British Upholder Build in 1/50th scale

This build blog will be a bit disjointed as I include work done previous to my creation of the new website. Look for more blog posts on this build with more photos and videos as I progress!

December 22nd, 2015: Work officially commenced on this project and begins with setting up the bulkheads in the lower hull section to accept the Dive Module. These were drafted in Google Sketchup and printed on my Makerbot 3D printer in PLA plastic. Installation of the cylinder is going very fast and smooth. Simply remove one stainless bolt in the front section, slide the entire dive module forward, and it comes free easily. The main drive battery selected is a 5000mAh NiMh pack rated at 12V.

January 14, 2016: I've completed work on the control surfaces for the boat. The rudders and dive planes have been installed using the supplied brass bushings from OTW and linkage arms run to the cylinder. Everything has been tested and works well with no binding and smooth transitions.The interior of the boat has been primed for a nice, clean finish!

January 28, 2016: More progress on this build. This last batch of work focused on getting the hull alignment correct through the use of orienting teeth on the upper and lower hulls. I also worked on detailing the hull surface with cutting out the sonar panels and exhaust openings. Periscopes were fabricated with my trusty 3D printer and some brass tubing. They're fully removable for transport.