Build Log: SSN-585 Skipjack Class

[X Bubble Head]

I have two similar hull classes in design, the 585 (Skipjack class) SSNs and 598 (George Washington class) SSBNs at the moment. The 598 class was an adaptation of the previous 585-class with enough similarities (bow and stern) to get the original (George Washington) in service quickly by adding a missile compartment for the Polaris missiles in development. Building the Skipjack class first will be the pathfinder for the George Washington class.

I'll post 3D renders and photos as the boat's design progresses, followed by 3D printing, (in resin) and final assembly.

 

[X Bubble Head]

The lower half of the hull is complete along with the topside details.

I decided to make two versions of the Skipjack; the as-built, five-bladed screw version, and the later version with new masts and antennas along with the BQR-15 / STASS towed array stowage tube and seven-bladed screw. Skipjack was retrofitted with the STASS in the 70's as a "clip-on" array, meaning a Mike boat had to come alongside the ship and attach the array to the tow cable (the junction box is on the starboard side of the sail) as the ship left port, then unload when they returned.

All that's left is to build the sail and two sets of masts and antennas, before recycling the bow and stern for a George Washington 598-class boomer.

 

[Roger Pellett]

These early S5W submarines were the real Hot Rods of the submarine fleet and IMHO the best looking.

Roger

 

[X Bubble Head]

Couldn't agree more Roger! No US sail parts the water like a 585 class.

 

[X Bubble Head]

The first proto hull is printed, and some changes made. Among other improvements, the towed array supports needed to be slightly larger with a wider end where they attach to the hull. (Note the small sag on the outboard supports.) Proto 2 is just about ready for printing once I wrap up the MSW (Main Seawater) and ASW (Aux Seawater) valves along with signal ejectors, and additional deck hatch detail topside.

In 1/144 scale, these aren't as noticeable, but when scaled up to 1/72, they really stand out. At this scale, it's approximately 21" in length

More to follow. . .

CC

 

[ERSRich]

Very interesting, looking forward to more, thanks for posting.

-Rich

 

[X Bubble Head]

Thank you for the kind words, Rich!

Just because I haven't been posting doesn't mean I haven't been spending a lot of time getting this model squared away!

Since posting the Proto 1 renders and photos, I've since re-designed the hull for better detail at this scale (1/144) and some new reference material I found for external hull valve placement. I should finish installing the valves I have locations for by tomorrow, and re-print the hull tomorrow night. I'll post some pictures of the V2 Hull when the parts are cured and presentable.