Galathee Submarine

periscope · 10-09-2007

Wondered if anyone on the forum has had a go at the French research submarine called the Galathee - it looks an interesting model - might have a go at it.

Cheers,

Periscope

subzero · 10-09-2007

Hello, don't know of any one that has built one, I had a look at the Web site and it looks different doesn't it ?

periscope · 10-09-2007

Hi Subzero - Yep I first got to hear about it on the Mayhem forum when someone was asking about suitable models for beginners. I've downloaded the manual for it and I'm giving it some serious consideration. Some very good photos in the manual but very little written info. What I'm wondering is about the rudder and dive plane control rods - they just seem to go from the WTC via some sort of rubber grommet (not with bellows like the Robbe subs) but I can't really decide whether the whole rod slides about in the grommet or if one rod is inside another a bit like a stern tube - not that it really matters too much of course as long as you can keep the water out. lol I've also seen a couple of videos of the sub - it looks fine and it dives and surfaces fairly quickly - looks OK. I'm just hoping to drop on someone who's built one.

Cheers,

Periscope

subzero · 11-09-2007

The rubber grommet things ..are they glands or something similar ? post a pic of them maybe we can tell on here. chers sub

new to trains · 12-09-2007

i have two output glands on my research sub, these contain rubber o rings, the servo outputs and via stainless steel rods that pass through these o rings, the fit is solid but not overly tight, a tiny smear of silicone lubricant and the push rods are 100% trouble free

periscope · 12-09-2007

Thanks for the replies folks - the picture I've attached shows the inside rear of the WTC The brass rod which operates the dive planes passes under the water/air tube then goes through the stern bulkhead via what is described as a quadrilobe bushing. The other side of this will be outside of the sub. do I take it that this bush successfully keeps out any water ingress? A similar operation in the Robbe has rubber bellows both sides of the bulkhead to allow movement but keep the water out. Hope I've made myself clear.

Cheers,

periscope.

subzero · 12-09-2007

Hello Periscope, I think it is an O ring seal behind the screwed on plate in the end bulk head, much like New To Trains has stated in his post. This should be fine and should keep the water out as stated above, a little of the correct grease liberally applied will keep friction down, but use the correct grease ( rubber grease is best ) as ordinary grease will affect and damage the rubber O ring.
You could always modify the bulk head to encompass a bellows on the outside too if you wanted a belt and braces approach .
Cheers Sub

periscope · 14-09-2007

Hi Sub - Thanks for the info - I'll make sure that I use the right sort of grease if I start the project (which is very likely over the winter) but that's a good idea to fit bellows as a belt and braces job - they could always be fitted afterward if there was a sign of any leak.

Cheers,

Periscope.