Paddleducks
Paddler Modelling => Construction => Topic started by: mjt60a on June 06, 2006, 04:04:42 AM
-
I decided as I'm not able at the moment, to continue with 'Freshwater', I'd do something with those paper hulls I was experimenting with.
Hull number 2 (the tug-shape one) now has all necessary electrics fitted and everything seems to work - despite my 'heath-robinson' independant drive setup! Just need to make a new set of wheels and paddleboxes to try it in water;
(http://www.btinternet.com/~mjt60a/ubb_link_images/paddletughull01.jpg)
(http://www.btinternet.com/~mjt60a/ubb_link_images/paddletugelects.jpg)
I'll be interested to see how it actually performs in the lake :oops:
-
....well, I've assembled the new (correct size) paddlewheels and attached the paddleboxes and some 'coamings' around the openings and tried it in the indoor test tank under full radio control....
I have to say, despite being a bit of a lash-up (hull made of newspaper, home made speed control etc. - pretty much everything's made from junk) it performs superbly!!!!
It's much more stable than the PBM model I have and seems to have power to spare (for towing, emergency stop, fighting strong winds)
Next step is to try it on the lake :D
(note, no longer the 'seasick' smily face! )
-
Got any photos after the mods were done Mick?
-
Not just yet, I'll take some tomorrow...
-
Here it is, not much to see really until I make the superstructure and finish the bulwarks....
-
...the show so far;
-
Now I have to say that I like this one Mick - It has real character!
A suberb job!
-
Update on this boat; I've been working on it 'in the background' and building a carrying case during dinner hours at work. There's still a few details to add, decking on the sponsons with lifeboats on, rail capping all around, some rigging thread, the tow hook etc - and I'm thinking of adding a wheelhouse when the telegraphs and binnacle are in place - also add an on/off switch probably concealed under a hinged skylight...but, it's working and if the weather's OK I expect to get a test run done next weekend :D
-
Well, I finally did get a short test run on friday in the park at southend-on-sea.......
...the fact that no other models were sailing should have been enough of a clue as to conditions on the water (that and the way the 'real' yachts and fishing boats were pitching about at their moorings!) but having brought it all the way there, I figured it was all or nothing time.
To this little 24 inch model, the 20mph-or-so wind was like a force ten storm and it required full power to even make headway. After only 2 or 3 minutes, the rain started lashing down as well and I was soon drenched so had to admit defeat, put away my boat and take the train home but at least I've learned a thing or two...
The paddlewheels work superbly (the same type I sold a pair of on ebay last year)
The boat didn't capsize - the PBM paddler would have in this weather, it doesn't do well in even the slightest breeze!
It also doesn't sink (providing the hull doesn't get damaged anyway) even if the deck is awash with water, none gets inside as access hatches for batteries and maintenance are air-tight like I've seen on racing yachts and subs. The only 'weak point' would be the rudder connection but the boat would have to be submerged already for water to get inside.
So, I'm now looking forward to a DRY and CALM day so I can video it in action - maybe towing something :D
-
...will I ever get decent weather AND a day off!
Oh well, the model as it now looks...
-
Looks good to me mate, it will be interesting to see how it performs on the water...
-
Other than some railings, lifeboats and (non-operational) navigation lights, it's more or less complete. Haven't decided wether to glue that wheelhouse on or leave it open, anyhow I was hoping to give it a try this week (as I have the week off) but the forecast doesn't look good....
...I think if worst comes to worst, I'll take it to work with me one day and try it in the paddling pool on the beach in the lunch hour (I work at shoeburyness) - I think it should be OK in sea water... :?
-
Well, looks like my prayers were answered - weather today was perfect for a trial run!
...see 40 seconds of it here - http://youtube.com/watch?v=SJV4T_awvl8 - it worked perfectly! only criticism is that the drive is a bit noisy (it's the same setup as in the model boats mag 'Phantom' blockade runner, but two side by side for independent drive) course, you won't hear it as my camera doesn't have sound when on the video setting........
....it's a bit shaky too as I was trying to drive the boat with my left hand only and work the camera with the other!
-
It look like it performs very well Mick - So all the hard work has been worth it! :)
We just need a few more :camera when it's all complete now....
-
It has been worth it, yes, I'll see if I can make a few more of the fittings and finish the railings this week (before I have to go back to work and have no spare time again...)
must see about getting a 'proper' video camera too so I can record more than 40 seconds of action...
-
That's exactly the first drive I tried in the Lulongu tug only my building skills at the time weren't very good, I have since gone to a Tamiya twin gearbox and plastic chain.
Regards
Nick
-
very well done little paddler, one question if I may, you used papermache for the hull, what glue did you use and with what did you water-proof the hull. (yes I know thats two questions sneaking in there). I have been fiddling with a block of pvc foam which I can quickly modify to get the proportions and shape right for the two 1864 stern paddle boats I have been researching and have been trying to find a quick way of duplicating from this multiple hulls which I can then modify to suit the different configurations of each boats multiple changes. Had in mind using resin and class tissue, but polyester eats foam and epoxy is a luxury a little out of reach. Your little boat hull construction is the answer I've been looking for. (those senior moments just seem to be getting closer together as life goes on - thats when the brain goes blank for those to young to have experienced this). Will be lifting a female mould from the buck using plasterers gap filler, which is relatively cheap out here, and will layup the newspaper inside this. Undecided re what glue would be best.
Magic little boat, well done
Kiwi
-
Hi Kiwi,
About the " Had in mind using resin and class tissue, but polyester eats foam and epoxy is a luxury a little out of reach. " if you coat the foam with a thin coat of drywall compound (Plaster of Paris) it protects the foam from the poly.
Regards,
Gerald
-
Thanks for the suggestion. But, the end use of the hulls does not justify the cost of resin and cloth, hence the paper hull (at 1/35th scale) lifted from a dry-wall female mold taken from the foam block which is plated with card and paper plates. I wish to lift 5 hulls from this, the last one will be fitted out with electric using bits from a kids r/c toy. The other 4 are proof-of-concept only of a temporary nature. Have a choice of watered down PVA or the original craft paste, unless there is some other cheap alternative.
cheers
Kiwi
-
Just use ordinary wallpaper paste to make the hulls - The fact that it's water soluble doesn't matter as long as the hull is well waterproofed afterwards. For waterproofing, shellac is good as it soaks into the papier mache, hardening it up and waterproofing at the same time. Add your paint as a final barrier to water, and all should be fine.....
-
Well, I used a car repair kit (resin and glasscloth) to waterproof and strengthen it but I should think it could be done with sanding sealer/celulose dope (as in the recent articles in model boats) as long as it has a couple of good coats of paint over it :)
Thanks for the comments, by the way :)
-
I've now made and fitted the lifeboats (carved from solid block of balsa, green covers are just painted on - you can see the planks through them - pulley blocks were purchased and are a billing boats item...)
Also decided I didn't like the light coloured rigging thread for the mast and replaced it with dark brown elasticated thread from woolworths (or any sewing shop, it's the same as used on the funnel) which keeps straight as it's stretched slightly.
Unfortunately the superstructure, which is where the reciever batteries are, had become stuck to the coaming within and cracked drastically during removal so I need to repair it or, ideally, make a slightly larger one...
-
Has it really been six years since I posted in here? (guess so) I now have a useable computer again at last, that can handle photos so I'm just going to try it out on this topic - I see also that the photos which were hosted on the BT website are all gone since BT discontinued providing it some time ago, anyway, here are a few details I've made and added to the model, just need mooring posts and a few ventilators now...
-
Time just flies by Mick!
Good to see your getting back to the model though! I have a few that I really need to devote some time to!!
Regards
Eddy
-
performs just the right way , turns are verry nice as well
and for filming with one hand while steering , it is'nt that bad
she looks good in the water
job well done
gr from The Bombus
-
A really great model you've produced well done.