D&E Skipjack

[callaway]

Does anyone have any experience with this kit? I have found a few reviews, but wish to read forum input. The only thing I don't like is C02 systems. I feel a pump or piston system offers a more "self-reliant" sub. Could this kit be build using a different ballast system?

Any comments on this kit would be helpful.

Callaway

[bo@ti]

http://www.rcboatmodeler.com/RB/reviews/skipjack.asp

This?

http://www.intlwaters.com/iwrc/www/newsarchive1.html

or This?

http://t.m.smalley.tripod.com/id7.htm

Everyone says atleast that its a nice and good beginner boat...

Regards
--bo@ti--

[callaway]

Thanks for the links !
I had found all but the middle one on my own. It was most encouraging to read.

Callaway

[Carter]

I've seen the D & E Skipjack. It is a very good model: well made, fast (if you want it to be), and easy to carry around . The propel ballast system is fine--what I have in my Blueback. I can recreate scale diving and surfacing manuvers. In my other boat (USS George Washington) I have a pump, which I like, but it isn't as nice as the gas system. What I've read about the piston ballast systems suggests to me they are the best--you can hover under water and make slight corrections, etc. Check out Norbert Bruggen's web site for possible equipment. I think Matt Thor might be Norbert's connection in the US--I don't know if they have an arrangement or what. If you want to make your own wtc you can equip it with a piston ballast system.

Go to Subcommitte.com and post your questions there too. There are lots of people there who can advise you on virtually any engineering/construction problem related to submarines.

Other good choices for a first sub are SubTech's Albacore, Small World Model's Blueback (what I have), and the Robbe Type VII, which Ships and Things carries along with some components that can upgrade the Robbe kit into a first class boat. I've seen all of these subs operate. They are fine boats. Recently Matt Thor is coming out with some new hulls too that are/will be excellent....

[Carter]

About reliability:

My feeling is that a propel/gas boat equipped with a SubTech SubSafe device is the most reliable system if you are worried about losing your boat.

The piston system is equally or slightly less reliable. I think there is a bladder system too you should consider.

But the pump system is definately the trickiest, as you need to put the sail out of the water in order to "blow" ballast. Albeit said this is what I have in my George Washington, and I am happy with it.

My advice for Skipjack is to go with a propel system. If you don't want to make a WTC (it can be demaning and time consuming to make one), get the D&E WTC along with the Skipjack and you'll be set up with the fewest problems in the shortest time.

I think Mike Schumer has a C02 system that is very good too.

[callaway]

Thanks for the great post/advice.

The skipjack is #1 on my list. However, I was excited to see that Matt Thor is going to have a website up soon. I am interested in his designs, but haven't been able to find anything, (ZERO), on the net.

Another positive of the skipjack is that the developer lives about one hour from my residence. That could come-in handy! I might go take-a-peek before I shell out the beaners.

Callaway