Well things have been a little quiet here in Paddleducks..I've been
away from the pooter and down to our Club boating pond where it's
been quite a bonanza for Paddlers!
"TALISMAN" 1/87 British Sidepaddler
David Powell (fellow Paddleduck from Victoria) launched his lovely
"Talisman" two Sundays ago, and although it was pouring with rain,
nothing dampened our spirits as Dave put "Tally" through her
paces...and talk about successful! She's an adaption of the LNE
Railway Clyde paddler 'Talisman" but with a shortened OAL. However,
she has maintained her beam to accommodate her two side by side
engines. Dave will have to give you the mechanical specs, but she's
three channel for rudder and fully independant sidewheels. She's
driven by a couple of hefty geared down European motors which can
rotate her wheels at around 300 revs for lots of power in reserve.
You'll recall that during previous tank tests, Dave had a problem
with overweight and even had his sponsons underwater at one stage. He
came up with a novel idea...he built a false styrofoam bottom, fared
it to the hull and coated it with epoxy and a layer of mat. This had
the effect of "Lifting" the ship higher out of the water, without
compromising her stability. Neat trick if you find you've built your
superstructure too heavy and are sinking your sponsons. The real
answer is of course...keep your weight down and C of G low and TEST
YOU HULL & MECHANICALS for waterline BEFORE you start major
superstructure work!
But "Talisman" is incredibly manoeuverable and very powerful...as the
carpet of bubbling foam she leaves astern can attest.
Two new Sternwheelers joining our club
"CREOLE QUEEN"
We all had a great day out on our Club Pond today...perfect sunny
Spring Weather. Maybe because of the obvious enthusiasm our Paddler
group dispays in public, we've attracted two more owners with their
Sternwheelers to our Club. A lovely Dumas "CREOLE QUEEN" and yet
another scratchbuilt 1/48 "MOYIE of VANCOUVER" one of the most famous
Canadian Sternwheelers and currently under restoration. That makes 2
"Moyies" in one Club! We're looking forward to a "Paddlewheeler
Parade" with the 6 we now have in our Club.
"MOUNT WASHINGTON" Model for Sale
We have also run across a completed 48" Model of the New Hampshire
Side Paddler "Mount Washington" for sale by a member who's health
unfortunately doesnt allow him to go outside much now. The model has
simulated walking beam steam engine movement and is very nicely
finished. It is however, a two channel vessel with paddlewheels
linked to one engine (not my most favourite method unless there's a
clutch and way of reversing the wheels independently.) Also I should
point out there have been issues of instability with this kit reported
by modelers in Canada. However as a display model she's very nice and
with some mechanical re-working could be made into a pleasing
performer on the water. Price asking is $600.00. If anyone is
interested have a look at an example of the model in the "Bosun's
Locker" section of our bookmarks under "sidewheeler kits" and email
me offline. I also have a photo of the model for sale if anyone is
interested. Shipping may be a headache on this!!
So that's it from Victoria..IF you happen to be out and about the
ponds in your neighbourhood, please gather info on any model paddlers
you see and TELL US ABOUT them. We're approaching Summer here in the
northern Hemi so there should be LOTS of Paddler action starting and
we WANT to HEAR about your boat too...Snap pictures if you have a
camera handy so we can add them to our galleries.
Hope you're all having as much Paddler fun as we are in Victoria.
PJ
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