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Leonardo Da Vinci Submarine


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So here we have a snap fit kit which is roughly wood coloured of a one man submarine design based on Leonardo Da Vinci's sketches. Scale seems approximately 1/16, will be able to approximate once assembled.

Its available from many different manufacturers including revell and italeri.

 

Leonardo da Vinci himself said that because it was a lethal weapon, it must not fall into enemy hands. This may be another reason why instead of drawing the final project, he drew it disassembled and in a way that makes it difficult to understand. A boat with sails has a part that is submerged in the water and invisible to enemies. The pilot used a passage to get into the lower part undercover: the Mechanical Submarine. A pulley and rope system lowers the submarine, which can unhook itself underwater and proceed invisibly towards the enemy. The submarine has two air chambers, which can be used for steering and for air needed by the pilot, who has a mouthpiece. Steering underwater is done by means of a mechanical system.

 

Heres the box art

DSC_3365_zpsxw0hr4vs.jpg

 

First up was to remove the numerous ejector marks.

DSC_3366_zpsqtk33ixi.jpgDSC_3367_zpsdm1abjwg.jpg

 

Ive decided to paint it for effect, so firstly a single coat of Vallejo white acrylic surface primer

DSC_3368_zps42emkfxu.jpg

 

Then 2 coats of Vallejo natural wood grain acrylic paint for the cross bracing

DSC_3369_zps8ueevhva.jpg

 

followed by  2 coats of Vallejo new wood acryllic paint

DSC_3370_zpsfwz0km6f.jpg

 

All the best Chris

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So moving on an update of the build.

 

Central frame with leather chest pad for prone operator and the dive planes in foreground

DSC_3383_zpswu3bcivd.jpg

 

The completed two tone wooden paint job, which although supposed to be wood didnt quite sit right with me

DSC_3384_zpssc0cjsyu.jpg

 

Finished central frame, looking like new

DSC_3385_zpsk3h8hvhg.jpg

 

Central frame fitted

DSC_3386_zpsto62jqkm.jpg

 

A little black wash added for a more used look

DSC_3387_zpse8gzra7h.jpg

 

A better looking finish a gentle black wash applied and wiped with kitchen roll, note dive planes fitted. Had to be careful as the wash and wipe did try to lift some of the paint job.

DSC_3388_zpsve0vulgh.jpg

 

Forward dive planes shown in place

DSC_3389_zpscfrdaulg.jpg

 

All the best Chris

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Another update, the steering rope is fitted and working along with the dive plane handles. Too the rear is a simple working gear box with pedals that moves the rear paddles (to be added).

 

Measuring from the pedals to the chest rest, it works out approximately 1/16 scale, looking for a suitable figure has drawn a blank, mostly modern or pre 15th century and not Italian.

 

DSC_3390_zpsnmnstchg.jpg

DSC_3391_zpst0nusely.jpg

 

rear paddles unpainted

DSC_3392_zpsehgehk3g.jpg

 

So this leaves the two airbags and the top frame to complete.

 

All the best Chris

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Fascinating Chris. Da Vinci really was a genius. Makes me start to think he is a good candidate for a time traveller :hmmm: 

 

Looking good, really nice wood effect :thumbsup2: 

 

All best regards 

TonyT

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7 hours ago, TonyTiger66 said:

Fascinating Chris. Da Vinci really was a genius. Makes me start to think he is a good candidate for a time traveller :hmmm: 

 

Looking good, really nice wood effect :thumbsup2: 

 

All best regards 

TonyT

Thanks Tony, he definitely was a visionary.

 

Marc it wont be long with just the airbags and flippers to go.

 

All the best Chris

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Hi Martin, basically its a one man design, you lye prone (face down), feet on the rear foot pedals which you move up and down for propulsion, the red leather pad is were your chest rests.

In front of you are a pair of handles to control the dive planes, a pair of handles on a pivot with rope attached to control the rudder. (see first pic of last update post).

There was supposed to be a breathing tube from the airbags (yet to be fitted), also another tube to control the buoyancy bladders coupled with the airbags.

 

Thats the basics, but as per the Turtle it would have been hard work, theres no mention as to if he ever built it.

 

All the best Chris

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Doesn't sound like one of his better plans. However, its nice to know that even Leonardo had his off days!

 

Martian

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So the final touches have been made heres the last update before RFI post and pics

 

One of the two air sacs fitted

DSC_3393_zpsxokwekb2.jpg

 

The completed flippers

DSC_3394_zps69ezpq3p.jpg

 

Flippers fitted

DSC_3417_zpsa7gayrll.jpg

 

Final assembly

DSC_3418_zpsrijxbjle.jpg

 

Thanks to all who have followed this.

 

All the best Chris

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Flipping Heck Tucker  :like:  looking good Chris I like the wood grain effect that you have got with the frame work

 

if you are of a certain age you will know why I said that  :clif:

 

beefy

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Excellent work Chris :thumbsup2: 

It looks just right, I could see this model in a museum, would look superb in a display on the history of submarines. 

 

That woodwork really is superb.

 

:goodjob: 

 

TonyT

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