Nautilus
Model Project
Nautilus Model Float Project
In November, 2005 Frank Holland obtained donations of a 24ft cylindrical aviation fuel tank and a 30ft trailer. He envisioned converting these items into a model of the USS Nautilus SSN-571 and requested that Nautilus Base take this task on as a Base Project. Discussions at the November meeting were followed with overwhelmingly positive remarks & suggestions. Motion carried that Nautilus Base adopt this project of constructing a model of USS Nautilus SSN-571. Motion carried that a separate account be established to fund this project. Possible sources could be monetary and material donations from members, special raffles and fund raisers. The tank and trailer are on SM Holland’s property and he has the space, tools and facilities on hand to complete the project. It was unanimously decided that Shipmate Holland be our "Project Manager." This will be an arduous task involving a big team commitment from our Base. Not only money and material is required but a whole lot of time and talent from our membership.
Frank obtained plans of the USS Nautilus and calculated that using the fuel tank as the pressure hull, we could build a 1/13th scale model. Construction materials would be pressure treated plywood and aluminum sheeting, with wire mesh and fiberglass for the bow section. Frank started by cutting templates for the superstructure, stern and bow planes, and rudder from cardboard.
However, the first big job would be to wire brush the trailer to remove all of the accumulations of rust, and then paint it with rust-proof paint. In addition, Frank had to machine the hubs of the trailer to accept the wheels and tires.
Below Photos ©2006 by Dan O'Dwyer & Frank Holland
Frank Holland and Harold Cook check out the aircraft fuel tank.
Soupy Campbell, Don Krust, Tony Baldwin, and Harold Cook checking over the trailer before wirebrushing.
(L) Harold Cook & Don Krust working on the rust. (R) Soupy Campbell, Tony Baldwin, Ken Cole removing rust.
(L) Soupy Campbell starts painting. (R) Tony Baldwin, Ken Cole, Harold Cook & Leo Fochtman.
Trailer after painting, prior to decking being installed.
Aircraft tank with inspection ports removed.
Tank moved to trailer with decking installed and mounting cradles cut out.
(L) Tom Starr & Dan O'Dwyer (R) Frank Holland & Tom Starr
Tony Baldwin works on installing stern planes and prop shroud.
Tony Baldwin works on installing stern planes and prop shroud.
Tank primered, superstructure frames and stern planes in place.
(L) Sternplanes & Propeller (R) More superstructure framing in place
(L) Port Side Stern planes & Prop (R) Lower Rudder after mounting to hull.
(L) Leo Fochtman & Soupy Campbell work on templates for bow section. (R) Soupy checks out template.
Above Photos ©2006 by Dan O'Dwyer and Frank Holland
