new member from the colonies

paulc · 09-06-2008

Just a quick intro:
I live in Maine and work for Lockheed Martin as a radar engineer.
I am currently building a 1:24 scale model of the SS-1, the US Navy's first submarine, also known as the USS Holland, which was launched in 1898.
I'm building the sub as a cutaway on the starboard side to show the inetrnal details.
So far I have fabricated the hull and internal ribs from fiberglass, sectioned out the side and am in the process of installing the bulkheads.

peter22 · 09-06-2008

Hi Paul
Welcome from the U.K. - your model sounds interesting - I'm into wooden sailing ships and would have no idea how to work in fiberglass, my only experience with that was many years ago repairing holes in rusty old cars - look forward to seeing some pictures in the future
peter

paulc · 10-06-2008

Hi Peter;
If you look in the "submarines" forum, I posted some photos of the hull fabrication. I used the "lost foam" method where you create a polystyrene foam core of the finished shape, cover it with fiberglass/epoxy, and then melt out the foam with lacquer thinner. Works pretty well but the melting process can get messy and stinky.

peter22 · 10-06-2008

Hi Paul
Had a look at submarines, looks a bit complicated "old dog new tricks" spring to mind haha - I save delivery polystyren packaging which I use between ships frames it help support, shaping and fixing planking
Peter