Paddleducks

Paddler Modelling => Paddlewheels/Drive Systems => Topic started by: geoff_p on May 25, 2012, 12:58:06 AM

Title: Alternative power for paddlers?
Post by: geoff_p on May 25, 2012, 12:58:06 AM
Since I'm having difficulty getting copper etc for a boiler for my Westbury-style engine, my idle hands have turned to other engines ...

I'm well aware that most places totally ban the internal-combustion engine because of the infernal noise (and potential pollution) they put out but I wondered if the following might be acceptable:-

A/ Slow-revving stationary-type, petrol engine, like the twin-flywheel, hopper-cooled ones you see at rallies ;

B/ External combustion engines e.g.
    1/ Flame-licker (vacuum) engine;
    2/ Stirling engine.

Of course any of them would have to be suitably geared to the paddle-wheels, I'm not sure about reversing, and speed-control could be very limited, but it would be different.
What do you think?

Geoff
Title: Re: Alternative power for paddlers?
Post by: Harold H. Duncan on May 25, 2012, 05:01:07 AM
Hi Geoff,
like it when people think outside the square.
Just my humble opinion, but wouldn't think that your B option - flicker flame or stirling, would have enough power left over to drive anything useful.
The option A may be a goer though may be a bit slow for a paddler.
Be interested in hearing others opinion, and see you (or anyone else) make one to try in a paddler
cheers
kiwi
Title: Re: Alternative power for paddlers?
Post by: Spankbucket on May 25, 2012, 05:39:49 PM
Has anyone ever tried a hamster in a wheel 'tween decks??
Title: Re: Alternative power for paddlers?
Post by: Harold H. Duncan on May 26, 2012, 05:37:24 AM
Or one inside each paddle wheel.
Would that then be a self starting duo?
 :o
kiwi
Title: Re: Alternative power for paddlers?
Post by: Spankbucket on May 26, 2012, 05:44:38 PM
Anyone prepared to do a design for a hammy-snorkel or hamqualung??
Title: Re: Alternative power for paddlers?
Post by: mjt60a on May 26, 2012, 08:18:39 PM
maybe you could use newts instead???
Title: Re: Alternative power for paddlers?
Post by: geoff_p on May 26, 2012, 09:23:17 PM
Newts tend to be a bit inebriated
Title: Re: Alternative power for paddlers?
Post by: bill stafford on March 20, 2013, 04:05:00 PM
electric and g/boxe works well , at least you can tune the ratios , useing tooth belts or a combination of gears+belts
bill
Title: Re: Alternative power for paddlers?
Post by: kiwimodeller on March 20, 2013, 08:22:30 PM
We have a paddler locally which uses an industrial diesel to drive a hydraulic pump which in turn drives independent hydraulic motors for each wheel. Its quiet, powerful and of course turns extremely well when one wheel is reversed and tthe other runs forward. It is at the Paeroa Maritime Museum if anybody wants to pop over for a visit. Happy to find you a bed. Cheers, Ian.