|
Standard David Merriman
disclaimer: David is a very talented modeler, but also a very opinionated modeler. Read at your own risk.
Skip the introduction and go right to the model
Part 1: Studio Miniatures
Part 2: Methodology
Part 3: Research
NEW Part 4: Dave Goes to Hollywood
NEW Part 5: Kit overview and tools
NEW Part 6: Prepping the hull
BUILDING AN R/C SUBMARINE
FROM THE RICK TESKEY 24" WIDE
FLYING-SUBMARINE KIT
by
David D Merriman lll
835 Holly Hedge Ave.
Virginia Beach, VA 23452
INTRODUCTION
Here, finally, is the long promised article dealing with how I took the basic Rick Teskey Productions, 1/18 scale, 24" wide, FLYING
SUBMARINE (FS-1) fiberglass hull kit and turned it into a well detailed, practical, highly maneuverable, radio controlled (r/c) model submarine. The model presented here, let it be known, is a hell of a lot better
looking than any of the FS-1 effects miniatures built by Twentieth Century-Fox for their TV production of Voyage To The Bottom Of The Sea back in the 60's.
Once or twice a year I produce an in-depth multi-part article dealing with a specific kit or scratch-build project. I pepper these
discussions heavily with the specifics of advanced model building processes, tools, and the materials I employ. The form of my articles differs substantially from the norm: I am specific and blunt; I avoid obtuse
and wimpy explanations and observations. I say what comes to mind and don't cloud my presentation with modifiers and 'on-the-other-hand' copouts. Things are presented here as either black and white – gray is not a
primary color in my world; something either is, or is not!
After you've read something I've authored you leave knowing EXACTLY my position on an issue and what constitutes the best way of executing a
model building/kit-assembly task.
Hi there! I'm David D Merriman lll, one of the finest Model Builders alive today.
My stuff is not for the insecure. I'm asking you: Do you have the intestinal fortitude to read, comprehend and appreciate this
material without getting all tied in a knot? Can you sit in class and stick it out for the entire course?
If you're going to have an insurmountable problem with my style, manner, confidence level, elitist attitude, body language, country of national origin, race, genetic code, or choice of words … now's the time, baby. Grab your book-bag and get the hell out of here.
... Eject!
A SYNOPSIS
This multi-part article will cover research, sketch usage, task planning (methodology), techniques and materials for re-contouring, master
making, tool making, GRP re-enforcement, metal spin casting, resin vacuum and pressure casting, soldering equipment and practices, metal work, abrasive materials and usage, priming, vacuforming, hidden access hatch
latches, equipment foundation manufacture and installation, basics of r/c and device set-up and function, basics of r/c submarine stability and propulsion, trimming the boat for surfaced and submerged operation,
painting and masking, and pre and post mission maintenance of an r/c submarine … to name a few. Aspirin, anyone?
The CultTVman's Hobbyshop offers a two-hour
DVD (Fantastic Modeling, Volume #5, $11.95 plus postage) that chronicles much of the material I will cover here. I
recommend that you secure a copy of that DVD and use it as a visual and audio compliment to the text and photos presented here. The DVD and this article, together, will answer questions you never even thought to
ask. Get that DVD and do it now. And be on the lookout for more DVD's dealing exclusively with my model work. And while you have your credit card out get the CultTVman DVD chronicling Joel Tavera's fantastic
build-up of the North Star Productions kit of the movie ENTERPRISE, much to be learned there too. The other DVD's offered at the CultTVman site? They make perfectly fine drink coasters!
On to Part 1
|
|
