~Ok doke , next peice to get some attention was the MHS, this is the part tahta represents the missile silo`s shape on the hull top side, this didn`t require very much work, first of all the sail was prepared, filing a hole in the top section for air/ water to enter and evacuate while in operation, this hole is cleverly doubled as the lookout section of the sail when surface running.
Next... there was aprox 100 holes drilled ( 50 each side ) on the sail, each one 0.6 mm . i have never used such a small drill bit and requiring to be so accurate, as these holes where for the steps up the sides of the hull. they did require a degree of `true and straight` . i spent aproximately 2 nights doing this alone, very awkward crouched up work ( for me anyhow) but i managed 9 and i onlt broke one drill bit !!!). next up was teh steps themselves, each one bent individually and placed in situ, there was a template supplied in the kit so that the steps all sit straight and at the same level . now i confess i`m not the worlds greatest modellor, shaping 50 steps 3mm wide with 2 mm tails from thin strong steel rod is both monotonous and difficult, some of teh steps aren`t `true` or `straight` but not far out. annoying as your building something like this , more enthusiasm than skill i think. Next the MHS had a teardrop section cut out in the middle where the sail sits upon, this again allows water/air to travel through so no air pockets !!
the sail is finally epoxied in position.The sail `fins ` where installed as where some more vent holes to the rear of the sail.
now, the instructions requested `micro ballons` something i have never had the need to use before, i believe aero modellers use this item on a more regular basis. so i read teh instructions and used the recomended precautions, in this case a microfilter dust mask ( industrial type) latex gloves and goggles. for those who have not used this substance, it is miniscule bubbles of a plastic type compound? , which when poured i noticed had the consistency of a fluid. very fine and a potential skin and eye irritant !
with the sail secured on to the MHS,i could now proceed ........
onwards to teh `techrack`
the techrack is a new way for engle ( i beleive) to build a sub,the rack is a framwork made up of plastic formers that will house the r/c eqipment and batteries...
building is very straightforward, there are four sprue`s with bulkheads and stringer type peices which are cut out ,sandedand some are glued some not, the rack is constructed with brass threaded rods to hold it all togethor, for future servicing,a nice idea .
this went togethor fairly quickly, about 2 nights work for two sections which will later be joined by the centre divetank.
i wrote on each peice it`s relevant part number so further assembly would be easier.
things are coming along quite nicely with no real problems and relaqtively easy to follow instructions.
i`ll get some more pictures and a further updat e ASAP .
cheers
Adz..