the hydraulic, with exception of wires for firing mechanism (unable to print that since those two will be in mid-air). Parts are layed out in proposed printing layout, logically broken down into smaller segments to allow painting:

Other than that, i also got ahead of myself with starting new project, any ideas what it is?

Marko · « **Reply #57 on:** 31 Aug , 2012, 05:17 »

okay,

here is the first test run:

well, as you can probably see from the macro photo, thin wiring is not exactly doable, The rest is pretty much good. Needs a touch up with fine needle files, cleaning with a dental probe and layer, two or three of a good primer and should be good.

Rokket · « **Reply #58 on:** 01 Sep , 2012, 17:47 »

Looks good though! For the wire I'd leave it off and use real wires added. Lead or pull some strands from lamp cord.

Marko · « **Reply #59 on:** 02 Sep , 2012, 04:41 »

exactly as you said, i have removed the wires and probably on monday or tuesday we will do another run without them.

Rokket · « **Reply #60 on:** 08 Sep , 2012, 18:07 »

I'm sure it will pay off for you. The 1:72 Space Shuttle model went back in production last year, and the kit has piping going over ribs on the rocket nozzles. They should have been left off because you can't get a real looking tube/pipe/wire in that situation I dont think. A guy makes nice aftermarket resin nozzles, better, but he still put the tubing in. I'm probably going to mbuy his nozzles and remove the pipes, add my own wire!

Waiting for more pix!

Marko · « **Reply #61 on:** 19 Feb , 2013, 06:06 »

hello guys,

its been a while, sorry im kinda held back by work, but yet i have managed to complete the designs and sort the parts to the tray. Project is prepared, will put it to print probably tomorrow, then it needs a day of slow tempering off, and then quite a bit of cleaning after static electricity discharges

as you can see, there is tons of little bits and pieces, i hope those will get printed decently.

TopherVIIC · « **Reply #62 on:** 19 Feb , 2013, 06:31 »

Looking forward to seeing how this comes out Marko!
Christopher

tore · « **Reply #63 on:** 19 Feb , 2013, 07:36 »

Marko.
I can`t stop being amazed what you are able to do. Looking forward to seeing the end result.
Tore

OldNoob · « **Reply #64 on:** 19 Feb , 2013, 12:03 »

Amazing!
i remember being amazed in the early 90's at being able to View and download photographs from the internet. then later being able to print the photo out in color. then actually being able to shop from the internet.
NOW we can actually Download THINGS! items themselves.
Forget shipping just buy and print!
I suspect 3d printers are the next tech wave.

Marko · « **Reply #65 on:** 20 Feb , 2013, 03:29 »

printer is heating up as we speak, i really hope the very small bits will be able to get printed properly, im most worried about the valves, and parts that have extensive amount of curvature (unfortunately almost all of them)

fingers crossed that results will be good for the minimal amount of work afterwards.

well, 3d printers are probably latest shout to the technology, however the process is still darned expensive, and really not worth of printing individual items, much better to print one and cast others if necessary

we (modelers) really can hope that someone will achieve dramatic step to reduce costs, since the models, or at least aftermarket bits can be produced at home, with outstanding quality.

Marko · « **Reply #66 on:** 20 Feb , 2013, 10:53 »

for all those curious guys, how the procedure looks like, here is a photo taken around at 350th layer (half of job), one is while baking, and when layer is complete, and ready for next sweep.
sorry for the poor quality, no camera was at the time present so i took a snapshot with phone

you will probably notice the distinct shape of the pressure hull parts, one of the ribs, and various bits and pieces

more of that tomorrow after clean up

Rokket · « **Reply #67 on:** 20 Feb , 2013, 20:56 »

Looking good, standing by!

Marko · « **Reply #68 on:** 21 Feb , 2013, 07:53 »

so.. after a good three hour clean-up we came from this:

to this:

and this:

as you can see, the dust is still falling off the parts, since there is a lot of static electricity involved at cleaning (media blasting, vacuuming....)
in general i am satisfied with results, the most difficult parts came out to my surprise even better from those simple ones, where i did not anticipated any anomalies. after a day or two, statics will wear off, so "drybrushing" the remaining dust will be easy, as soon as i be able, ill make some additional photos, should you wish to see any distinct part up close, feel free to ask for photo.

TopherVIIC · « **Reply #69 on:** 21 Feb , 2013, 10:05 »

The parts look very cool Marko! It is exciting to see this project move along! Good job!
Christopher

Rokket · « **Reply #70 on:** 23 Feb , 2013, 16:30 »

exciting!

Marko · « **Reply #71 on:** 25 Feb , 2013, 12:38 »

I have to agree here with you it is exciting!

well after few days of setting, majority of the remaining dust has fallen off by itself (the box at the moment contains far more dust as on beginning

). I managed to roughly clean some parts and stack them together to check general fit. Surprisingly they fit together quite well. Needs a touch of file here and there, and should go together as good as any average resin set, though the material is the hardest of any plastics ive ever worked with. As i will progress with clean up, probably i will apply few coats of primer to smooth out the surface, then to the paintjob of bits and pieces, and finally assembly

here are first proper results:

front rib, forward port part of the torpedo room pressure hull, electric motor control panel, electric motor (also beneath is a motor mount), spare torpedo holder, forward starboard pressure hull bit

SG · « **Reply #72 on:** 26 Feb , 2013, 06:59 »

Speechless.
Well done, keep it up!!

TopherVIIC · « **Reply #73 on:** 26 Feb , 2013, 12:13 »

People will buy those from you without a doubt! Good job!

Marko · « **Reply #74 on:** 27 Feb , 2013, 08:58 »

Hey Christopher,

Well, i would gladly share the parts with interested people, unfortunately this set costs printed roughly 600 euros (both sections together), material costs are in price, the price is a commercial nature, as we print them to external customers, i could shave a little bit off the price, but it would still be insane. So i am kind-a worried there

however, should the interest be tremendous, i think i could find someone to cast them for a reasonable price in polyurethane, im not sure if i would succeed, since i tried to cast once, and results were very poor, though i mixed the silicone rubber (or what is called that blue stuff) much too long, so probably that interfered...

still, i think i would have at least 10 interested people in order to break even with the materials, maybe even more, would have to make estimate calculations in terms of volume needed.
...unless if any company would show interest into prints....

maybe ill give it a shot with one of the bits to see if my casting abilities grew in the mean time..

Rokket · « **Reply #75 on:** 07 Mar , 2013, 04:18 »

Looking reeeealy nice.

Casting - here at AMP we switched to pressure casting about 4 years ago and get very good results. If we can be of assistance let us know.