Introducing myself PhilH

[PhilH]

Good Morning Everybody,

I live in the Northwest (UK) quite close to Chester/ Wirral.  My main interest is in steam modelling and I would like to build a tug similar to Eppleton Hall/ Glasgow.  I have managed to locate the Eppleton Hall hull lines, plan and some photographs so I am currently scaling them to give a 1/32nd, 1m long model.

I have a workshop so I will probably be building the boiler and twin, double cylinder engines from scratch. 

Any tips on construction techniques for the hull and or sourcing of materials would be greatly appreciated.

PhilH 

[DamienG]

Welcome Phil,
When you're ready start a thread in the construction section and any questions you have can be answered there.

Damien.

[derekwarner_decoy]

Hi PD's ....& welcome Phil........

Could I suggest you spend some time with a  reading through our PD web pages........

You will certainly find many references to construction techniques for the hull ....and as a bonus  .....many references to both engine & boiler building

Derek 

[PhilH]

Thanks chaps Ill spend a bit of time reading the different posts then start a construction thread.

PhilH

[Gerhardvienna]

Hi Phil
Welcome to the PD`s home
What measure will you use for your model, and what kind of engines?
Regards
Gerhard

[PhilH]

Gerhard,

I am considering two, twin cylinder, double acting oscillating engines (one twin cylinder engine per paddle).  I think the boiler will consist of two copper, connected tubes approximately 2" (50mm) diameter and about 6" (150mm) long.

What measure?  I will scale the full size boat at 3/8" to 1' = 1/32 scale.  I have started the drawings based on Eppleton Hall but I will modify the hull and superstructure to suit the construction methods.  For the hull, I'm thinking of a plywood spine with a 1/2" balsa base and either plywood or balsa ribs supporting balsa strip planks i.e., a very simple, easy construction method for a beginner to model boats like me.

I will modify the superstructure slightly to cover the boiler smokebox.  My intention is to build a credible, functional model of a typical steam tug rather than a perfect scale model.

PhilH

[Gerhardvienna]

Hi Phil
Balsa planks are not that easy to work with. You will have to be very careful, when you start to grind, and use only low pressure and 180 sanding sheets when doing it! For bending the planks do not dive them into water, just lay the planks on a wet paper sheet for a few minutes, that is enough.
Regards
Gerhard

[PhilH]

Gerhard,

Good tips - thank you.  I am still considering the construction methods because I went to a well known hobby shop here in the UK and was shocked by the high cost of balsa wood.  I either need to find a lower cost balsa source or consider a different method.  I think I will start a build thread later today, start posting a few pictures and maybe invite a few different ideas before I start cutting.  Please look out for my build thread.

PhilH

[Gerhardvienna]

Gerhard,
  Please look out for my build thread.
PhilH

Sure I will! If there are any questions, dont be afraid of asking. We all were beginners, we all can and will help you, if some help is needed
Regards
Gerhard

BTW.: Balsawood planks are much more expensive than the 4 x 40" sheets, more than 2mm thick planks are normally not used for planking. It is easy, to cut the planks out of the sheets, ald less expensive!

[tonyh]

Model Shipwright No 45 - September 1983 features the first part of a 1:48 scale Eppleton Hall. Not sure how many other parts. 

[greateastern]

Hi Phil,
If you go to this website,

http://www.loc.gov/pictures/collection/hh/item/ca1508/

you will find  7 measured, exact scale drawings you can download--if you haven't already, and  lots of photographs of the EH--it is owned by the national Parks service  and currently in San Francisco .and there is quite a bit of info there. There is also a book on it : The Eppleton Hall by Scott Newhall pub by Howell North (1971). with drawings as built on pg 18, 19 mid span, inbrd profile, deck

[PhilH]

Thanks, those are the lines I am currently using (with slight adjustments) for my freelance version of a paddle tug.

PhilH