Mention the name of R & R Model Engineering to a model submariner and two items would instantly spring to mind...the SALCON and HMS Resolution.
The SALCON was designed to combat the problem of keeping a model submarine running at a level attitude, whether it be on the surface or submerged. Many modeller submariners at the time experimented by converting model helicopter gyros, but none were really successful, despite their best efforts.
R & R designed the SALCON (Submarine Automatic Level Control) and after a few prototypes were made, and several improvements made, the unit went on the market, and proved to be an instant success.
The SALCON, although a large item, solved the problem in one go...it transformed many boats from being almost uncontrollable into a boat which would sail at periscope depth for as long as the batteries lasted.
With the advent of smaller and smaller electronic units, and the increasing difficulty of buying the parts needed, the SALCON went out of production a few years ago, much to the disappointment of many submarine modellers. The new electronic auto levellers are tiny compared to the SALCON, and work as well, if not better, but many sub modellers have fond memories of it, myself included.
