1/350 Typhoon Sub WIP

I am not positive about how the Russian boats' tiles are configured, but US subs' tiles are tapered down with a shallow bevel to make them more resistant to hydraulic friction. The original tiles (in the early 1980s) were hard edged and would peel off rather readily. Some would only be partially peeled back and would flap and slap the side of the boat. I can't say for sure, but I can imagine that they must have made a sound that would be undesirable to a boat that was trying to be stealthy. The Russians must have experienced that, too, and probably remedied it the same way. Anechoic tiles can be a two edged sword. I have observed submarines in dry dock for the past thirty years and try to make mental pictures of them (cause I sure as heck can't take actual photographs of them without being arrested for espionage) so I can make an accurate model of them. I have noticed that the tiles are not too pronounced when looking at the whole boat. You could probably omit the tiles altogether and it wouldn't make any difference. Probably not at 1/350 and definitely not at 1/700.

Here are some images of a 688, notice that the tiling is fairly smooth.  If there is a X in the picture, right click and select "Open link in new window"

 

Up close and wet it is a different story, notice the bevel in the tile.

 

Here is a shot of the Hampton (left) and the older Jacksonville. Notice the tile pattern on the Jax is checkerboard style while the Hampton is brick patterned. (A 688i vs. a 688)

Notice the peeled back tiles on Jax.

I can hardly see the tiles on the Typhoon above, which at 1/350 would be pretty much the same.

 

A Typhoon:  (notice the tile damage)

 

Here is a link to set of images taken of a Typhoon by a Russian tourist:    

http://community.livejournal.com/ru_submarine/17486.html

This is a really good website, I had never seen before today and it makes me glad that I was never a Russian submariner.

 

Thanks for those pictures of the U.S. subs, which definitely show that the tiles would be visible in 1/350, in my opinion (but only at certain light angles, which is what I'm aiming for). Those are excellent references, and I appreciate that.

Note that the white on black (on my model) is somewhat deceptive - the end result will be quite subtle. I definitely want it to be subtle. When I used this technique with the shuttle, which also has a subtle tile pattern, the effect was ideal. I agree that in smaller scales, the tile pattern would not be visible.

Indeed, I see the US tiles are even more pronounced that those of the Typhoon (I have the same excellent Typhoon photos you show here, which are amazing) because of the beveled edges. I had never seen those before.

In any case, I hope in the end, this little project works out. The beauty is that one can lightly sand over the tile pattern to make them more subtle, if required.

My plan is to have the Ohio and the Typhoon side by side. Does the Ohio class have similar tiles?

The Ohio class have the same beveled tiles as the 688s.

I see what you mean, subfixer ... one hopes their life insurance was paid up.

You're lucky to get the kit. Alanger went out of business a few years ago. I got my Typhoon in time, but not the K401 - the humpbacked submarine.

I would like to find the Alanger kit of the Delta IV . . . does anyone know where I can find one?

Bill Morrison

Bill,

  Just saw an Alanger Delta IV kit at my local Hobby Shop (Hobby Emporium, Tyngsboro, Massachusetts).  I have the kit already, it is excellent!   Contact me if you want me to pick it up for you.

I would also like to locate a kit of the Typhoon.

Tom

Tom,

I would greatly appreciate it!  Thanks!  Send me an email to know where to send the money.

Bill

Bill,

I picked up the Alanger Delta IV kit today.  Please contact me at ives100@aol.com

Tom

I am very interested in finding an Alanger 1/350 Typhoon Kit. Any ideas where I can find one?

I know the Dragon typhoon is not very accurate but is the Alnager that much better?

From what I have seen on the net and reading write ups the Alanger kit is light years ahead

Tom,

I just came across this old thread and realized that I never contacted you! I sincerely apologize!  I had just been severely beaten up at the high school where I teach and was suffering a bad concussion.  I was out of school for over two months.  The student was a trained and licensed boxer, and I have been suffering severe effects since. Indeed, I never saw your response!

May I make restitution?  Please let me know.

Thanks!

Bill