Picked this up at our first scale meet of the season early April, too much going on at the moment, but eventually managed to start this evening. The kit is over 20yrs old, was started and then put on "hold" by the previous owner. Hull is already assembled as was the observation chamber which was situated at the bow. As this "lends " itself to being lit internally, I have removed the brass observation windows plus the one on the bow and then attached some clear acetate on the back of them to make this forward area watertight. The observation chamber now glued in place, spraying to be carried out once this is dry and the "windows " can then be reinstated. Going to be a long job but looking forward to the build.

Finally managed to get a start on the Calypso, glass and portholes installed in the forward observation chamber and the submersible is made. Had to order two propellers from Cornwall model boat supplies, as the original ones were missing. Next to order the motors so that they can be installed along with the rest of the running gear, then to ballast etc. Bit of a 'mare sorting out so many small pieces as the blister packs not labeled and the accompanying photos of parts in the instructions is not the greatest; shouldn't grumble as this kit is over 20 years old and not in a rush 😀

Forgot the photos 📸, oops 😬

Managed to cut out the main body in 2 halves plus the floats. The body shell is pretty basic and no interior as such, so I'll be getting my thinking cap on to see what I can make.

380 motor x 2 arrived this afternoon, prop shafts and rudders installed 😀.
Sometimes it feels like an old mfi cupboard to build, instructions are not the greatest, almost like you look at the illustrations and then make your own mind up as to which part is the correct one🤣. Going to be a long build with work commitments etc, hey ho 😀

Managed to place rudder servo in position this evening, now waiting for glue to dry before finishing off. It's going to be a long build 😊

Slowly but surely, we're getting there. Bought some lights for the grand sum of £1.00 and thought I'd see what the forward underwater observation chamber looked like lit up. Happy with the initial result. Question is - can these be wired up to run from the rx/txt and if so how? Always seem to struggle with the electronics, then again I enjoy learning 😉 😀. If not, I'll keep them as they are and the batteries can act as additional ballast 😁

Now the universal joints have arrived, I can start to finish of the internals so to speak . 2 x 380 brushed motor installed and all working. Tried to cut out the vibration noise generated by the prop shafts where they go through the plastic hull, a lot quieter than originally now acceptable but unable to eliminate it anymore..
Then it all went pear shaped so to speak.initially it seemed a good idea to locate the batteries forward so as to help with ballast - then realised that with the deck on I wouldn't get full access. Plan B, move towards the stern, finally plan C; place batteries in front of the motor's. Success 😁. Had a little time this evening whilst my wife was on a group chat, rookie school boy error - rudders not working properly, finally realised I need to offset the servo and it will work. It's been a long day, starting at 4am and now tired, need sleep before 4am comes around again . Once I have got everything in place properly I can update the details. Night night 🌃

Spent the morning taking my wife to a hospital appointment and having taken the day off managed to make a bit more progress. Batteries now moved forward, rudder servo has been relocated / initial blonde 👱‍♀️ 😳 moment rectified (probably not the last) and hey presto - it works 😆. No leaks, always a bonus, still a bit noisy but hopefully this will quieten down when more superstructure is added. Strengthening bearers have been added to the lower deck as it's a bit bendy- most likely due to the age of the model 😳.

Started to lay the deck down this morning before going to work. Doogle, bless his little paws 🐾 is getting on a bit now (14 yrs) and generally my day "starts" around 4.30am with him needing to go out in the garden. Sometimes if I'm especially blessed it's even earlier. So I decided to try and get some more done whilst the good lady was still asleep 😴 💤. Finished laying the deck this evening, when dry, I can sand lightly and tidy up the edges. Maybe that's tomorrow's early session. Night night everyone, sweet dreams 😴