Russian Typhoon Submarine

Second sea trial

The second sea trial went really well. the weather was cooperating; my assistant Sissy (my wife) was a little distracted with Jessie, but managed to man the video and still cameras for pics; my transportation method was complete and used for this sea trial; and ... I wasn´t as nervous as the first sea trials!
	As you know from my first sea trial, I had leaks! Well, the leak in the aft WTC was devastating ... to say the least. I had to replace both Graupner Speed-Profi 50 Reverse BEC Speed Controllers. I learned a very expensive lesson ... NEVER get those babies wet! Here is what I believe happened. I didn´t turn the power off prior to removing the sub from the pool. As a result, water splashed onto the SC's and fried them good. The water hadn´t risen inside the WTC to the point where the SC's were submerged, so that must have been what happened. Anyway, I will ALWAYS turn my power off prior to removing the sub from the pool/lake/river/pond et cetera.
Prior to putting the top hull half on, I spent at least ½ hour looking for leaks. Here I am with the sub just under the surface of the water. I looked and looked and looked some more for bubbles or water inside of the WTC's. The process was so long, I actually got bored. But ... I wanted to make absolutely certain there were no leaks ... even under minimal pressure while just under the surface. Here are the results of my leak analysis: Forward Ballast Tank No leaks Forward WTC No leaks in the lid or gasket No leaks in the BHS seal (servo rod) No leaks in the battery terminals No leaks in the electrical wiring exiting the WTC No leaks in the antenna wire or tubing No leaks in the pressure tubing for the ADC-1 (automatic depth control) Aft Ballast Tank No leaks Aft WTC No leaks in the lid or gasket No leaks in the BHS seals (servo rods) No leaks in the battery terminals No leaks in the propeller shaft tubes No leaks in the electrical wiring exiting the WTC through the waterproof PVC piping which connects both WTC´s Large leaks in the bilge pump discharge tube! Neoprene tubing and fittings No leaks Batteries No leaks. I found out that the film leaving the negative terminal on both batteries was actually electrolysis, and I´ve been told to not worry about it.
	I had received an email the other day advising me to put the upper hull half on prior to trimming the sub. He was right because the upper hull half also has weight. So, that was my next step. I had put some foam in the bow since the first sea trial, but it was not enough. I still have to add foam below the waterline for surface operations. I also have to add weight to the stern. I hadn´t done that yet hoping the upper hull half would make a difference in the stern. Nope!
Ok, Ok, Ok ... its really taking some time to get my trimming right. Well, I´ve been told that´s the secret. Take your time ... do it right ... and you might not have to go diving at a later time. My philosophy is ... there will be plenty of time later to drive the thing in the lake. But, for now, I´m gonna take my time. Besides, I kinda enjoy figuring out why foam goes here and why weight goes there. That way, I can feel comfortable answering questions from those wanting to know the answers.
	Too often I get in a hurry doing something, only to find out later (after having to redo it) that I should´ve thought about it longer. But, I know this and accept it for a fact.
And ... besides ... somebody browsing my web site just might learn something. I know that I am! After a total of about an hour checking everything out, it was time to just relax and enjoy how she looked in the pool. What a relief that was ... and especially after the first sea trial. I felt good ... real good! I still have some foam left over and that will go in the bow. I also have a friend who gave me some lead diver´s weight belt weights. I´ll use these for the stern until I get that right. Then, it will be time to trim the sub while submerged. I learned today while cruising the pool that the bow really sinks and the stern is light when submerging. It appears more foam will also be needed above the water line in the bow for submerged trim.

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