Paddleducks
Paddler Modelling => Construction => Topic started by: thewharfonline on August 14, 2005, 04:42:02 PM
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Hey guys! Today i went out and bought myself a set of balsa wood to begin construction on the hull! I've decided that I'll make the hull not to a plan and infact try and make the model the sme way. Just using the reference photos that I have (which follow this message) as a guide!
I don't need the model to be exact and thats why these will be fine to work from!
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Hello all, recently I have started to acquire, from second-hand shops, copies of Model Shipwright. this is the quarterly journal for all lovers of minituarisation of ships either static or working models. In one of the six copies which I received yesterday was an article in No.14 on the Murray River System. Included within this are a few reference photos (B&W) and a diagramatic map of the navigable area. The PS's referred to are Tolarno 1879 at Goolway, The Tyro of 1872 and the wool barge Union. ALl of these have basic lines plans which could enable a stand-off scale model to be built. All in all a very interesting article from 1979. At present my home scanner is not operable but I could if anyone wants a copy try to do it at work.
cheers
Jim
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I would like a copy, althoguh I do have plans for the industry which again has basically the same lines
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I have begun work on the hull. It's not to scale or the exact lines etc but it's how I want it done and its the easiest for me to do witht he materials I have! I will try to work out a rough scale for the cabins etc
Bd news- I cut my finger tody while I was cutting wood off the hull so its wrapped up in a band aid...ah life is cruel.
So a description of how my hull is forming!
imagine two boogey boards on top of each other, in between the two running down the centre is two large rods that boost the boards away from each other and gives the hull height. There will then also be little supporting posts like table legs elswhere in the hull. Then to fill the gaps really bendy balsa will be tacked onto the sides...and tadaa a hull!
Hopefully...pictures when I take them so they're coming soon1
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That's kind of how I'd do it (it's pretty much how the 'newspaper hull' is started)...
...come to think of it, that's not unlike how the 'Tipstaff' is made...
So how long is it going to be??
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How long (hull only, no sponson decks etc)
Roughly 46cm in length and 15 cm in width and I'm estimating the height to be 6.5cm!
Hope thats some form of detail on my box hull! My finger hurts :cry: oh well I'l, gues I'll get over it and start using some proper tools from now on! (However nice the curved cut was with the knife I'll try a small saw next as the balsa I'm chopping is 0.5cm thick, so yeh its tough to cut through but nice and sturdy fo r my hull decking!
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Last night I finished cutting out all my pieces for my model. (well the hull at least!) I also made the sponson decks so now my hull is ready to start to put together in the holidays! Maybe I can even finish the superstructure and have it in a paddler state for the holidays! I have photos too but they’re not on my computer yet so when I get em I post em!
:vacat Ahhhhhhhhh holidays can't wait! (And then work experience!)
(Almost three weeks to go!)
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Hi,
Just curious as to how long your holidays are, my two teenagers just started back to school this week after being off from june 17.
Regards,
Gerald
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Only two weeks but that’s because they are only a term break :( but I will get an extra week off because of my work experience.
Our large holidays (summer holidays) are in December when it is summer, currently it has just turned to spring. SO my holidays start in a week and then there are two weeks of holidays…that’s all!
I went out to a model store last night to look for accessories for my A.A there was nothing though :cry:
All pieces are now finished and sanded now completely ready for construction in the holidays! :vacat
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Well folks a hard days work has produced this an almost complete hull!
And I've started work on the sponson decks and paddle boxes!
heres some photos for you!
What do you think? Please post your opinions!
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I had to change the paddle box design, I swapped from the thin piece of balsa wood to the thicker piece of balsa wood which may mean i Have some issues with the sponson decks but I shouldn't really. the boxees are more stable now and easier to stick onto stuff bcuse of the thickness.
The model won't have working wheels instead it will have half wheels stuck onto the bottom of the sponson deck to look like they are full ones!
I hope I have eough wood to finish the project..but if I don't another set is only $4
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Phots now uploaded of the article, from Model Shipwright No. 14, on the Murray River system. i do hope it is of use to you. I tried various ways to send them by the mail systems but for some reason the file when sen was always blank!
cheers
Jim
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Today I spent pasting down and nailing down the sponson decks and creating the back box room on the deck as well as reworking the paddle boxes, I would have photos but uploading them onto my computer takes a bit so you'll get em when I get em!
Good thing: I will be able to move onto the upper deck soon!
bad thing: Still have to make the front curved part of the hull!
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I'm off sick today so they'll be some more progress on my model! I might begin work on the top deck now!
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Hey someone (I think joe) posted somehwere about a vinegar bath which makes the wood really bendy...can someone give me this info again coz I lost it!
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If you cut the pieces so the 'grain' of the balsa goes top to bottom it'll probably be OK (that's what it says in the article on building the Tipstaff, hold it on with pins until the glue dries) When I made the Freshwater hull I just nailed it in place with a staple gun, removing the staples when the glue was dry - but that was using 1.6mm ply for the skin and 10mm ply for the framework so balsa probably wouldn't take such rough treatment!
I haven't heard of using vinegar to soften balsa but soaking in water works for ply... I had to do that to make the curved bulwark around the stern.
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Top to bottom...you're kidding, I have to cut it side to side otherwise I don't have pieces long enough!
Heres some more photos for you guys on the progress!
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Just a quick little update before Mum steals the computer off me! I uses a mixture of vinegar and water and soaked the pieces for about an hour SHABANG and hour later the pieces bent like a charm! Even the larger piece which I used for the back worked brilliantly!
I also finished the superstructure for the top deck which means it got it's roof added and now I think in the pieces that it is in I will begin to paint it and add details such as doors etc!
Total cost so far: $17 (aus) not counting glue!
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Well, I must remember that vinegar/water trick! it's coming along nicely :)
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Well all I have to do now is start adding the small details like doors, windows steps the fake boiler and fake wheels and then it's ready for some painting!
I have to go our though and get the colours I need otherwise it will look nothing like the boat!
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Well I tried out some paint last night on the top deck housing...but I'm not too sure if I liek teh results...not to mention I had to blend like four paints to achieve the colour...but my idea would then be to go out and get a sample sized pot of paint in a close to colour from the hardware store.
I found a nice and dandy box eith a curved lid which I unscrewed to make my boiler and I'm getting custom make wheels shipped out to me! (Thanks Mick!) and then lots of paintwork later a nice boat ready for display...or with the current large sums being paid on Ebay maybe I should sell it!
This will be one of my lasts posts now for the next week as I am going off to Echuca for my work experience and the Heritage Festival. I hope everyone on here has a good week with lots of paddler model progression. I'll make sure when I get back I keep you updated with all the news and photos possible!
Until Then Happy Modelling and Paddling
Sean
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Hey guys, well I'm back from my most excellent work experience week. To see more details check out the "Chat and Off Topic section" where I will post shortly.
I got the wheels for the boat in the mail, Thanks to Mick for all the work he did for them, they look great and there will be something in the mail shortly.
Secondly I have decided to paint the A.A in original colours (Red with white trimmings) as the colours will be easier to get and they are the originals!
Hope to be paddling with you guys again soon....just let me catch up!
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I'm glad to hear they arrived OK :D
The whole 'work experience' thing sounds like fun - better than mine (unloading trucks in the warehouse of Toys 'R' Us and stacking the boxes)
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Yeh my work experience was sooooo good. I've decided to become a steam engineer when I 'grow up' so I guess that will beat all of you boys and your little steam engines. And anyone who hs issues with the type of engines we use I say "Na Na Nee Na Na" because they do the job needed, they're bloody brilliant and considering the size of the boats they take up about (at least) 60% of the lower deck.
Pevensey has a 20hp engine...can go up to 16 knots...if you go on a cruise on her shes basically just idaling
Adelaide has a 30-36 hp engine
Alexander Arbuthnot has a 4hp engine (yeh I know pretty pathetic!)
Ranger- 14 hp not bad...didn't get to cruise but was on board (Thanks Adam!)
Emmylou-16hp
Other notes...the A.A is very small...not enough room to swing a three foot log of redgum! Adelaide is HUGE in the stoking department and has an Aussie made boiler and engine...Pevensey really nice!
Oh and I can't wait to put together my wheels...but there's a bit going on at the moment...a garage sale! But all funds raised by this (of my products) shall go towrds buying a hull for my lake paddler (a real one!)
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Ok so I haven't updated for awhile but i'm on holidays now so I have some time to upload photos!
The A.A whats going on with her...well shes got some paint on her now and I've constructed the wheels Mick sent me and have started putting some paint onto them!
Below are the latest pictures of the model!
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Hopefully you should get your thing in the mail too Mick! I've sent it now...give me a sign when you do recieve it! :gift
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I'll look forward to its arrival, thanks very much :D
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Package was awaiting me when I got home from work tonight :D :D :D
I've had a quick look and will read the book (about the PS Adelaide, everyone) fully at the weekend, thank you so much, it's just the thing I would have bought if I'd ever seen it in a shop :D
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I'm glad that arrived well! Hope you enjoyed the book! I sure did...i bought it at the same time as yours!
Thanks again for the paddle wheels!
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I had to get the A.A 'ship shape' for my speech to the kids so I quickloy painted her up!
No part is stuck together yet...just all painted! (I haven't had the time to stick her all together and finish painting to my liking yet, but having the kit in pieces assisted in identifying the parts of a paddler for my speech!)
Take a look!
Sorry for the dark photos...I don't think the flashgun worked properly on the camera!
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hi sean, if you care to e-mail me
ray283morey at yahoo.com.au I will send you a very interesting video of my friends steam collection
regards ray.
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Well you must nearly be finished your AA model!! And building it just of those photo's? Amazing! And the Industry, about the only boat I haven't set foot on... Good Luck..
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Hey all!
Well my plans for the A.A model are all about to change. She's not very accurate and her colours are a tad wrong too so I'm going under a remake for the boat!
Firstly her name will change to the 'Lady Catherine' and she'll be a towing steamer. She'll have ladders like those of the pev on the front of her wheel boxes and I'm going to put some log stacks on board as well.
I have to add some bits to the dodgy engine to make it look a bit more real along with a towing pole, a rudder and a wheel.
Then the paper boat (for which the rc gear is really useless) I am going to turn into an outrigger barge A:06 (First barge built in 2006) I'm going to get some nice branches for this and fix up the top decking. Then connect the two boat with a bit of twine/string (rope) paint it all up and hope it comes out all right!
So along comes the 'Lady Catherine' full steam ahead!
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Amidst the fray of exams and exam cheat sheet making I decided to rig up a towing pole for Lady Catherine.
Her name plates were made the other day and I commenced on some repaint of the deckhouses and the decking...no more purple decks, they're brown now thanks to a discovery of some brown paint lurking downstairs in the store room!
Today I glued together the wheel boxes and the hull and then the upper deck and the wheel boxes. I also attached the towing pole which is made from a piece of plastic model sprue and a thumb tack on top. I then commenced work on the wire work that holds the tow line in place so tow of those wires are in place- made from cake decorating wire two pieces stuck together as I only have odds and ends of it.
So here are some Pictures of Lady Catherine and her barge A:06
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Ok so now I've added on the front two wires connecting the tow post to the hull of the vessel and painted towing pole and wires black.
I plan on repainting the wheel boxes now! Making the lines between the boards smoother and looking slightly more realistic. The wheels are one of the last pieces I need to stick on (apart from the engine) and then I also want to make better windows and doors!
So that's the news for now!
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Hi Sean,
I think you should reconsider the placement of your tow pole, where it is will create a large turning motion and could create unsuitability and a capsize. Most tow poles/bitts are located as low as possible, ie deck level.
Regards,
Gerald
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There is no need to move the towing pole Gerald Murray River boats have adapted to their surrounds and as such the placement of the tow pole may appear different to other boats internationally, Adelaide, Pevensey, Alexander Arbuthnot all have it on the top deck above the deckhousing.
The model is also not an rc model either so I have no issues with stability etc.
Our towing poles were never located on a deck, always above the roof and the funnel, that way the boat can swing out in front around a tight Murray Bend while the barge behind can continue and then swing when it needs with the barge mast steering her.
The following photos are of Murray Paddlers...with tow poles circled on the boat!
One Of Alexander Arbuthnot...the boat my model is modelled on
One of Adelaide: from D:26 Barge in tow...see rope
One of Pevensey, big hauling boat
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I endorse Sean's reply.
On the boats which I have ridden, the skippers stated that the reason for putting the pole high and in line with the paddles was to maintain steerage.
A tow line attached at the rear would prevent the towing boat from steering properly.
My next contribution to the full-size construction thread will be on PV Mosquito. The photo shows it with an Australian-style towing pole.
In the Murray system, barges were always towed, not pushed.
I am not sure of maximum numbers, but two (end on end, not side by side) seems to have been common. The locks were designed to hold a towboat and three barges.
It was common (standard/universal) when passing downriver through a lifting-span bridge to reverse through, again to maintain steerage. I assume that this would apply to barges too, so a downriver move would round up, barge 2 would go through first, carried by the current (and with the boat able to pull the barge back up river if the steersman misjudged); barge 1 would go through next, on the same basis; the towing boat would reverse through last. Then the combination would round up again.
It isn't just the boats which are fascinating in this hobby, but the whole way of river life and its part in our nation's history.
Regards,
Roderick B Smith
Rail News Victoria Editor
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Hi Sean,
Thank You for Posting the shoots, I had never seen a tow post in that position before on full size boats! But the furthest south I have been is Phillidelpia USA.
Regards,
Gerald
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I'd say anywhere between 1-4, often two were towed next to each other, but boats like Pevensey could tow up to four...fully laden wool barges with tons of wool.
Adelaide I think could also tow four wood barges like B:22 and D:26 but was more often seen with two. Now she only tows one.
Very little barge towing happens on the Murray now, Ada barge, which used to be towed by Pevensey about 17 years ago, was apparently something to see. The D:26 which I've crewed is a very small barge compared to Ada which is a wool barge....the barge is enormous...about the size of the Pev's hull...as such I know why it would be an amazing thing to see!
Glad to show you something new Gerald!
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Ok on arrival back at home I got back to working on the Lady Catherine. I started work on reconstructing the paddle boxes by placing match sticks over the already built box to create the boards.
Painted a black background behind it and started painting the few boards on the box white...I ran out of matches you see!
Also cut a section of straw to be the chimney from the woodfired stove.
Slowly she's beginning to look less 'cartoony' and more realistic I think. Although her sizing is all out of proportion. But we must work with what we have been given (or made ourselves)
I have to raise the decking in the wheel house and add the rudder chains along with upper deck supports near the engine.
Then I plan on adding a fence railing around the top deck
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When Ranger was towing logging barges around the Barham/Gunbower forests it didn;t have a tow post. Instead it had a rope tied around both cleats at the front of the boat which then ran beside the paddleboxes and joined togther behind the rudder, where another rope joined and was connected to the barg, creating a Y figure.
I will post a photo of Pevensey and Ada barge as she is today
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Now I have finished placing the boards on the left side paddle box (interesting fact...inland rivermen of Australia never talked of Port and Starboard...only the sea sailors that came to the rivers did...and the habit probably died away after crews looks stunned at their sea skippers orders!) I also framed two of the doors on this side.
Then I got another piece of plastic sprue and modelled it into a whistle, this is now attached to the funnel. A piece of wire was used to create the piping down to the boiler and another piece of wire was used to create the whistle chain to the wheel house...however I haven't worked out the inside chain in the wheel house yet, so the skipper so far has nothing to pull to blow the whistle.
I also tried some yellow paint on Mick's half wheels...so far as it hasn't dried I haven't been able to check what they'll look like. In the end I think they might return to silver colour.
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Ok here are the photos I promised, I've also begun construction on the second ladder on the right/starboard paddle box. I still need to finish making match stick door frames and window frames.
I think the paddle boxes look so much better now, oh and when the Christmas lights are on she looks really good...they create nice shaddows across her and it's harder to see my shoddy paint work!
Sean
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I've now painted the door frames and window frame that I have built so far to see how the colours would work and I think so far it looks good.I now intend on repainting the wheels a metalic silver with wooden floats.
I have to make some door handles for some of the doors and finish of constructing the frames for the remaining doors and windows.
I also have to finish the starboard paddle box ladder and paint the black part of the hull onto the starboard and stern of the hull.
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Ok time for a quick update on what's happened on this project- as apparently you've all stalled on yours, if what I've read is correct.
PS Lady Catherine now resides (almost complete) on the top of my bookshelf, PS Reginald, the smaller rubber band powered paddler model I made is close by.
A01- the newspaper hull I built...which I'm sure has a thread somewhere else got some trial runs on the water...she wasn't water proofed, which means in the end she was about as good as the Titanic (actually she was better, she didn't sink, but didn't last past her maiden voyage either).
I ran her off the deck of our new jetty where one day Grebe will be tied.
IF!!!!
The ducks stop pooing on the thing! I don't want to have to clean the feces off my boat!
So here are some photos for you all to have a look at.
...Oh the paper boat actually went really well, I know that the shape was a bit of a worry, but she cut through the water well (she was tied to a dogs lead) and surprsingly no water broke through into the hull, she remained completely intact, with only a balsa wood frame, newspaper, adhesive stickers and PVA glue.
Also note the water quality wasn't good. It was just after the lake filled up, I went to bed and the lake was half empty, I woke up and it was full with a little water fall even adding more water to it.