|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1. Initial Tank |
|
This is how the float started -- a aircraft wing drop-tank. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2. The tank has been prepped. |
|
The drop-tank has be cut to size to form the main part of the submarine hull. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3. Stern Section Fabrication |
|
The stern section of the hull is framed out. The screw would be at the top in this photo. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4. The prop (screw) is fabricated. |
|
The propellor has been custom made by our outstanding metal craftsman, Frank Bono.
Although not a submariner (actually a Marine,) Frank is an honorary Perch Base member. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5. Nose Cone Stacks. |
|
Disks of heavy styrofoam have been cut in decreasing diameter for stacking. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6. The disks are stacked. |
|
That's Howard Doyle stacking the disks on a support. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7. Metal Parts are Completed |
|
The allmost finished metal hull sections are shown in Frank Bono's shop. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8. Disk Stack Shaped |
|
Howard is sanding the disks down to make a smooth, curved shape. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9. Nose Cone Fiberglassed |
|
The first coat of fiberglass has been added to cover the stacked foam disks. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10. Main Hull Done |
|
Frank and Howard stand in front of the completed hull by on of the two signs that mount on either side of the trailer. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11. Hull Mounted on the Trailer |
|
The hull has been mounted on the trailer in a cradel-like rig that Frank made. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12. Sternplane Fabrication |
|
The basic blanks for the stern planes are ready for shaping. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13. Sail Preparation |
|
The blank that will be the Phoenix's sail is made ready for shaping. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14. Rudder Preparation |
|
The upper and lower rudder blanks are shown ready for prep. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15. Trailer is Wired |
|
Howard Doyle tackles EM/IC/ET jobs as he installs the wiring for the trailer's sound system. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16. Planes, Rudder, Sail are Made |
|
The planes and rudders are along side the sail after shaping and fiberglass coating. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17. Hull Mounted to Trailer |
|
The completed hull has been mounted on the trailer. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18. Trailing-Wire |
|
Truely authentic, the model sports a trailing-wire antenna housing along the hull. This also covers the hull seam. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
19. Hull Painting |
|
The hull gets it base coat of flat black. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20. Sail Mounted |
|
The fiberglassed sail has been mounted to the hull |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
21. Sail Planes are Mounted |
|
The sail planes have been mounted to the sail. Note the bolts that go through from port to starboard. These planes will stay on! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
23. Painting Checkout |
|
Jim Denzien checks out the finished construction paint job. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
24. Ready for Final Touches |
|
The finished model waits for the final little touches -- hull numbers and draft markings. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
25. She's Done! |
|
The true-to-scale USS Phoenix (SSN-702) is ready for the last bit of detail. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
26. The Missing Detail - Masts! |
|
The final bit of authenticity has been added. The masts. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
27. Mast Details |
|
The masts are detailed down to the camo paint splotches. The mast assembly is removed from the sail for travel or storage. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
28. Trailer Rear Details |
|
The trailer is "dressed" with the three flags: United States, State of Arizona and our own Perch Base. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
29. First Public Display |
|
This is first public showing, Anthem, AZ pre-Veterans Day (Saturday before) in 2008. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30. A-Frame Sign |
|
Two of these signs, one used on each side of the float, provide details about the USS Phoenix and our float. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
