| Author |
Topic: Torpedo Tubes for your kits |
|
David Waples
TOP BOSS
|
  
Posted on: Aug 23, 2016 - 9:50pm
|
Hi guys,
I've been working with Steve, a.k.a. model_monkey who has a store over at Shapeways. I wanted to give you a review of his new release which are replacement torpedo tubes for the 1/72 Revell Elco (PT-109), The 1/48 Merit early Elco PT Boat, and the Lindberg 1/32 PT-109. Please note that I get nothing from this review.
I provided Steve with drawings for the tubes and he put together some very nice art work for 3D printing. I asked him to make a few changes that I think modelers would appreciate.
First I asked him to leave out the stabilizer bars. It would be better to add these with brass or plastic rod. He did that!
Last I suggested leaving out the training rods which could be easily done with brass wire or rod. Done!
It was Steve's idea to leave the torpedoes out so the modeler could make them empty if they chose. I suggested he do like I did on the 1/35 tubes and make a warhead that was mushroom shaped so that when placed on the end of the tube gave the appearance of a thinner wall. He did that as well!
You will also need to add wing nuts to the end. They are too small to print. You can find these parts in the White Ensign Models photo etch set for the Revell kit and from Grandt Line products (model railroaders use these) for the 1/48 and 1/32 scale.
You're going to see some nice detail features such as the weld line that runs the length of the tube, all the panels and ribbing around the tube, and the breach is a work of art. Be aware that the banding around the tubes isn't the "T" shape on the prototype because of printing restrictions. Still the shape and size is perfect and the flare for the banding at the mounts is just right. Also too small to print were the handles on the ignitors. This can be formed and added with brass wire. Also take a look at the pads. They have amazing detail in the hardware.
Because of Shapeways rules the tubes are split into forward and after sets. That does give the modeler some options though as tubes were added and removed all the time.
Having built the 1/72 Revell kit numerous times I can tell you that this will add terrific detail to that kit and right where you want it which is a focal point of the model. I can't speak for the 1/48 Merit kit but this is a step up for that one as well judging from the photos I've seen. At 1/32 and for the Lindberg kit, I don't see the value. Too much detail where so much is lacking. But everyone needs a hobby.
Having purchased some of Steve's other ship parts I can tell you that the prints should be very good. They are available in Frosted Ultimate Detail (FUD) and Frosted Extreme Detail (FED). I would recommend the Frosted Extreme Detail if your wallet will allow.
To find these go to Shapeways web site and search model_monkey. You'll find Steve's store there. Page through all his drawings until you find the one you're looking for. Here are some of his drawings used with Steve's permission...
Forward Torpedo Tube Drawings
Forward Torpedo Tubes CAD drawing
Aft Torpedo Tubes CAD Drawing
Torpedo warhead caps
David Waples |
Total Posts: 1676 | Joined:
Jan 2, 2007 - 9:55pm | IP
Logged
|
|
Patrick Matthews
New Member
|
Posted on: Aug 24, 2016 - 5:26pm
|
Looking good!
But the torsion rod assemblies aren't bad in 3DP... I printed mine! Or at least, half of them.
Patrick Matthews
Matthews Model Marine
http://matthewsmodelmarine.wordpress.com/ |
Total Posts: | Joined:
Unregistered | IP
Logged
|
|
Mark Corriston
New Member
|
Posted on: Aug 25, 2016 - 5:08am
|
Will these tubes and other fixtures fit, scale-wise, on the Dumas PT 109?
|
Total Posts: 5 | Joined:
Aug 18, 2016 - 5:18pm | IP
Logged
|
|
Mark Corriston
New Member
|
Posted on: Aug 25, 2016 - 5:08am
|
Will these tubes and other fixtures fit, scale-wise, on the Dumas PT 109?
|
Total Posts: 5 | Joined:
Aug 18, 2016 - 5:18pm | IP
Logged
|
|
David Waples
TOP BOSS
|
Posted on: Aug 25, 2016 - 5:56am
|
First, nice work Patrick on the mounts. I like the 1/24 breach you did and it looks like you're making the other parts as well.
Mark, I'm sure you're talking about Patrick's parts but just for clarification the tubes Steve at Model_Monkey makes currently are not available in 1/24 scale. It would cost a fortune!
Dave
David Waples |
Total Posts: 1676 | Joined:
Jan 2, 2007 - 9:55pm | IP
Logged
|
|
Rick Abramson
New Member
|
Posted on: Aug 31, 2016 - 4:39am
|
When will these tubes be available, how much and how to order. Mine would be for the Revell Elco.
They look beautiful.
Thanks!!
Rick Abramson |
Total Posts: 22 | Joined:
Apr 21, 2015 - 4:30am | IP
Logged
|
|
 |
SteveS156 |
New Member
|
Posted on: Sep 1, 2016 - 6:02am
|
Nice review, Dave! Will these be available in 1/35 for the Italeri PT 109? BTW, can anyone tell me what the parallel markings are on the end of the tubes?
SteveS156 |
Total Posts: | Joined:
Unregistered | IP
Logged
|
|
Patrick Matthews
New Member
|
Posted on: Sep 1, 2016 - 6:10am
|
The marks near the breech end? Rivets securing a guide rail inside the tube, which sets the torpedo's upper fin in the vertical position.
Patrick Matthews
Matthews Model Marine
http://matthewsmodelmarine.wordpress.com/ |
Total Posts: | Joined:
Unregistered | IP
Logged
|
|
 |
SteveS156 |
New Member
|
Posted on: Sep 2, 2016 - 7:48am
|
Thanks, Patrick! This Forum is marvelous. Does anyone have any information on the spacing and the total number?
Steve
SteveS156 |
Total Posts: | Joined:
Unregistered | IP
Logged
|
|
|
|
