Planning a Steampunk-style submarine of my own design.

[pwbinde]

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?

 

[xanthar]

I'd suggest brass or bronze instead of copper but, it's looking very interesting.

 

[pwbinde]

I'd suggest brass or bronze instead of copper but, it's looking very interesting.

Thank you.

 

[xanthar]

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 : )

 

[RolandR]

I like the design although for steampunk it lacks the ridiculous oversized windows.

 

[Norgale]

I love steampunk. It's always interesting. Won't you need some steam pipes running out and then back in the hull? How about a swimming pool on deck? Maybe a paddle wheel on the stern with pipes running all over for it? I'm gettin' carried away here. Norgale

 

[Bob Cleek]

If you are wanting the steampunk look, you might take a look at this for some inspiration, if not an excellent example to replicate at about 1:48 scale.

 

[iutar]

Please add more of the large, simple-bladed propellers typical of steampunk.

 

[iutar]

Chimneys should have funny crown-shaped flares at the top.

Make a lot of levers, connecting rods, and gears sticking out from the outside.