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Thread: Trying to make a submarine model

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Apr 2014
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    Texas
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    Default Trying to make a submarine model

    My father-in-law is an old submariner and I wanted to try to make a model of his sub as a keepsake. Attempting an stl two piece pattern. Took me all day to make the pattern so won't be able to try to carve until Sunday. I am headed to north of Houston tomorrow. Uploaded to the card and it says 3.5 hours on normal for a 20 inch carving.

    Not a real popular class of boat (Balao modified Guppy class) so didn't find a lot of good pictures for it. A lot of old grainy black and white images. This was the best I could do and I am sure the model has many wrong features.

    Funny how much attachment we have to our old platforms. All of my weapon systems that I operated or was part of have been retired from the Air Force inventory. A little sad and nostalgic plus feeling ancient.
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails USS Sea Owlv2.jpg   CW USS Seal Owl.png  

  2. #2
    Join Date
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    Vancouver Island
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    8,193

    Default

    That is awesome. I do not know what it is supposed to look like, but, it sure looks good.

    (Would it carve a little faster if you put the halves bottom to bottom instead of tower to tower?)

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Apr 2014
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    Texas
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    Default

    Dan, you rock. Yup. Down to 2hrs 45 min. Saved 45 minutes just by changing the orientation.

    Here is a picture of the boat prior to the Guppy modification. They got a few more years of use by streamlining the hull to make it quieter. This the Balao configuration. Post modification it became a Guppy class configuration sub. They got rid of the guns and modified the tower for better streamlining.

    And for you Navy types who names a weapon system a Guppy!?!? Piranha or shark or something scary, not Guppy!
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails 0840501.jpg  

  4. Default

    That looks pretty good.



  5. #5
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    Alan,

    Thanks. We'll have to see what the final product comes out. This is going to be my first real model. I'm really hoping it comes out.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Dec 2010
    Location
    Maumelle, AR
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    Default

    Oscar,
    Great job on the pattern!

    My father-in-law also served on a Balao class. ( Been married to his daughter for 36 years - this tidbit didn't come up until this past weekend - then comes your post!)

    Please keep us posted on the outcome.

    Thanks!
    Ya gotta have a dream - otherwise you're just sleeping!

  7. Default

    Deep piercing carves like that take a while. You might want to upload as best or optimal (smaller step-over). I've done deep stuff like. It can put a little wear on the Y bearings.

    Looks like it will carve out good though. Maybe you should set a slight draft so it's not so steep around the edges. You will sand it down later any way.



  8. Default

    Waiting to see the finished project, it should be cool!

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Apr 2014
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    Texas
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    Default

    Finally. This was supposed to have been a Christmas present so just a little late. Made the base with some cherry scrap I had lying around. My in-laws are coming this weekend so I'll be able to give it to him in person.

    Family crest in red oak and submarine and base in cherry lumber. Super happy with the projects.

    - O
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails IMG_4594.jpg   IMG_4601.jpg  

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Mar 2013
    Location
    Fort Worth, Texas
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    407

    Default

    Wow! That came out fantastic!!!
    George

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