torpedochief

Before President Kennedy approved operation "Frigate Bird," he wanted to be sure he understood exactly what the launching sub looked like. This model was built to show him the lead ship of the new ETHAN ALLEN class of SSBN.
 
Operation "Frigate Bird," would be the worlds first and only launching of a fully armed nuclear-tipped ballistic missile. Upon studying the model Kennedy decided he needed to see the ship in person. Due to his back injuries climbing the ladders into the ship was not an option. Electric Boat fabricated a special cage that lowered the President into the submarine. Kennedy approved the operation.
 
The launch went off as planned. The warhead detonated over the Pacific with a force 15 times greater than the weapon used on Hiroshima. 
 
What happened to this model is really unknown. It appears that for security reasons at the time large portions of the interior were removed. Now that the class is no longer in commision and the technology is declassified I can rebuild the interior to what it should have looked like. However, I can still only do the unclassified version of the Engineering spaces. Even the Nautilus Engineering Spaces are still classified. The exterior will be detailed and repainted as it would have appeared in the 1960s.This model is almost 7 feet long!! This will be a fun project for SUBVETS and all who served on the nations SSBNs.     

MISSILE AWAY! 

Completing the MK 16 Torpedo for the ETHAN ALLEN SSBN 608.
I have been using a new product in some of my building. Polybak is supposed to be used for backing used in countertops. However, as a modeling material, it is superb!
It will not burn. It is eco-friendly. It will sand, take stain and paint, and bend. It cuts clean and with the laser, it can render very small parts.
The fins and the screws were cut using of the 40watt CO2 laser at 35% power at 115 mm/sec.
Once cut the fins are attached to the torpedo afterbody by CA adhesive and Zip Kicker accelerator.

Painted and applied decals to the exterior. Put the masts in after carving and painting. I also made the Posiden A3 missile which still needs final painting.
Decals were made with my CRICUT as described in my article for THE JOURNAL couple issues back.  

Creating the Mk 16 Mod 4 Torpedo.
It was hoped that I could design and 3d print a loadout of Mk 37 Mod 2 torpedoes for the Ethan Allen SSBN 608. However, both Printers went down and parts are in China. Add to that I have to have this big model ready to roll out the door and into its permanent home on Wed.
So I opt to replicate the MK 16 weapon carried during the earlier years of Ethan Allen's career. Unlike the MK 37, the MK 16 was what we called a John Wayne weapon. This means the weapon had no means of acoustic search, and attack. You could set a gyro angle for the weapon to turn to after launch but pretty much a straight shooter. It was a holdover from WWII and anti-ship only.
I would make a master and then mold. From the mold, I will cast the needed number of torpedoes.
Using plans from the net I cut a block of pine. This block was center marked and fitted to the lathe with a small spur.
Once turned the master was sanded and using a custom made 1/8th parting tool I marked the afterbody, fuel/battery, warhead, and nose sections.
Time is of the essence so I used a technique I sometimes use when making pens. As the wood was still turning thin CA glue is applied. An accelerator is sprayed on the still rotating torpedo to instantly cure the CA. 600 to 1500 grit sandpaper was used to bring the surface smooth.
Two-Part mold putty is used to make a one piece mold needed for torpedo production. Equal parts are kneaded until the color is uniform then the putty is placed around the master.
The fins, counter-rotating screws will be cast and laser cut and applied after casting. First two pictures are MK 37s then MK 16s
More later! Very tired.

Polk, you say!

Been a long while but I have been hard at work on the Ethan Allen SSBN 608. The model is in bad shape internally. I had to do some exploratory and repair surgery to the wood frames inside. The fiberglass is not all that great, to begin with, and is fragile. The hull is also warped and hogged fro years in extremes. 
After using an extremely hot water bath I managed to get the hull back into shape. The interior was cleaned scraped and then primed and repainted. 
Not knowing the state of classification of these old systems I opted to play it safe and rebuild the model in an unclassified version. Many former crewmembers are providing an entire ream of documents and pictures to help out
Most parts are designed in SKETCHUP. I am using original drawings and piping tab as a "base," for design. This is where I stretch my artistic license to the max. My goal is to show the components of the boat, not get the viewer qualified in submarines. Once parts are designed, scaled and corrected in NETTFAB. I use MAKERBOT to 3d print the items 
Since just about everything is missing I needed to get the bulkheads and decks made. I am using 1/8" plexi for this part.  I am finding that the model was very inaccurate when it comes to deck spacing and through ship passage, but again the model was not meant to be accurate.
 
Needing to distract myself from the enormity of the project. I am eating this elephant a little at a time and moving from task to task. I have laser cut templates for scribing exterior details not present in the original model. 
 
As of now most of the Engineering spaces are complete. The ops compartment will feature actual wood paneling. Kinda ironic that the real boats have plastic paneling.  

Before President Kennedy approved operation "Frigate Bird," he wanted to be sure he understood exactly what the launching sub looked like. This model was built to show him the lead ship of the new ETHAN ALLEN class of SSBN.
 
Operation "Frigate Bird," would be the worlds first and only launching of a fully armed nuclear-tipped ballistic missile. Upon studying the model Kennedy decided he needed to see the ship in person. Due to his back injuries climbing the ladders into the ship was not an option. Electric Boat fabricated a special cage that lowered the President into the submarine. Kennedy approved the operation.
 
The launch went off as planned. The warhead detonated over the Pacific with a force 15 times greater than the weapon used on Hiroshima. 
 
What happened to this model is really unknown. It appears that for security reasons at the time large portions of the interior were removed. Now that the class is no longer in commision and the technology is declassified I can rebuild the interior to what it should have looked like. However, I can still only do the unclassified version of the Engineering spaces. Even the Nautilus Engineering Spaces are still classified. The exterior will be detailed and repainted as it would have appeared in the 1960s.This model is almost 7 feet long!! This will be a fun project for SUBVETS and all who served on the nations SSBNs.     

Unlike most SSBNs, Ethan Allen did not use gas generators to launch her missiles. Instead, a huge  HP Air Flask was charged through compressors separate from the ship's service compressors This air was used to force missile up and out of the launch tube. Two aux compressors fed directly from the battery were used for emergency firing air.

It is such a terrible and wonderful day. The restoration is complete. You would not think so looking at the pictures. Today I did a 30-hour straight effort to finish.
 
Yesterday the former COB of 608 and legend in the Submarine Force received orders to his final command. Barry "BEAR," Randell a Torpedoman of the highest order your watch is over. Good and Nobel Sailor we your students, and Shipmates have the watch. Rest your oars. The lesson you taught are far too numerous. Your love of your Brothers of the Phin, your dedication and your love of the nation and to the Submarine Force is engrained in just about every American submarine that goes into harm's way. You have and will save many lives. Thanks, Bear for being that cranky, fun loving, wealth of technical knowledge you are.
 
Today this model will be completed by 25 of your former shipmates. Each will place the remaining detail items one at a time into the model. As you would have loved there was a big demand to be the ones who installed the toilets.
 
Men who were once young and vibrant honor you. Men of USS COBBLER, USS TANG, USS SEA HORSE, USS TULIBEE, USS STONEWALL JACKSON, and USS ETHAN ALLEN. Now the old ones come to honor you. But look Bear! When you are talked about there is a sparkle of youth in their eyes. For a brief second the men are the 17,  18 and 20- year olds who took to the sea in submarines.  Loud bouts of laughter emit from tired lungs as the hundreds of old dirty jokes you told are retold.
 
You live in all of us who earned and proudly wear the Dolphins of the UNITED STATES SUBMARINE SERVICE.

MISSILE AWAY! 

DTG 20140514 2256R
To:  All Hands Model Ship World 2.0
From:  MMC/SS Don Meadows USN Ret.
 
Subj:  COMPLETION  OF USN ANCHOR HOY Circa 1819.
 
I am so pleased to report completion of my first ever wooden ship and scratch build.  Many of you on this site knowingly or not knowingly helped just like shipmates do.
 
I made my flag based on discussions here, matter of fact just about everything I learned on here. The idea here was our little Hoy is multitasking,  she is out tending anchors, while supplying warships at anchor in Hampton Rhoades. She is dirty, and worn, however her crew are proud and do what they can with what they can to make her look as good as possible.  The symbol of my rank as a Chief Petty Officer was a fouled anchor, and this little ship though a non combatant did her duty as is in the finest traditions of the United States Navy. I am as proud of what she stands for as I am of the fact I built her. 
 
I am feeling so confident after this I will now build the entire Spanish Armada out of Macaroni, blades of grass and Unicorn tears.
 
Thanks Again all!!
 
Chief   

Hey Shippys!
 
I can not begin to tell you the joy this little model has brought me. This time last year it was doubtful I would even be around. However things are looking up some.
 
When I pulled on the tiny gaff topping lift and it rose into place, nothing in the world could have been more thrilling.  For a second I was there on the Anchor Hoy early on a brisk fall morning setting sail to resupply the warships all around Norfolk.
 
I am sad that this build is nearing an end. The challenges, setbacks, discoveries, everything has just been beyond words.
 
All the spars are installed and 1/2 the rigging is in place. I even made a barrel to give it that extra touch.  Next is to rig the jib and finish the stays.
 
I have wrestled again and again with the idea of putting sails on the little beast. Not sure if I will or not.  Thanks you all for your support of this effort.
 
Going Deep!!
 
Don  

Ole Chief doin' the happy dance!!!  Yepers, I found a way to make blocks, molding, and just about anything in just about any scale and in just about any material.
 
If this is old news then please forgive.  Just for the record: This was not my idea, but I sure wish it had been!  Found a fella building a scratch HMS VICTORY and he described using a scraper to form all sorts of things for his model. So I went to the hobby store, pent $3.16 on a bit of aluminum and proceeded to use my jewelers saw to make the cuts needed to make the scraper for making a molding, and the tiny blocks I needed.
 
A bit of trial and error but suddenly BAM!  I got me some blocks now!! Used a #80 drill to make the hole, and did final shaping with a needle file before cutting it off. The grooves are perfect!  The molding turned out great and will be used in a later project.
 
I was so happy I decided to execute my first ever rigging of scratch built ship with scratch built blocks.  Wow this thing is tiny!I rigged the jib boom. Took a while but I am happy with it 
 
Looking at the pictures I see I have a lot of clean up to do. I want the boat to look used and some abused, but I might have overdone it.  No worries. Lots of touch ups to get done as soon as I can keep my big meat hooks off the thing. 
 
Oh if any of you out there are wondering about scratch building vs kit, I recommend you find you a subject that you think in your present skill level and scratch build. No matter how it turns out, do it!  We are not really looking for a museum model, for that matter you can take this one and hide it later. the purpose of this scratch build is you will find you have skill you did not even think you had.  Once complete, and no matter how it looks you will look at that kit and maybe giggle a bit, because you have now armed yourself with the skill and confidence that will make that kit a real breeze and joy to build.
 
Have fun shipmates! Keep a zero bubble!
 
Don
 
   

Hey Shipmates!
 
Got some more stuff done on the ole Hoy.
 
Built and installed the pumps. Now I do not know if these are the correct size.  I can't find a lot of really detailed stuff about this boat.
 
Got the Cat heads installed. Now that was fun......not. they have to fit in 3 planes.  Carved the little tiny tiller. I imagine this was removed when not in use as it is in the way of everything. Both capstans are installed.  Several of the very tiny cleats have been carved and put in place.
 
Now who forgot to tell me how much fun making 1.5 and 1mm single blocks can be? Thought I was gonna loose my mind.  I tried every material including fossil mammoth ivory. Nothing would work. It was so small the drill bit would shatter whatever I was trying to do. So in one of those "What the heck" moments, I soaked a sliver of cherry wood in that thin CA. After a bit of drying the cherry was hard as a rock. I was able to do a decent job making the large block for the anchor tackle and the smaller single block for the jib boom outhaul gun tackle.
 
I have the main mast turned, and carved.  I am saving the top rail for later in the build as my clumsy fingers will need to get in there from time to time.
 
This is not of museum piece but for a first try, I am happy with the way it is looking.
 
Any one know of away to make very tiny blocks please let me know.
 
Thanks Shipys!!       

Hello Shipmates!
 
Been a busy man the past week.  I have a carved whale to get done (Sperm Whale,)  three pieces of scrimshaw to get pictures of for the gallery, and another magazine article.
 
However I am having such a hoot with this little boat!  This is nothing compared to the outstanding work I see on here! You Ladies and Gents are some top shelf sons and daughters of Neptune!
 
OK here is what I have done.  I have the paint just about the way I want. Still more weathering I want to do since this was a working vessel.  I fitted the Anchor Cat.  I have the anchor primed and ready to finish painting. Tonight I finished both capstans.  Tons left to do, but she is starting to take shape. Also have the jib boom in place for a fitting.
 
Thanks for all the nice comments. Hey but if you see any gross errors let me know.
 
Thanks
 
Chief
 
Oh and I am using oak, bass, and cherry, and a pop sickle stick or two.
 
  

DTG 20140514 2256R
To:  All Hands Model Ship World 2.0
From:  MMC/SS Don Meadows USN Ret.
 
Subj:  COMPLETION  OF USN ANCHOR HOY Circa 1819.
 
I am so pleased to report completion of my first ever wooden ship and scratch build.  Many of you on this site knowingly or not knowingly helped just like shipmates do.
 
I made my flag based on discussions here, matter of fact just about everything I learned on here. The idea here was our little Hoy is multitasking,  she is out tending anchors, while supplying warships at anchor in Hampton Rhoades. She is dirty, and worn, however her crew are proud and do what they can with what they can to make her look as good as possible.  The symbol of my rank as a Chief Petty Officer was a fouled anchor, and this little ship though a non combatant did her duty as is in the finest traditions of the United States Navy. I am as proud of what she stands for as I am of the fact I built her. 
 
I am feeling so confident after this I will now build the entire Spanish Armada out of Macaroni, blades of grass and Unicorn tears.
 
Thanks Again all!!
 
Chief   

DTG 20140514 2256R
To:  All Hands Model Ship World 2.0
From:  MMC/SS Don Meadows USN Ret.
 
Subj:  COMPLETION  OF USN ANCHOR HOY Circa 1819.
 
I am so pleased to report completion of my first ever wooden ship and scratch build.  Many of you on this site knowingly or not knowingly helped just like shipmates do.
 
I made my flag based on discussions here, matter of fact just about everything I learned on here. The idea here was our little Hoy is multitasking,  she is out tending anchors, while supplying warships at anchor in Hampton Rhoades. She is dirty, and worn, however her crew are proud and do what they can with what they can to make her look as good as possible.  The symbol of my rank as a Chief Petty Officer was a fouled anchor, and this little ship though a non combatant did her duty as is in the finest traditions of the United States Navy. I am as proud of what she stands for as I am of the fact I built her. 
 
I am feeling so confident after this I will now build the entire Spanish Armada out of Macaroni, blades of grass and Unicorn tears.
 
Thanks Again all!!
 
Chief   

Hey Shippys!
 
I can not begin to tell you the joy this little model has brought me. This time last year it was doubtful I would even be around. However things are looking up some.
 
When I pulled on the tiny gaff topping lift and it rose into place, nothing in the world could have been more thrilling.  For a second I was there on the Anchor Hoy early on a brisk fall morning setting sail to resupply the warships all around Norfolk.
 
I am sad that this build is nearing an end. The challenges, setbacks, discoveries, everything has just been beyond words.
 
All the spars are installed and 1/2 the rigging is in place. I even made a barrel to give it that extra touch.  Next is to rig the jib and finish the stays.
 
I have wrestled again and again with the idea of putting sails on the little beast. Not sure if I will or not.  Thanks you all for your support of this effort.
 
Going Deep!!
 
Don  

Hello again Shipmates!
 
Wow been a building on my little bitty boat every night for at least 4 hours.  So far about 80 hours. Getting closer though!. Since we had our last GAM (Whaling Term for a meeting of two whalers at sea,) I have made and installed the boom rest on the Spenser Mast and stepped the Mast. Doublings and top mast are made and installed. My Anchor Handing gear is also rigged but not tightened yet.
 
I have made and catted the little boats own anchors.  Railings are installed. About 10 cleats still need to be made not counting those on the boom.
 
Gosh I also have made some coils for the rigging and gear thus installed.  I have installed temp belaying pins. I am working on the scraper idea to make the pins. A hacksaw blade with a profile cut into it and held against a rotating bit of stock.  So far cherry wood  flies into a billion slivers. Bass wood turns into a fuzz ball. Next I will see what brass does.
 
The use of surgical sutures works pretty good. It also has the advantage in this small scale of being realistically rope laid.
 
I want to add an anchor buoy but I cannot find a ref. to tell me what color they might be. If anyone has the 411 please help me out. I want to put a buoy on my Hoy.
 
 
In other news.  It was on this date in 1986 that the submarine I was on USS RAY SSN 653 and two other submarines surfaced together at the North Pole. First time ever in history.  

DTG 20140514 2256R
To:  All Hands Model Ship World 2.0
From:  MMC/SS Don Meadows USN Ret.
 
Subj:  COMPLETION  OF USN ANCHOR HOY Circa 1819.
 
I am so pleased to report completion of my first ever wooden ship and scratch build.  Many of you on this site knowingly or not knowingly helped just like shipmates do.
 
I made my flag based on discussions here, matter of fact just about everything I learned on here. The idea here was our little Hoy is multitasking,  she is out tending anchors, while supplying warships at anchor in Hampton Rhoades. She is dirty, and worn, however her crew are proud and do what they can with what they can to make her look as good as possible.  The symbol of my rank as a Chief Petty Officer was a fouled anchor, and this little ship though a non combatant did her duty as is in the finest traditions of the United States Navy. I am as proud of what she stands for as I am of the fact I built her. 
 
I am feeling so confident after this I will now build the entire Spanish Armada out of Macaroni, blades of grass and Unicorn tears.
 
Thanks Again all!!
 
Chief   

Hey Shippys!
 
I can not begin to tell you the joy this little model has brought me. This time last year it was doubtful I would even be around. However things are looking up some.
 
When I pulled on the tiny gaff topping lift and it rose into place, nothing in the world could have been more thrilling.  For a second I was there on the Anchor Hoy early on a brisk fall morning setting sail to resupply the warships all around Norfolk.
 
I am sad that this build is nearing an end. The challenges, setbacks, discoveries, everything has just been beyond words.
 
All the spars are installed and 1/2 the rigging is in place. I even made a barrel to give it that extra touch.  Next is to rig the jib and finish the stays.
 
I have wrestled again and again with the idea of putting sails on the little beast. Not sure if I will or not.  Thanks you all for your support of this effort.
 
Going Deep!!
 
Don  

Hello again Shipmates!
 
Wow been a building on my little bitty boat every night for at least 4 hours.  So far about 80 hours. Getting closer though!. Since we had our last GAM (Whaling Term for a meeting of two whalers at sea,) I have made and installed the boom rest on the Spenser Mast and stepped the Mast. Doublings and top mast are made and installed. My Anchor Handing gear is also rigged but not tightened yet.
 
I have made and catted the little boats own anchors.  Railings are installed. About 10 cleats still need to be made not counting those on the boom.
 
Gosh I also have made some coils for the rigging and gear thus installed.  I have installed temp belaying pins. I am working on the scraper idea to make the pins. A hacksaw blade with a profile cut into it and held against a rotating bit of stock.  So far cherry wood  flies into a billion slivers. Bass wood turns into a fuzz ball. Next I will see what brass does.
 
The use of surgical sutures works pretty good. It also has the advantage in this small scale of being realistically rope laid.
 
I want to add an anchor buoy but I cannot find a ref. to tell me what color they might be. If anyone has the 411 please help me out. I want to put a buoy on my Hoy.
 
 
In other news.  It was on this date in 1986 that the submarine I was on USS RAY SSN 653 and two other submarines surfaced together at the North Pole. First time ever in history.  

Ole Chief doin' the happy dance!!!  Yepers, I found a way to make blocks, molding, and just about anything in just about any scale and in just about any material.
 
If this is old news then please forgive.  Just for the record: This was not my idea, but I sure wish it had been!  Found a fella building a scratch HMS VICTORY and he described using a scraper to form all sorts of things for his model. So I went to the hobby store, pent $3.16 on a bit of aluminum and proceeded to use my jewelers saw to make the cuts needed to make the scraper for making a molding, and the tiny blocks I needed.
 
A bit of trial and error but suddenly BAM!  I got me some blocks now!! Used a #80 drill to make the hole, and did final shaping with a needle file before cutting it off. The grooves are perfect!  The molding turned out great and will be used in a later project.
 
I was so happy I decided to execute my first ever rigging of scratch built ship with scratch built blocks.  Wow this thing is tiny!I rigged the jib boom. Took a while but I am happy with it 
 
Looking at the pictures I see I have a lot of clean up to do. I want the boat to look used and some abused, but I might have overdone it.  No worries. Lots of touch ups to get done as soon as I can keep my big meat hooks off the thing. 
 
Oh if any of you out there are wondering about scratch building vs kit, I recommend you find you a subject that you think in your present skill level and scratch build. No matter how it turns out, do it!  We are not really looking for a museum model, for that matter you can take this one and hide it later. the purpose of this scratch build is you will find you have skill you did not even think you had.  Once complete, and no matter how it looks you will look at that kit and maybe giggle a bit, because you have now armed yourself with the skill and confidence that will make that kit a real breeze and joy to build.
 
Have fun shipmates! Keep a zero bubble!
 
Don
 
   

Hey Shipmates!
 
Got some more stuff done on the ole Hoy.
 
Built and installed the pumps. Now I do not know if these are the correct size.  I can't find a lot of really detailed stuff about this boat.
 
Got the Cat heads installed. Now that was fun......not. they have to fit in 3 planes.  Carved the little tiny tiller. I imagine this was removed when not in use as it is in the way of everything. Both capstans are installed.  Several of the very tiny cleats have been carved and put in place.
 
Now who forgot to tell me how much fun making 1.5 and 1mm single blocks can be? Thought I was gonna loose my mind.  I tried every material including fossil mammoth ivory. Nothing would work. It was so small the drill bit would shatter whatever I was trying to do. So in one of those "What the heck" moments, I soaked a sliver of cherry wood in that thin CA. After a bit of drying the cherry was hard as a rock. I was able to do a decent job making the large block for the anchor tackle and the smaller single block for the jib boom outhaul gun tackle.
 
I have the main mast turned, and carved.  I am saving the top rail for later in the build as my clumsy fingers will need to get in there from time to time.
 
This is not of museum piece but for a first try, I am happy with the way it is looking.
 
Any one know of away to make very tiny blocks please let me know.
 
Thanks Shipys!!