Paddleducks

Paddler Information => Research => Topic started by: oldie on September 12, 2006, 04:02:05 AM

Title: Paddle Tug `Iona`
Post by: oldie on September 12, 2006, 04:02:05 AM
The Iona was built/launched in 1876 and was used extensively in the port of London.   I have acquired a hull for the model I wish to build, plus some plans, but I am trying to find out more information about her.   I did go to the Maritime Museum website but they had a photo and very little else.   I am an experienced model boat builder but a novice when it come to paddlers. Has anyone a better source of information please?   Oldie
Title: Paddle Tug `Iona`
Post by: mjt60a on September 12, 2006, 06:25:11 AM
Here's a few details;
Length - 121'8" 'on the waterline' (?)
Beam - 21'3"
Originally built as 'Ben Nevis' by Hall Russels of Aberdeen in 1876
Bought by William Watkins and renamed Iona (don't know when that happened)
Re-engined after 8 years service by Young of Blackwall with 2 cylinder side lever engines, 34-and-a-half-inch diameter, 60 inch stroke.
Re-boilered 1899 by Stewarts of Blackwall.
Scrapped 1928 after 52 years service....
Colour scheme - Black hull with green waterline, gold scrollwork at bows. Black funnels with red oxide central bands. White railings and canvas around bridge. Paddlebox and sponson houses, white. Skylights and towing bridges (?) polished wood. Black ventilators.
As Ben Nevis - green hull, two white bands on funnels.
...all this is from the book Famous Paddle Steamers by F.C.Hambleton which I bought on Ebay. That's the technical details, the rest is basically the authors thoughts and impressions on seeing the vessel at work on the Thames (anyone who has this book will know what I mean. There's also a side view and deck layout drawings but no hull lines...but if you have a hull and plans, you won't need the book for those!)
Title: Iona Info
Post by: oldie on September 12, 2006, 07:03:30 PM
Information very much appreciated, thanks.
Title: PT IONA.
Post by: Walter Snowdon on September 13, 2006, 05:35:18 AM
Model Boats magazine did a plan and article on the IONA, i think in the 1980s, which contained a fair bit of information and some research sources. The plan is to 1/36th scale, giving a hull 41inches by 7inches beam I remember it was a pretty detailed plan. unfortunately I cant get to my magazines or files due to my home being full of my daughters children and possessions as she is moving house !!Absolute mayhem.
Anyway, the plan reference number is MM1374.  As soon as I can find the relevent article and magazine date, I will post them. Apologies .
Just out of interest, I have seen a very good IONA built on a Graupner GLASGOW hull, which is spot on for shape and size.  Regards, Walter.
Title: Iona
Post by: oldie on September 13, 2006, 05:42:31 PM
Walter,  Many thanks for that.   I am in no hurry as this will be my winter project.   Pete ( Oldie)
Title: Iona
Post by: oldie on September 14, 2006, 07:17:14 PM
Here is the novice once more, I hope you have a lot of tolerance!   Where can I get information on the motor(s) and drive system which I can fit into my Iona model, this being a side-paddler.   The plans show a rudder, so presumably the wheels are driven by just one motor, and the hull has only a 90mm beam.   Is there a publication which gives this sort of information?   Once again, any help will be much appreciated.   Oldie
Title: Paddle Tug `Iona`
Post by: oldie on September 19, 2006, 03:25:59 AM
Hi,  With reference to my previous question about drive systems for a side paddler, today I received my copy of Model Boats (October 2006), and inside was an article, with plans, about the Confederate Blockade Runner `Phantom`.
Together they give all the info which I can use on the `Iona`.