I was thinking that the fins on the torps looked pretty bad and was contemplating the work to make them right (you definitely fixed that).

The rice trick I will have to remember if I have to cast something like that. Let me see if I cannot find a pic of the torps and get you a better view of the attachments.
Foo

Rustbucket has been out on the PT that is in Oregon, I sent him a PM to see if he has an pics of the fish.

Let me see if I know any TM's (torpedomen) any more who might have a pic or two of the motor section of a torp. If anyone has any pics of the old fish on the far side of the old RTC San Diego (not sure what model that fish was) it might help also.

Found you a couple of pics also here http://www.williammaloney.com/Aviati...Propellers.htm http://www.williammaloney.com/Aviati...ortTorpedo.htm http://www.williammaloney.com/Aviati...ardTorpedo.htm http://www.williammaloney.com/Aviati...Boat/index.htm (bottom of the page) While doing a quick search about the roll off racks I found this build and thought I would post it too. http://www.pt-boat.com/ Hope some of this helps a little.
Foo

Thanks very much Foo this does help. Turns out there are more of those indents around the body than I thought. Looks like nothing is ever as simple as it seems. Those are some good pics. There is a question about what the material of the body was made of, some info indicates steel and other seems to show a bronze color.

Originally Posted by fooman2008

Rustbucket has been out on the PT that is in Oregon, I sent him a PM to see if he has an pics of the fish.

Let me see if I know any TM's (torpedomen) any more who might have a pic or two of the motor section of a torp. If anyone has any pics of the old fish on the far side of the old RTC San Diego (not sure what model that fish was) it might help also.

Found you a couple of pics also here http://www.williammaloney.com/Aviati...Propellers.htm http://www.williammaloney.com/Aviati...ortTorpedo.htm http://www.williammaloney.com/Aviati...ardTorpedo.htm http://www.williammaloney.com/Aviati...Boat/index.htm (bottom of the page) While doing a quick search about the roll off racks I found this build and thought I would post it too. http://www.pt-boat.com/ Hope some of this helps a little.
Foo

Those pictures look like they were taken at Battleship Cove in Fall River Ma.

Today I spent my time casting new tail pieces for the torpedos. I was going to use a 3 part mold to make these but "scratchbldr" suggested slush casting. I decided to try it and see how it would work. Basically I filled half the mold with resin and plugged up the end with a wooden dowel. I then put the other half in place and wrapped it with rubber bands. Then I started rotating the mold in all directions until the resin flashed. What I got was a hollow resin part.

Glad it worked out for you, moulding small parts can be harder than larger parts. Superb work Im looking forward to more updates.

Cheers!

nice job! They look really nice, especially as compared to the fins of the original pieces!
Foo

Thanks Foo, I tried to use the props but after I cleaned up the first pair I found a broken blade on the next one. I was not a happy camper. So I have decided to try and make a cast replacement for them out of resin. Two steps forward one step back.

Originally Posted by Gravman

Thanks Foo, I tried to use the props but after I cleaned up the first pair I found a broken blade on the next one. I was not a happy camper. So I have decided to try and make a cast replacement for them out of resin. Two steps forward one step back.

I had the same problem with mine.

I just love this thread. It has so much great info and practical techniques!
The method of molding you guys refer to is also called rotomolding (rotationally molded). That method is popular for plastic kayaks, off-highway gas tanks, etc. In that industry, though, the tools are charged with material then rotated inside an oven to melt the plastic. Then the tools are removed from the oven and rotated in the air to cool.

Dave

Today I started to clean up the cast metal props for the torpedos. I got the first pair done without too much trouble. When I went to try to sand on the third propeller I found out that one of the blades was broken. I was not happy. I decided to try and cast some replacements. That is not what I wanted to do.

Man! compared to the metal ones you started with those are gorgeous! What is with the syringe (wife is a diabetic so I am too familiar with those little needles)?
Foo

Foo, I loaded the resin into the syringe so that I could fill the tiny molds one drop at a time. I am such a duffus if I had tried to pour the resin I would have gotten it every where except into the mold.

lol! I use the wifey's syringes for little stuff like that (putting oil in my truck shocks), or I would end up wearing it all the time. Have to remember next time I grease the stuffing tubes on my boats.......
Foo

Just remember to dispose of them after your "unauthorized" use, would be a shame to loose a good housekeeper due to a syringe full of CA glue or grease...