Ron, I will not go into too much detail on Jim. He is retired, in his early 70's, and has building models since before I met him about 12 years ago. He doesn't bother with computers too much but enjoys his Canon digital cameras.

The story of building the model of the "Whaleback" seems to stem from where is lived many years ago up in the great lakes area of the U.S.

Jim is a laid-back person and deeply interested in building his models. Most of them are 1/48 scale, but in recent years he took a turn and started going after some complicated kits, some out of production for many years, like Sterling kits he found on Ebay. Other recent builds include some WWII battleships, plastic models that are motorized for RC.

One unique thing about Jim is all (I believe) of his models involve gear reduction between the motor(s) and shaft(s). He hand makes small parts where many people will avoid the small details. Here is a video of one of his other models, the City Of Buffalo:

There are a lot of photos of his work on our website... http://ssmbc-fl.org

Lew

In Polish magazine "Modelarstwo Okretowe", there is a plan available for such a whaleback design (http://www.modelarstwookretowe.pl/index.php?p=19&s=numer_opis&id_n=38 ).
Maybe it could be of help...

Zdenek

Great Video, Great tug!
Trev

Great Job, JB.
I can't imagine handling all facets at once!
Trev

Hi JB,

I’d be happy to come and be your assistant, provided you could afford my airfare 😂

It would be possible, I think, to operate both models from one Tx by adding some custom electronics to each model. This would need to operate like an RC switch controlled from a spare channel. One one model, the ‘switch’ would connect the servos and ESC to the Rx whilst at the same time on the other model, a switch would disconnect the servos and ESC. Operating the spare channel would reverse the state of the switches to allow the other model to be controlled.

Graham93

Looks too good to be a model, are you sure you filmed the model.
It's brilliant and looks so realistic, well done sir, a model to be very very proud of.
Cheers Colin.

Thanks Colin, video could have been better (used to using the camera on my head for years, which always keeps the object centered,- with it on the TX you have to remember to turn your body) I'll learn eventually😁 Tried to do a better one today using the amphitruck to launch it, but the tide was coming in a bit fast round the ramp. Don't get many days a year like that one in NZ (no wind, tide just right, decent light and not too many people or boats (apart from the huge blue and white 'liner' docking 😁) Usually windy here, being on the coast.

Re the real one,- that was a lot easier to fish from, this one's a bit cramped lol.

JB

I had the same thing years ago on the lakes in Bushy Park (Hampton Court) I was first time testing a Blue Devil Destroyer. It took a hit on the stern (believed to be by a pike) and she stopped and slowly sank stern first , just like the reel thing.☹️I hope your damage was'nt to bad.

Great work! What a stunner!

Great Build👍
Excellent Access to the Electronics👍
Great Video👍
Great Editing👍
Great Presentation👍
She Moves!!
Trev

Wow Trev! Thanks a lot, your comments have made all that sanding I did to get the Hull contours right worth while. She planes perfectly which I hope to video soon and can't wait to see what she looks like lit up at a night sail. Hope you're coping with the heat😎

Hi Trev, if your talking about the little gray sub it’s scratch built. If you want to know about the larger sub later in the vid I’ll have to ask Ed where he got the hull.
Cash

Thanks Cash,
Impressive for scratch build.
Great Fleet out there.👍
Trev

Great video Phil, shows Grahams set-up very well.👍👍

JB

Thanks for sharing, very interesting. Apt too, as we are celebrating Armed Forces Day today !

I Do, JB☹️
Trev

Hi Rowen, thought that might get your interest😁

JB

Certainly did! Getting some drawings printed so can see.
Think it can work out well

Very interesting - has anybody any plans or even good pictures

Rowen,
Mine is an Aquacraft Ready To Run boat.
It is modified slightly from the "out of the box" original, but basically true to the RTR version.
Dave B
PS I'd be glad to send any pictures you would like ...