forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com

WW1 Armour, Artillery, Vehicles, Ships => WW1 Armour, Artillery, Vehicles, dioramas, associated figures and Ships => Topic started by: Steven Robson on February 08, 2016, 01:34:28 PM

Title: Atmospheric Diving Suits 1882, 1911, 1915
Post by: Steven Robson on February 08, 2016, 01:34:28 PM: Atmospheric Diving Suits

They've landed!

Thank you for being patient. This thread was formerly known as: Thing from Japan 1911. Following are some period photos of the diving suits and photos of the kits that just arrived from Walter in Japan. This is some of the most exciting resin in my collection and I'm happy to share the joy with my Forum Comrades. Please fell free to ask questions and or make comments. I'm happy to help. If you're seeking detailed information about the kits, I recommend that you contact Walter directly at Futuristic Robots in Japan (Walter's contact details are at the end of this post).

Chester E. MacDuffee

(http://i1333.photobucket.com/albums/w626/StevenRobson/Thing%20from%20Japan/0_20150212224603fa8_zpsn3mtwkkn.jpg) (http://s1333.photobucket.com/user/StevenRobson/media/Thing%20from%20Japan/0_20150212224603fa8_zpsn3mtwkkn.jpg.html)

Atmospheric Diving Suit 1911 New York.

(http://i1333.photobucket.com/albums/w626/StevenRobson/Thing%20from%20Japan/1914-macduffee-deep-sea-diving-suit-1_zpsqasnaeqb.jpg) (http://s1333.photobucket.com/user/StevenRobson/media/Thing%20from%20Japan/1914-macduffee-deep-sea-diving-suit-1_zpsqasnaeqb.jpg.html)

'MacDuffee's aluminium alloy diving suit was tested in 1915 in Long Island Sound. The cylindrical joints mounted on ball bearings allowed movement in one direction only. The joints are not likely watertight due to the fact that MacDuffee implemented a water pump in the leg section of the suit. The pump operated on compressed air supplied from the surface and used air from the pump then expanded into the suit for use by the diver.

MacDuffee's suit was fitted with a 12 section gripper mounted on the right arm and an electric light on the left arm. Macduffee's diving suit reached to a depth of 65 metres in 1915.'

Information courtesy of Futuristic Robots Japan: thanks Walter!

Scaphandre Atmospherique Marseille 1882

(http://i1333.photobucket.com/albums/w626/StevenRobson/Thing%20from%20Japan/d5_20150127173858fe4_zpssexdmikh.jpg) (http://s1333.photobucket.com/user/StevenRobson/media/Thing%20from%20Japan/d5_20150127173858fe4_zpssexdmikh.jpg.html)

'Displayed at the Muses national de la marine of Paris. Patent deposit 1882, manufactured in Marseille, weight 380kg (I'm making a guess its brass). In 1882 the Carmagnolle brothers Alphonse and Theodore developed this atmospheric diving suit which was way ahead of its time. The design of the joint system used on the knees and elbows of the suit are still in use on astronaut suits.'

(http://i1333.photobucket.com/albums/w626/StevenRobson/Thing%20from%20Japan/DSC_8016_zpsme5qm56r.jpg) (http://s1333.photobucket.com/user/StevenRobson/media/Thing%20from%20Japan/DSC_8016_zpsme5qm56r.jpg.html)

Harry L. Bowdoin 1918

(http://i1333.photobucket.com/albums/w626/StevenRobson/Thing%20from%20Japan/11898590_914171261975621_2237075739762158160_n_zpstiamli4x.jpg) (http://s1333.photobucket.com/user/StevenRobson/media/Thing%20from%20Japan/11898590_914171261975621_2237075739762158160_n_zpstiamli4x.jpg.html)

'Granted a patent for his submarine armour in 1915, Harry L. Bowdoin in 1918 presented his diving suit for testing by marine engineers and navel experts. Lowered to a depth of 400 feet (without occupant) off the Jersey coast, Bowdoin's suit passed the test. Bowdoin was then lowered to a depth of 200 feet where he then walked around on a sea ledge for 45 minutes.'

(http://i1333.photobucket.com/albums/w626/StevenRobson/Thing%20from%20Japan/deep-sea-ad-1932-3-x640_zps1hhgramv.jpg) (http://s1333.photobucket.com/user/StevenRobson/media/Thing%20from%20Japan/deep-sea-ad-1932-3-x640_zps1hhgramv.jpg.html)

OK, here are the kits from Japan
(http://i1333.photobucket.com/albums/w626/StevenRobson/Thing%20from%20Japan/11898590_914171261975621_2237075739762158160_n_zpstiamli4x.jpg[/img)

(http://i1333.photobucket.com/albums/w626/StevenRobson/Thing%20from%20Japan/DSC00032_zpsvoqumynm.jpg) (http://s1333.photobucket.com/user/StevenRobson/media/Thing%20from%20Japan/DSC00032_zpsvoqumynm.jpg.html)

Left to right:
Submarine Armor by Chester E. MacDuffee
Scaphandre Atmospherique by Carmagnelle brothers
Submarine Armor by Harry L. Bowdoin

(http://i1333.photobucket.com/albums/w626/StevenRobson/Thing%20from%20Japan/DSC00034_zpsrwlcfbj6.jpg) (http://s1333.photobucket.com/user/StevenRobson/media/Thing%20from%20Japan/DSC00034_zpsrwlcfbj6.jpg.html)

Here are some of my photos of the MacDuffee kit and ending with a couple of images of completed figures from Walter's website.

(http://i1333.photobucket.com/albums/w626/StevenRobson/Thing%20from%20Japan/DSC00036_zps2658bdzv.jpg) (http://s1333.photobucket.com/user/StevenRobson/media/Thing%20from%20Japan/DSC00036_zps2658bdzv.jpg.html)

(http://i1333.photobucket.com/albums/w626/StevenRobson/Thing%20from%20Japan/DSC00035_zpsqnxfh3nj.jpg) (http://s1333.photobucket.com/user/StevenRobson/media/Thing%20from%20Japan/DSC00035_zpsqnxfh3nj.jpg.html)

(http://i1333.photobucket.com/albums/w626/StevenRobson/Thing%20from%20Japan/DSC00038_zps2p53atw7.jpg) (http://s1333.photobucket.com/user/StevenRobson/media/Thing%20from%20Japan/DSC00038_zps2p53atw7.jpg.html)

This is close to flawless resin casting.

(http://i1333.photobucket.com/albums/w626/StevenRobson/Thing%20from%20Japan/DSC00041_zpssveshvvz.jpg) (http://s1333.photobucket.com/user/StevenRobson/media/Thing%20from%20Japan/DSC00041_zpssveshvvz.jpg.html)

(http://i1333.photobucket.com/albums/w626/StevenRobson/Thing%20from%20Japan/DSC00042_zpsa2ulyqfn.jpg) (http://s1333.photobucket.com/user/StevenRobson/media/Thing%20from%20Japan/DSC00042_zpsa2ulyqfn.jpg.html)

Like chocolate for modellers

(http://i1333.photobucket.com/albums/w626/StevenRobson/Thing%20from%20Japan/DSC00039_zpsb06wclei.jpg) (http://s1333.photobucket.com/user/StevenRobson/media/Thing%20from%20Japan/DSC00039_zpsb06wclei.jpg.html)

(http://i1333.photobucket.com/albums/w626/StevenRobson/Thing%20from%20Japan/disply_zpsdfm2hdoz.jpg) (http://s1333.photobucket.com/user/StevenRobson/media/Thing%20from%20Japan/disply_zpsdfm2hdoz.jpg.html)

I forgot to photograph the clear parts for the observation windows but you will get to see these in my build log.

(http://i1333.photobucket.com/albums/w626/StevenRobson/Thing%20from%20Japan/22-6_zps9q82zg4h.jpg) (http://s1333.photobucket.com/user/StevenRobson/media/Thing%20from%20Japan/22-6_zps9q82zg4h.jpg.html)

Best regards
Fat Otto

Howling at the moon with excitment

p.s.
Model by David Richardson
Illustrations by Stan
All the rest by Walter

You can find Walter at mail: [email protected]

or search

Futuristic Robots on Facebook
Title: Re: Atmospheric Diving Suits 1882, 1911, 1915
Post by: Des on February 08, 2016, 06:06:03 PM: You certainly have a knack of finding the weird and unusual Steven, I have never seen these diving suits before.

Des.
Title: Re: Atmospheric Diving Suits 1882, 1911, 1915
Post by: bobs_buckles on February 08, 2016, 07:33:48 PM: Hi Otto,
Is shipping in with the price or does that get added during payment?

Cheers,
Metal Mickey ;)
Title: Re: Atmospheric Diving Suits 1882, 1911, 1915
Post by: Steven Robson on February 08, 2016, 08:02:53 PM: Quote from: bobs_buckles on February 08, 2016, 07:33:48 PM
Hi Otto,
Is shipping in with the price or does that get added during payment?

Cheers,
Metal Mickey ;)

Hi Metal Mickey

I got free shipping from Walter at Futuristic Robots. The vintage diving suits cost me USD$75.00 each and the shipping was free. This is a most beautiful product; the casting is near flawless and the compound curves on the diving helmets just bring tears to my eyes.

This little fatso has got 4 weeks leave pending, so I'm determined to build the MacDuffee suit and finish my ugly-lovely Garford-Putilov truck.

Hey Des ;D

I just don't know how this happens. There I am, procrastinating about a model build, again, I'm home alone, unsupervised and have a nice little glass of McLaren Vale red in my hands and..

stuff just happens. :)

I'm glad you like the vintage diving suits, they are most unusual. At about 15cm when built, with the little PE plates on a stand, I reckon these figures will make an excellent display.

Cheers
Steven
Title: Re: Atmospheric Diving Suits 1882, 1911, 1915
Post by: boggie on February 08, 2016, 08:44:07 PM: Very interesting acquisition Steven.
They aint too pretty but I reckon a real conversation piece when built to your usual excellent standard. Sort of remind me of Astro Boy's ancestors on steroids, if they had rocket feet ;D
Oops, dating myself a bit there. :o
Pleased to read you do some of your best thinking with a glass of good red in hand!
McLaren Vale build some good stuff!
I've just cracked a bottle of Annie's Lane Cab Merlot. (for medicinal purposes of course, hic :P )
A good Barossa product and better than your average quaffer.
I look forward to your next update and happy imbibing. :)
Title: Re: Atmospheric Diving Suits 1882, 1911, 1915
Post by: Edo on February 08, 2016, 11:19:49 PM: Those suits are simply great!
I can't wait to see the build log, and above all, I am curiuos about the painting...
ciao
Edo
Title: Re: Atmospheric Diving Suits 1882, 1911, 1915
Post by: uncletony on February 09, 2016, 12:17:09 AM: Very cool!
Title: Re: Atmospheric Diving Suits 1882, 1911, 1915
Post by: Old Man on February 09, 2016, 09:55:11 AM: Those are weird and wonderful, Sir.

Looking forward to what you make of them.
Title: Re: Atmospheric Diving Suits 1882, 1911, 1915
Post by: Edo on February 09, 2016, 06:18:06 PM: what scale are they? 1:16?
Title: Re: Atmospheric Diving Suits 1882, 1911, 1915
Post by: Steven Robson on February 09, 2016, 08:31:00 PM: Quote from: Edo on February 09, 2016, 06:18:06 PM
what scale are they? 1:16?

Good question Edo

I don't know but I'll find out.

Steven
Title: Re: Atmospheric Diving Suits 1882, 1911, 1915
Post by: Paperquest on February 09, 2016, 11:18:54 PM: I thought I saw 1/20 on the Facebook page. But I could have dreamed that.

Steven, you find the coolest stuff. Now to talk myself into spending 75.00 for a small figure, a very cool figure, but still 75.00.

Mack
Title: Re: Atmospheric Diving Suits 1882, 1911, 1915
Post by: Steven Robson on February 10, 2016, 05:54:09 AM: Quote from: Paperquest on February 09, 2016, 11:18:54 PM
I thought I saw 1/20 on the Facebook page. But I could have dreamed that.

Steven, you find the coolest stuff. Now to talk myself into spending 75.00 for a small figure, a very cool figure, but still 75.00.

Mack

Hi Mack

They're quite large figures, I'll post when I get the info from Walter. I reckon you've got to get your models while the getting is good. This is small run, top quality, resin so I think it's a case of you get what you pay for.

I'll get a lot of pleasure building these kits.

Cheers
Steven

p.s. I also enjoy taking the photos of my WIP, so weathering these diving suits will be a real challenge for me. I can see a steep learning curve coming on with my camera.
Title: Re: Atmospheric Diving Suits 1882, 1911, 1915
Post by: coyotemagic on February 10, 2016, 06:08:59 AM: Wow! These are very cool, Steven! I'm sorely tempted. But, with over 300 unbuilt WWI aircraft kits in my ever growing stash, I don't think SWMBO will look kindly on my adding another genre. Hmmm. I'll have to appeal to her artistic side and allow the enthusiasm to build slowly.

Cheers,
Bud
Title: Re: Atmospheric Diving Suits 1882, 1911, 1915
Post by: Steven Robson on February 10, 2016, 08:48:18 PM: Quote from: coyotemagic on February 10, 2016, 06:08:59 AM
'... with over 300 unbuilt WWI aircraft kits in my ever growing stash, I don't think SWMBO will look kindly on my adding another genre.'

Bud

OMG Bud, n=300 kits! That's likely more kits than you've got years left on the planet. I reckon it's time for some selective building. As for SWMBO, that's easy, just don't tell her. :)

I've also reached saturation point but no where near 300 kits. I think I should come over and help you out by lightening your load. :)

Steven
Title: Re: Atmospheric Diving Suits 1882, 1911, 1915
Post by: Pgtaylorart on February 10, 2016, 08:53:39 PM: Quote from: Steven Robson on February 10, 2016, 08:48:18 PM

As for SWMBO, that's easy, just don't tell her. :)

Steven

Do these little diver kits with nipples come in unmarked brown paper boxes? :o 8)

George
Title: Re: Atmospheric Diving Suits 1882, 1911, 1915
Post by: Steven Robson on February 10, 2016, 09:12:35 PM: Quote from: Pgtaylorart on February 10, 2016, 08:53:39 PM
Quote from: Steven Robson on February 10, 2016, 08:48:18 PM

As for SWMBO, that's easy, just don't tell her. :)

Steven

Do these little diver kits with nipples come in unmarked brown paper boxes? :o 8)

George

Hey George!

You must be going to the same hobby shop as the great Waldo. ;D
Title: Re: Atmospheric Diving Suits 1882, 1911, 1915
Post by: Steven Robson on February 26, 2016, 02:20:54 PM: WIP, very excited about this one coming together. I had a chat with Walter last night from Futuristic Robots after he just announced another atmospheric diving suit in development!

(http://i1333.photobucket.com/albums/w626/StevenRobson/Thing%20from%20Japan/DSC00044_zpsuffvork8.jpg) (http://s1333.photobucket.com/user/StevenRobson/media/Thing%20from%20Japan/DSC00044_zpsuffvork8.jpg.html)

Cast Aluminium Alloy for the Chester Macduffee atmospheric diving suit

(http://i1333.photobucket.com/albums/w626/StevenRobson/Thing%20from%20Japan/DSC00047_zpskowecg9q.jpg) (http://s1333.photobucket.com/user/StevenRobson/media/Thing%20from%20Japan/DSC00047_zpskowecg9q.jpg.html)

Have been burnishing my nipples (OMG! just don't show them the photos Otto)

(http://i1333.photobucket.com/albums/w626/StevenRobson/Thing%20from%20Japan/DSC00050_zpshlkdebxo.jpg) (http://s1333.photobucket.com/user/StevenRobson/media/Thing%20from%20Japan/DSC00050_zpshlkdebxo.jpg.html)

Gentlemen choose your weapons

(http://i1333.photobucket.com/albums/w626/StevenRobson/Thing%20from%20Japan/DSC00051_zpsv3lomlfg.jpg) (http://s1333.photobucket.com/user/StevenRobson/media/Thing%20from%20Japan/DSC00051_zpsv3lomlfg.jpg.html)

Chester, Chester! has anyone seen Chester!

Chesterrrrrrrrrrrrr your dinnerrrrrrrrr is on the table

Chester, come inside right now! it's time for your bath

I reckon he needs just a little more red wine, some weathering a couple of little windows and a giant WW1 lady octopus girlfriend.

Paint is Mr Metal Color No: 218 enamel Aluminium, made in Japan. I burnished the painted surface with a brush and then protected it with hand painted floor polish.
Title: Re: Atmospheric Diving Suits 1882, 1911, 1915
Post by: bobs_buckles on February 26, 2016, 05:23:32 PM: Cracking build, SteveO ;)
Which radio stations can you pick up on it? lol

Nippy Von Nip ;D
Title: Re: Atmospheric Diving Suits 1882, 1911, 1915
Post by: Des on February 26, 2016, 05:36:02 PM: Very nicely done Steven, I know for sure that I would feel very claustrophobic inside one of those suits.

Des.
Title: Re: Atmospheric Diving Suits 1882, 1911, 1915
Post by: Edo on February 26, 2016, 06:37:29 PM: Very cool indeed!
do you plan to make a diorama out of it?
ciao
eDo
Title: Re: Atmospheric Diving Suits 1882, 1911, 1915
Post by: Pgtaylorart on February 26, 2016, 07:56:00 PM: Getting into some heavy metal now, Otto? Looks like some pretty convincing metal to me!

George
Title: Re: Atmospheric Diving Suits 1882, 1911, 1915
Post by: uncletony on February 27, 2016, 12:07:34 AM: Needs a unicorn.
Title: Re: Atmospheric Diving Suits 1882, 1911, 1915
Post by: coyotemagic on February 27, 2016, 01:26:40 AM: Quote from: Pgtaylorart on February 26, 2016, 07:56:00 PM
Getting into some heavy metal now, Otto? Looks like some pretty convincing metal to me!

George
Very convincing, indeed!
Cheers,
Bud
Title: Re: Atmospheric Diving Suits 1882, 1911, 1915
Post by: Paperquest on February 27, 2016, 01:41:39 AM: Take a small picture of your face and put it in the eye holes before you put the "glass" on.
Title: Re: Atmospheric Diving Suits 1882, 1911, 1915
Post by: Steven Robson on March 02, 2016, 02:13:40 PM: Fatso's adding photos of the finished thing

(http://i1333.photobucket.com/albums/w626/StevenRobson/Thing%20from%20Japan/DSC01_zpsvtjxzbom.jpg) (http://s1333.photobucket.com/user/StevenRobson/media/Thing%20from%20Japan/DSC01_zpsvtjxzbom.jpg.html)

The little brass plaque is a lovely addition in this kit.

(http://i1333.photobucket.com/albums/w626/StevenRobson/Thing%20from%20Japan/DSC02_zpsnyusjmrc.jpg) (http://s1333.photobucket.com/user/StevenRobson/media/Thing%20from%20Japan/DSC02_zpsnyusjmrc.jpg.html)

I guess Macduffee finally found that little lady octopus girlfriend :)

(http://i1333.photobucket.com/albums/w626/StevenRobson/Thing%20from%20Japan/DSC03_zpsyfiyi62x.jpg) (http://s1333.photobucket.com/user/StevenRobson/media/Thing%20from%20Japan/DSC03_zpsyfiyi62x.jpg.html)

Base is made from Australian Red Gum

(http://i1333.photobucket.com/albums/w626/StevenRobson/Thing%20from%20Japan/DSC04_zpseaxrdcpr.jpg) (http://s1333.photobucket.com/user/StevenRobson/media/Thing%20from%20Japan/DSC04_zpseaxrdcpr.jpg.html)

Figure stands at 16cm not counting base.
Base: 9 x 4.5 x 6cm
Total height = 20.5cm
Title: Re: Atmospheric Diving Suits 1882, 1911, 1915
Post by: Steven Robson on March 02, 2016, 02:20:00 PM: But wait, there's more...

(http://i1333.photobucket.com/albums/w626/StevenRobson/Thing%20from%20Japan/DSC05_zpsrilortfa.jpg) (http://s1333.photobucket.com/user/StevenRobson/media/Thing%20from%20Japan/DSC05_zpsrilortfa.jpg.html)

(http://i1333.photobucket.com/albums/w626/StevenRobson/Thing%20from%20Japan/DSC06_zpsjbuz80ol.jpg) (http://s1333.photobucket.com/user/StevenRobson/media/Thing%20from%20Japan/DSC06_zpsjbuz80ol.jpg.html)

Does my bum look big in this?

(http://i1333.photobucket.com/albums/w626/StevenRobson/Thing%20from%20Japan/DSC07_zpsudwnchcn.jpg) (http://s1333.photobucket.com/user/StevenRobson/media/Thing%20from%20Japan/DSC07_zpsudwnchcn.jpg.html)

(http://i1333.photobucket.com/albums/w626/StevenRobson/Thing%20from%20Japan/DSC08_zpscp5yuscl.jpg) (http://s1333.photobucket.com/user/StevenRobson/media/Thing%20from%20Japan/DSC08_zpscp5yuscl.jpg.html)

(http://i1333.photobucket.com/albums/w626/StevenRobson/Thing%20from%20Japan/DSC09_zpssprcoc0l.jpg) (http://s1333.photobucket.com/user/StevenRobson/media/Thing%20from%20Japan/DSC09_zpssprcoc0l.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Atmospheric Diving Suits 1882, 1911, 1915
Post by: boggie on March 02, 2016, 03:38:46 PM: That is very nice work Fatso. ;D

It does kinda look female though. The lower face visor looks like an open mouth, nagging for the use of, and it is a bit 19th century girdle like in the waist area, and the protuberances in the middle area speak for themselves. ::)
And if that item on the back of the neck is an "on/off" switch, what a bonus!
I reckon she could make Robby the Robot a happy android. ;D

Great build and very smartly presented. The old bit of gumtree really is a nice addition too.

Congrats. Build us anothery please! :)
Title: Re: Atmospheric Diving Suits 1882, 1911, 1915
Post by: Des on March 02, 2016, 03:48:42 PM: Very nicely done Steven, an unusual subject but presented superbly.

Des.
Title: Re: Atmospheric Diving Suits 1882, 1911, 1915
Post by: Dave in Dubai on March 02, 2016, 04:03:04 PM: Fantastic work Steven,

It looks just like it is made from real steel.

I love the red-gum base with the antique brass plate too.

Cannot wait to see what you build next.

Best wishes,

Dave :)
Title: Re: Atmospheric Diving Suits 1882, 1911, 1915
Post by: jknaus on March 02, 2016, 10:46:35 PM: Awesome. The metal work is very nicely done and th base is perfect for it. Really very nice.
James
Title: Re: Atmospheric Diving Suits 1882, 1911, 1915
Post by: bobs_buckles on March 03, 2016, 12:21:52 AM: Nice subtle burnishing, Fatty!
I love the subject - well done! ;D

Von RustyIronclad
Title: Re: Atmospheric Diving Suits 1882, 1911, 1915
Post by: Pgtaylorart on March 03, 2016, 03:21:15 AM: What can I say? Otto's done it again! She's a beauty! I love the gum base too. Next!! :D

George
Title: Re: Atmospheric Diving Suits 1882, 1911, 1915
Post by: Paperquest on March 03, 2016, 03:32:47 AM: Excellent job, Steven. You are the master Atmospheric Diving Suit builder in the whole group!

Mack
Title: Re: Atmospheric Diving Suits 1882, 1911, 1915
Post by: Steven Robson on March 03, 2016, 08:12:17 AM: :)

Thanks for all the comments and for enjoying the little Chester Macduffee diving suit. This was great fun to build and Chester is now a most welcome addition to my finished models collection.

Next build is to continue with the Garford-Putilov armoured car.

Tally Ho!
Fat Otto