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Planning a Steampunk-style submarine of my own design.

Joined
Jul 8, 2024
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Well, I've decided to tackle a simpler build than last year's project. I still have plans for the "Maiden Voyage" tall ship, but I feel a fanciful take on an 1800s submarine would be best to build confidence.
The image is from a 3" long miniature I designed. At this moment, the vessel is about 2' long and 3" around with a 6" overall height. Scale is undetermined.
I see now reason to have it so large and might make the hull 2.5" instead of 3".

The boat is designed for nearly full submersion. The black areas are for wrought iron items. The middle tone gray is also metal, but I might replace with copper?
The golden/yellow is for light color wood planking. The dark brown is for hatchway trim and the blue is for glass (a fanciful steampunk aesthetic).
I should be able to start work this weekend.
Not sure I like the ballast tanks? What would you add or change about the boat?

Screenshot 2025-12-26 133022.jpg
 
You could make it even more visually interesting by "sheathing" the wood on the lower half with copper, though.
I can't wait to see how this comes out : )
 
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