Pressure HullI used the previously-built pressure hull sections from my U-505 build in U-190.
Some of the pressure hull plans (in PDF format) are the full size of the kit (46" x 8.5") and were made originally in CorelDRAW X3.
Materials List — Pressure HullHere is the list of materials that I used to construct the inner pressure hull:
Pressure Hull : Stern sectionDownload instructions HERE for making Stern section (fits both Type IXC/40 and IXC)
Pressure Hull : A–B sectionDownload instructions HERE for making A-B section (fits both Type IXC/40 and IXC)
Pressure Hull : B–C sectionThe B–C pressure hull section was by far the easiest thing to make. The diameter is a constant ø57mm for a length of ~309mm. I obtained a length of 2¼" O.D. (57mm) acrylic pipe from my local plastic store, and cut it to length using a radial arm saw. I carefully trimmed the acrylic tube so it fit snugly between bulkheads B and C. To apply the 0.010" styrene skin:
To make the acrylic tube sit properly in the hull, I sanded away the C-bulkhead locating ridges at the bottom of the hull (where indicated in the last picture, below). Download instructions HERE for making B-C section (fits both Type IXC/40 and IXC)
Pressure Hull : Bow sectionDownload instructions HERE for making Bow section (fits both Type IXC/40 and IXC) NOTE:
Building the Pressure Hull SectionsHere are some progress pictures of some sections during construction, and in place inside the hull. When creating sections of the pressure hull, the thin styrene "skin" would hold a better curve if it was pre-formed around a wooden stick. After that, it would have a more natural curve and would be easier to install around the end pieces. During placement inside the hull, effort was taken to ensure the tops of separate sections align vertically (on either side of the kit bulkheads) to ensure continuity in height along the length of the pressure hull. The kit bulkheads were cut down to match the top curves of the pressure hull sections. The forward end of the pressure hull section was created using QuikWood epoxy putty. |