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SC-651 Sub-Chaser 1:1

SC-651 is a 110 ft 497 class sub-chaser built by Westergard Boat Works in Biloxi MS. She was laid down November 4th 1941, and launched on the 14th of May 1942. She would go on to serve through the thick of World War Two, until being sold to France in late 1944 where she would continue to serve until an unknown date, the ship's hull becoming lost to time alongside the majority of the splinter fleet, either rotted away, or sunk. Only two known floating examples of these 497 class sub chasers are still afloat, one being the well known HNoMS Hitra restored to her Sub-Chaser format, and a ship now known as Air Snipe formerly SC-1068 now resides as a private leisure boat/yacht.

497 class sub chasers came in a variety of formats and configurations, the armaments and power plants being the two main differences between every manufacturer. 651 packs two sturdy GM 8-268A marine diesel engines, combining to 880 horsepower and can clip at a speed of 22-24 kts. Her armament differs from most ships in her class. The most well known armament for the 497 class was 1x 40mm Cannon, 3x 20mm Cannons, two K guns, and 2x ASW 7.2” hedgehog racks, however, earlier boats, such as 651 never had the K guns fully installed, and instead sported a pair of depth charge racks, two 50 Cal machine guns, one 40mm bofors cannon, and one 20mm cannon. Combine this armaments with the most modern sonars the 40s had to offer, and you have one deadly and reliable sub-chaser despite its wooden hull.

Highlight Features:
-1:1 Design and correct interior layout
-MULTIPLAYER FRIENDLY (No phys warnings)
-Highly accurate sonar system
-Mid range radar system
-Encrypted Radio set
-Red lighting for bridge and CIC
-Ample damage control systems and supplies
-40mm Bofors Cannon
-20mm Cannon
-2x M2 Browning MGs
-6x Side mount Mk6 Depth charges
-8x Racked Mk6 Depth charges

General information:

!THE MANUAL CAN BE FOUND AT THE END OF THE PHOTOS!

This 497 class is 1:1 scale using original documentation and photos to get it as close as possible to its original counterpart, it required multiple weeks of research and analysis to build. Once one is proficient with its system it can be highly effective in both patrol and ASW (Anti-Submarine Warfare). It is recommended to use a crew of 2-3, however can still be effective with one person and practice. As you use the boat you will learn of other minor systems and capabilities that are born out of real-life necessity and shipboard operation.

Quickstart Guide:

The boat is relatively easy to operate, and contains redundant systems as highlighted in the manual. To start the boat, ensure the port/stbd and main breakers are on (the ship spawns with them on). Use the buttons right of the helm to turn the engines on. Pressing W will both engage the clutches and increase throttle just like operating the real life ship. To reverse, pull throttle down to 0, then you may engage one, or both reverse switches, next, increase throttle to either neutral steer or reverse if both reverse switches are flipped.

Radar. Ensure the radar main breaker is on in the diesel/electric room as well as the master units breaker. The radar can be tricky, you need to be quick with locking your target with the button or you may not lock onto said target. The radar will take practice but will give you accurate target information up to 12.5 miles away.

Active sonar. The active sonar may look complex, however its operation is simple. Make sure Its breaker is on in the Diesel/Electric room as well as on the master unit and slave unit. Select your desired range using the button under the screen, you cannot be pinging while changing range. Once you have found a target, move the crosshairs over it by using the right button panel, and lock on with the same panel set. Next turn on your target data transfer to receive an active update of the targets data with each ping. (The less range on the sonar the more pings and faster target update data).

Passive sonar. Make sure the corresponding Sonar breaker is on in the Diesel/Electrical room, then you will be able to flip the active sonar breaker on the unit itself and turn the display on. This sonar uses a line for its target. The line will show the target’s location relative to the bow of the ship, a centered line indicates the target is dead off your bow.

The depth charges are simple. To arm them, set the desired depth with the buttons on top, your depth is displayed next to them. To launch them turn the corresponding rack key, or key and button. A depth of 0 means the charge is on safe and will not detonate.

All Guns/Cannons on the ship must be unlocked using the 1 key on their handle, then they are mouse aimed.

Keep in mind the ship's bearing is located on the gyro compass to the right and behind the helm, the Nav breaker must be on in the Diesel/Electrical room to use it.

The Sonar systems tend to draw a lot of power, and constant use of them will drain the battery. Make sure to manage your power or you will drain the ship's battery.

Damage control supplies are located around the ship, and the bilge pump is in the aft of the engine room.

For further explanation of all systems, visit the manual at the end of the photos.

Final Remarks:
Thank you to everyone who helped to build this boat and to those who’s systems I used while creating it!

-Blake for helping research and build the ship alongside me
-Flakhappy, Fire Suppression System, Bilge System, Encrypted Radio stack
-Vman htown for creating the period correct passive sonar system
-Pufferfish, Active Sonar System
-MaxFelicMC, Radar Noise
-Palkia, Radar

Finally, I hope everyone enjoys this Sub-Chaser, it took a lot of research and testing, I tend to think its relatively user friendly despite the rather large description and manual, but if you have questions on it, I encourage you to ask and ill help you out with anything to ensure you have a positive experience. Despite all the testing, issues will still arise, if you find any, please let me know so I can correct them! And most importantly, have fun! Now go send some subs to the sea floor!

-Gabe