need to build a simple sealed box

[Reckless]

okay I need to build a sealed box for my sub.. not a WTC tube.. I REPEAT NOT A WTC TUBE.. okay sorry.. but I asked this in a sub specific site and all I got were instructions on how to build a tube..

anyways... I'm building a flooded hull (wet) dynamic diver 1/144 gato sub. with SL toy electronics... I need a sealed 7inch or so box that I can get the top on and off at the lake with little problems as I will have to change the lipo atleast once in the course of a sunday 'cruise'


now my idea is to make the box with 3mm styrene .. leaving a lip around the outside of the hole in teh top to epoxy the nuts to... then use some square epoxy sealed balsa 'dowel' around inside edge of the hole .. with a groove cut in it ... in the groove I want to silicone in a length of oring material ... then use a peice of 4mm or so lexan and screw it down .. spacing of 1inch per bolt (machine screws?) .. with washers of course


I just want to keep this as simple as possible and accessible/servicable at the lake side... infact I'm also gonna check out some sizes of tuperware containers ... if they fit and I can get the damn SL lipo in and out of it's holder.. I'll use it!

[LtDoc]

Reckless,
That 'tuperware' thingy sounds like a good idea IF you can find the right size. If it keeps water out, and if it'll fit in the room you have available, who cares what it looks like, right? Same basic idea for making your own box. The only 'biggy' is sealing the silly thing, as in gaskets etc.
Wish I had specific recommendations but I don't.
- 'Doc

Yes I do... duck tape! Real miracle worker!

[CG Bob]

One of the reasons you got so many answers on tubes is that they can be opened and sealed quicker than a box with 20 or more nuts and bolts. First look at some of the fiberglass radio boxes used in the nitro or gas power boats for ideas. Here are some:
AquaCraft radio box (http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXMNG1&P=0)
Aeromarine Laminates (http://www.aeromarinerc.com/)

[boater_dave]

...and flat top boxes are prone to leaking. As the water pressure increases (I know, I know, only a few feet under, but..) the flat top flexes between the sides and can leak. The original 32nd Parallel subs with fiberglass radio box and plexi lids come to mind. Keep the lid as small as possible with as much support as possible.
Another idea is to flip you box upside down. If you use a Tupperware container put the lid on the bottom. An air bubble will be trapped inside the one pice body with less chance of leaking.
Just some thoughts...

Dave

[johnmca72]

Check out Otter Box or Pelican Box. They're watertight, down to (plenty deep) feet, come in several sizes, & have a snap-close/open lid. I've modified a few of them for combat warships, that get sunk all the time. My preferred method to pierce the box is to drill & tap holes, then install screws to serve as terminals inside & out.

JM

[Reckless]

so I THINK I've found a solution (thank you for all the suggestions)

the main reason for not using a a standard cylinder was purely the Lipo demensions it JUST fits within the hull.. let alone anythickness of a cylinder weaseling it out of a tube.. etc etc

anyways.. I think I can use the model kits bulkheads... a liberal amount of a silicone type adhesive or epoxy on all the seams ... and then (warning for the pureists!) the top few inchs off a double ziplock bag (no expense spared here!) siliconed to the top of this little compartment. I did some testing of these things for water tight already and they seal really well .. would just be a matter of water tight sealing the top chunk of the bag to the little compartment.


any ideal compounds I should be using to seal the seams and seal the cut off portion of the zip loc bag to the plastic of the kit?

this is just a "get my feet wet" kit.. I want to make my driveline conversion mistakes on this lil one.. it's just for fun.... there will be a 1/72 Uboat with a full proper WTC .. so don't fret for the purists ;)