1/150 Academy Type IXB U-Boat RC conversion

Click here to watch Academy IXB video.

This is a motorized(single-propeller) U-Boat kit from Academy. The original type IXB U-Boat used two propellers. To make it look more authentic, the kit was modified to accomodate two counter-rotating propellers and shafts. A WPCPU twin drive unit was used as the propulsion source for this model.

Like other examples, RC converting a static display plastic model typically involves the following steps:(The technical CD ROM have lots more info and detail. Submarine FAQ page also have some explanations about the conversion examples here.)

1. Fabricating and installing functional rudders, stabilizer, propeller shaft... 3 Hull sections were glued together to form the lower hull half. Then some bulkheads and plastic are cut and removed, so a WPCPU can be fitted inside the hull.

2. Fitting the DD-WPCPU into the sub. The twin motor drive unit was used to drive the counter-rotating propellers.

3. Ballasting and testing the sub. Type IXB U-Boat in pool