Some pictures of steam engines, which I have restored and rebuild from beginning of 2024.

Thomas

Dear friends and neighbors,

what was the problem of our blog since beginning of february 2024? I wasn`t able for any contact to paddleducks although I tried numberless times. When I tried for log in, in every case an information appears of wrong passwort or similar obsticle.

So I supposed, that our blog has come to an end. I know, that some other members has had the same problem. I`m very glad now, that my apprehensions are not real and the blog is going on.

But now to an idea of future build: I`ve drawn a plan of blockade runner CSS "CONDOR/FLAMINGO" of 1863. There at least 3 models of this three stacked paddler in american museums. It seems a very nice paddler with elegant lines. Because I had the pictures of the models and the dimensions of the original ships it was possible to draw the plan in scale 1 : 42. This scale is a compromise - in scale of 1 : 48 the boat should be a little bit too small for the steam propulsion. Here are some pictures.

I have to inform the group of the sad news that Bob Golder died following a diagnosis of a brain tumour a few weeks ago. Bob was a very good friend, and supported me when my wife died of a brain tumour 14 years ago.... He will be sadly missed, rest in peace my friend...

Regards
Eddy

Would any body know how Roderick is going? I haven't seen or heard anything from him in a good while.

Fantastic to see paddleducks back. Has prompted me to give an update on The Connaught.
Connaught is a magnificent model but is so big. Transport was always a problem. With advancing years, I will be 80 next year, moving the model from the house to the garage, to accomodate visitors to the spare room, became a nightmare. Every time the model was moved it suffered minor damage. Stuart warned me before purchase that owning the model would be a constant repair job. Finally the lady was confined to the garage permanently, causing further deterioration.
This year I decided that I am no longer fiit to look after such a work of art and I reluctantly decided that she would have to be rehoused. I have donated Connaught to the Knightswood Model Boat Club and my friend Lachie Stuart tells me that they are doing a sterling job of restoration. The model will be housed in the club premises adjacent to the pond so she will, hopefully, get the sea time she deserves. Hopefully I will manage to visit and get some video of her on the water.
It was a wrench to part with her but I think Stuart would approve. He lived for some time in this area and I would be surprised if he hadn't visited this pond. Further Connaught will be a fitting companion to the club's other very large paddler, the Talisman.
For anyone not familiar with Stuart's story and the epic build log of the Connaught there is a large volume of material on this site which I recommend browsing. A gentleman and a master craftsman.
I hope you approve my decision Stuart.