RC U-boat! | Revell 1/72 Type IXC RC Submarine Conversion 

Thanks! Yes, 1/72 is certainly very tight, especially for submarines of this type. I have a Type VIIC of the same scale that I’ve yet to convert!

Thanks!

I’m glad you enjoyed the video! This is a really cool and rewarding hobby :)

@@neitoRC it sure is. I fly rc planes and helicopters and absolutely love it.

There are float valves that will prevent water from going into the air intake line, the challenge is always fitting components like that in such a tight space. I will still go with a water pump conversion purely because of its simplicity and reliability.

I am controlling the sub on 75mhz which penetrates the water up to at least 1.5 meters. I’ve never gone deeper than that due to weeds and visibility.

Thanks! Working on modifying the WTC into a vented ballast tank system. Good old reliable water pump.

How are the Lego U-joints holding out? How about the BL motors, any problems running them wet?

Lego U-joints are running fine, BL motors are perfectly running in the wet. Routine lubrification is needed, just like with cup seals and Simmerings.

Great job! I have the same model, a polycarbonate tube, and all the electronics for two years. Your video motivates me to catch on with the project. I also fancied putting the motors outside. I also have brushless ones, but inrunners. I’d like to go as deep as 6m with a 900MHz radio. Will see if that works.

​@@ocsimano729most RC subs run at periscope depth with brief excursion down averaging around 1m maxing out at 3m. Beyond that is crush depth. Even if your WTC doesn't implode there's the risk of seals leaking flooding the wtc. Also your wtc gets compressed so much that all bouyancy is lost even if you blow ballast. How will you see to steer at that depth? Unless you're in a swimming pool or have a camera connected topside via cable you're not going to see anything.

it can fully submerge using speed and diving planes, but the boat is set up such that there is always slight positive buoyancy that brings the boat up to the surface. The snort ballast system requires the snorkel to be above the water for surfacing.

Exactly what I was thinking. Seems a bit lame to go through all the effort to make a functioning submergible system and use a 10” snorkel. So many ways to make a true air ballast system.

It’s a 3D printed ballast tank so not really safe to be pressurized from the inside.