Paddleducks
Paddler Modelling => Construction => Topic started by: Douglas G on November 26, 2010, 09:16:37 PM
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Hi all,
I have a PBM Models Edwardian Paddle Steamer that I built as a teenager. It had the usual problems of suction by the paddle wheels and tipping over to the side. I tried making the bottom of the hull from lead sheet, cutting out the vents in the paddle box and adding a tube across from one paddle box to another, but it didn't solve the problem.
For nostalgia's sake I would like to restore the model and get it sailing again and wonder if anyone has advice on how to solve the stability problem? I have thought of a feathering paddle wheel (e.g. the Graupner Glasgow paddle wheel if it will fit), making a removal keel for use in the water or having the paddle wheels free running and installing a propeller and prop shaft - I think the latter should be possible.
Alternatively I might keep it as a static model and rebuild from the Forest classics kit , whihc lloks to be the same:
http://www.forest-classics.co.uk/paddle_steamer.htm
Douglas
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Hi PD's ...& welcome Douglas..........it is certainly good to hear that you are considering ...."revamping" your PBM Models Edwardian Paddle Steamer
Just before you hack into it with any structural revisions......please wait & I am sure one of our world wide group of PD members will offer a few thoughts or potential solutions..................Derek
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The PBM model has always been very tender - It needs to be build as light as possible!
Two options that I've seen used on other models of this kit are a small drop keel as you suggested, or to add 1/2" or so to the hull depth by glueing on a plank of balsa and sealing it with fibreglass to allow more ballast to be carried...
Regards
Eddy
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Thanks very much for the comments and suggestions - much appreciated.
I did add a layer of lead to the outer base of the hull with fibreglass, but this didn't work to stop the boat tipping when running, and I think it is best removed to return the hull to the original profile.
Having now read older posts on the site about stability problems in small, narrow paddlers, and Eddy's useful comments here, I think the best route would be a removable lead "torpedo".
I think a feathering paddle wheel is probably overkill for this model, while fitting a propeller offends the purist in me!
In terms of building light and keeping the centre of gravity low (which I hadn't appreciated before), an obvious step is to swap the metal funnel for a plastic one, and possibly building a new superstructure from styrene rather than wood. This would allow me to modify it to resemble one of the paddlers on the Clyde, which I would like to do having family connections to the area. I will look around for a protoype that is a close match in length and basic layout.
Douglas
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Douglas,
I've built a model of PBM's Edwardian paddle steamer and had no problems with stability as I kept everything as low in the hull as possible.
I rebuilt her into the Glasgow and South Western Railways JUPITER; same hull built up in balsa, with the same plastic paddles and she was still quite stable.
Sandy Thomson
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Hi Sandy,
That model really looks good - you wouldn't recognise it was the PBM model at all, especially with the modified stern and covered rear deck!
It looks to me like your paddle wheels are more out of the water. Perhaps one of the causes of my problems was that the waterline was set to high and the paddles were able to dig in rather than just moving horizontally in the water.
Douglas
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Hi PD's,
this is an information to all of you who want to build the old PBM paddler with an light weight GRP hull, i have now completed the mould so production can start soon. I have added an 10mm sheet of balsa to the bottom of the hull to create more displacement. The idea is to make the hull's for you and deliver it on Paddlerday 2011, for those of you who want rims for the wheels i can provide them also have a look at my Edwardian Paddle Steamer there you can see how they are made.
PS: i have to calculate the price and let you know how much it will be, not a fortune ;)
regards Hans
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Thanks Hans,
I hope you already have my name down for one of the hulls ;)
Regards
Eddy
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Missed you at paddler day this year Hans
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Hi Sandy,
can you imagine how hard it was not to be there :'( i try to make it next year.
regards Hans
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Found this advertisment for the kit, in a 1979 MB magazine.
(http://i1042.photobucket.com/albums/b427/Tony_Hadley/EdwardianPaddleSteamer.jpg)
(please note - if this infringes copyright, would a moderator please delete this post)
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Hi PD's,
i have told you quiet a while a go about producing GRP hulls of the PBM kit the Edwardian Paddle Steamer. This week i have completed the first two and they look really nice and the weight is less then 300 gramms and they are stronger then an ABS hull. At the moment i have no clue about the price but if you like to have one let me know about it and i will start producing them after my holiday, delivery would be on Paddlerday 2013.
Kind regards Hans