Paddleducks
General => Introduce Yourself => Topic started by: PETER-T on August 05, 2013, 07:38:47 AM
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Hi, I'm a newbie to building paddle steamers. I'm building a 1:24 tug scaled up from the old model maker Cheiftain plans.
Building the boat's no problem but I've to build the gearboxes, what speed should the paddles be turning at ?
Peter T
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Hi PD's....& welcome Peter.......... you mention [steamers] & also [gearbox's] ....so I assume you intend an electric drive.....
:whistle a simple answer to your question for a 1:24 Chieftain class paddler would be a paddle shaft rotation to approx. 180 RPM max
Having said that.......with a low current consumption 12 volt electric geared motor + a good quality electronic speed controller will provide you with realistic start off speed [10 RPM] & take you to say 150 RPM for top speed
The 180 RPM is only a get out of trouble scenario, however the accurate scaling of the paddle wheel components will also have a dramatic effect of the paddling force provided
Now if my assumption of electric is incorrect :oops....and real steam is intended, then essentially the speed requirements remain the same ....however steam :kiss1 is a far bigger gambit & ball park
Take the time to read our archives.......any questions....don't hesitate to ask....Derek :beer
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Hi Derek, many thanks for the quick reply. I'm using electric and I've got two 100 RPM epicyclical gearbox motors so driving via toothed belts at 1.5 / 1.6 to 1 ratio will do the job.
I'd like to go steam but the cost of two engines etc. is beyond me ! Peter