salmon Sat Jun 06, 2015 8:45 pm
Building a sub is a personal choice. I did cut out the flood holes on my Gato, but on my Type XXIII I just drilled 4 or so holes along the keel. So you do not have to drill all the holes. Why would you order the flood hole pattern if you were not going to do that? Anyways, let me step back and give some basics,
Rule #1 if you are serious about building a sub, once you commit, your mantra is finish the sub. No matter how hard or frustrating, see it through, get a working sub. Some tips to help you do this are start a build log or WIP (work in progress). That way if you run into problems, others with more experience can offer suggestions or help or give you a kick in the butt if you stall. Even more important others that want to learn can grow from what you have done.
Here is my WIP http://forum.sub-driver.com/showthread.php?1652-Newbie-no-more-Building-the-Revell-1-72-Gato (you will have to sigh up to see the photos, but it is free)
If you can find others near you, that will help. Otherwise join groups like AMS or local club. The fellowship and support are key to your success. Plus the guys here on this site are great people.
Rule #2 crawl, walk, run. Too often a person wants all the bells and whistles on their sub. Torpedoes, lights, working periscope, sounds, working hatches, and scale seagull poop. Building a working sub is a challenge enough. It is one of the toughest R/C hobbies I have ever been in. It is also one of the most rewarding. So start with the basics, then after achieving Rule #1 then you can add more or build another sub. I have been building for over three years and still have not installed working torpedoes. Will I? Maybe someday. So, start simple.
Rule #3 search for answers on your own first. Google is a great tool. So are sites like this one. Search the archives. Educate yourself. Read other people's builds. In the computer world there is a acronym we use, RTFM. Read The Flipping Manual. It usually is used with people who just ask for help without trying on their own to find the answer. It is ok to ask a dumb question, I have done it numerous times. However, if all your questions are easily found by a simple search, people may call you out. Know how your ballast system will work.
With all that said, the ballast system you are using may not get you to the scale waterline. Did you know that? Is that important to you? A Gato has a lot of superstructure that needs to be hoisted above the surface. However, a balloon ballast is great for static diving.
How detailed you want to go is up to you. Straight out of the box, the Gato is a beautiful sub. There are plenty of areas to modify to make it more accurate if you choose. Going back to the flood holes question, you do not see them when it is in the water. So is it important? Only you can decide that. It is your sub, you could paint it purple for all you care. You could paint it pink, oh wait, that has been done.
Anyways, we are here to help you. I pray I did not scare you off. You are about to begin a voyage that will inspire others and challenge you to new highs.
Welcome to AMS too!
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