HMS Astute

[nando]

Hello.
After completing the model of Vostok I and waiting to resume the development of the Galaxy,
because I am determined to return to work, I decided to build a model of submarine, to change kind of model, and to keep me trained.

between the many models I purchased, and that I never made, the choice fell on the HMS Astute designed by TRENT C HENRY. I chose it because it is a submarine ugly but fascinating for the many innovations introduced.



The model is not easy and requires some experience to build it. The first obstacle was to create tabs for gluing the various segments.



Fortunately it is a model for download in electronic format, so it was not difficult to create the tabs using software, thereby avoiding to consume a lot of ink to print a second copy. But my lack of skills always makes me to built models twice, because the first version is poorly executed. In this case I used the wrong color to paint the edges of the pieces. The second version is better.



Next the bulkheads to form the hull.



Here another problem: no information about the thickness of the cardboard and thereby no perfect fit with the dorsal fairing along the hull.



It’s hard to shape the lateral sonar, and we have to take care to find the proper color tone.



No marks where to glue the blades



So many attempts to make a jig



At last I did my hubs with Sketchup



Now it’s easy to make the propeller




All parts are ready to assemble



No marks!



A jig to assemble the pump



The business end completed



At the end the the whole model was completed





I’m not very satisfied for the way that I build the model. May be, there aren't enough instructions for my skill, or there were to many breaks during the building. But the model makes good shape of the Astute and It finally make fine display on the shelf.

Best, Nando

PS: I apologize for my english, and there are more pictures on my Web album

[Wilfried]

Hello Nando,

thank you for sharing your sub; I think this object is not for beginners; but you nailed it!

With lovely greetings to the sunny Italy ...
the Wilfried

[SJPONeill]

It's come out well but, man, is that one ugly boat or what?

[doctormax]

I think it turned out fairly well indeed that last one really does show it really well must say.

[dhanners]

Great-looking build! You have to love an ugly sub like that....

[PAPER FAN]

Nice model, great build.

I work with an 85 year old co-engineer who goes all the way back to the end of WWII and he always says if it looks right it probably is right. I think I will show him this. She may be right but definately goes against that old rule.

[OhioMike]

Looks great...But i dont understand the age were in or science of the design? How does the angular shape of the bow improve anything? Sure doesnt improve depth limits! Does sonar act like radar and doesnt give a good return when striking an angular surface?

[nando]

Thank you all for your kind comments.

Wilfried, Yes my country is sunny, particulary in these days in Ischia where I went last week for thermal cares.

Thanks dhanners, and Yes I usually love ugly and strange things. They capture my immagination, specially if they are big, or also never flew... (i.e. Luft46, space project discarded, etc.)

About the strange shape of the bow, I think there is a design style in the Royal Navy that is returning in their submarine projects (see below the Vanguard class)


For the Astute I think the shape is conditioned by the structure of the forward sonar: moreover the Astute is a hunter sub and his listening ability was stressed.



Thanks again, Your comments are incouraging.

Best, Nando

[peter taft]

She' great in both design and build - Top dollar

[Don Boose]

This is an excellent and informative build thread. I particularly enjoyed seeing you build the propeller assembly, which turned out beautifully.

Don