Controlling and steering

[kiwimodeller]

Hi, after seeing my first real steam powered model paddler running at our sailing day on the weekend there are a few questions that I thought members of the forum might be able to help with. The model is of the Waimarie (listed on the Whanganui Riverboats website in the Links section) and is 6feet long. It was built by an experienced modeller but this is his first paddler. It is powered by a Stewart 10V single cylinder and this was it's second voyage. It moved along very nicely at what was probably a little more than scale speed. Since the maiden voyage the builder has changed from feathering paddles to fixed paddles (he thought the feathering ones were not worth the trouble) and enlarged the rudder to considerably over scale size. It now steers well once under way at full speed but still is a little difficult to steer at slow speeds and it is also severly affected by cross winds, at times needing to be headed at 45 degrees to the line it was travelling. Any suggestions to improve the low speed steering (other than independent paddlewheel drives which he does not want to tackle) and to make it more stable would be welcome. Is it usual to have to add a skeg or false keel to models built from full size plans? Thanks, Ian.

[towboatjoe]

In my experience of pushing long strings of model barges, I have put skegs the length of the hull bottom which helped fight cross winds. Also in my experience of handling real vessels cross winds pose the same problem.

As far as low speed steering you're pretty much going to be at the mercy of the Wind God. The over size rudder helps a little, but not much at slow speed. Souns like every thing has been done aside of independent wheel control or rudders placed directly behind the wheels.

[rayman]

Kiwimodeler, sugest to your mate, add a 1/2" deep skeg the full length and make the rudder deeper but not longer to give it more bite in the water. Scale boats do not always act true to scale. I know the "Waimarie" she is a beautiful restoration. Also the Wairua, now back in the water.