KenP

Anyone built a sub from an Engels kit?

Any feedback re the kit?

Maplegarth

Hi KenP
Not built that one but I am now building the " Krick type Vllb " if info on this is of any help ?
this is the 1st time I've had a go with a submarine lol

Attached Images

krickvllb.jpg (15.7 KB, 95 views)

KenP

Yes Please

ajg141

Currently building an Engel Typhoon. Superb kit and Engel's service is excellent. A lot of hard (but enjoyable) work is involved - and a lot of head scratching. Building instructions could be a lot more detailed but there are some excellent web sites giving information and photos on other people's builds. Can thoroughly recommend the Engel experience.

adzam

i have a review for the engle typhoon, what a superb piece of model engineering it appears to be. but very large . to big for my modest workshop and i dont think i could hide the cost from the good lady either.

nice tho, very nice

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KenP

Hi, think I'll build an Engels sub when I've saved up the pennies. ( not before Xmas, I guess !!!)
Fancy either the U177 or the Gato over the Nuclear jobs ( a little more fancy detail )
Any thoughts on one over the other, price is identical.

fpb

Ken,
Just bumping this up again as I too would love some infor/opinions about Engels subs and the U177 and the Gato in particular. I am leaning toward the Gato, but have reservations about getting it out of the water when it comes time to leave the lake. It seems to me that these things would be really heavy!

thanks in advance,
Paul

ajg141

You're right about the weight Paul. My Typhoon currently weighs in at about 17kg and that's without batteries, periscopes and wtc lid. Engel's literature says its 'emerged displacement' will be about 21kg. I don't think the Gato would be quite as heavy. The lifting problem at your lake shouldn't be too much of a problem. There's always a band of willing helpers in my experience. The real problem is finding someone to help load it into the car at home. Wives never seem to be available to help! You also need a fairly substantial trolley - and a suitably sized car! But don't be put off - it's all worth it.

Andrew

KenP

Hi Paul,

I got, and am building U177. Haven't weighed it but I think it's about 25 lbs, it just feels bloody heavy to pick up. I can do it OK though but would't like to carry it far.
The Gato uses exactly the same diving system as U177 and weighs just about the same.
I have't floated mine yet as I still have to finish off the upper deck.

To lift it out of the water, one way is to have a couple of strapping pieces with a bar/handle at the top so that the strapping hangs in a loop. Then just float the strapping under the boat and lift it out by the handles.

Ken

Bluewavestudios

I have seen variations on this using nothing more than your average pull along shopping trolley with the basket bit removed and then straps added as described above by Ken...quite a few guys at my local club use these for putting their boats into the water and recovering them after...some of these guys are knocking on a bit but this works very well and doesn't put your back out !!

At 42 yrs old I am one of the young whippersnappers at the club !!!

Regards.........Mark