Newbie, etc.

[Brian Peck]

Greetings,

Actually I am not quite at the newbie stage but between a wannabie
and a newbie. I recently saw something on steam engines on TV and
remembered a model plan that came in a magazine I purchased in 1981
(Model Boats from June 1981, Easy to build paddle launch Nina).

I dug this out of my stuff and there it was in pristine condition. I
have begun planning to build this side-paddle steam launch, but have
several questions I need answered.

Source for steam engines. I can't find anything on the recommended
engine (Unit Steam Engines). I have looked on line and found Mamod
and Midwest as well as others. Suggestions on the best for this would
be deeply appreciated (I'm leaning to the Midwest, though it is a
vertical rather than horizontal boiler. Price is a consideration here)

Paddles. There don't seem to be any commercial paddles and the plans
give some real basic scratch built, but I would like to go a little
fancier. Any plans anywhere?

I have never built a operating model before, but have undertaken
quite a bit of model building. This should be a fairly simple project
that I hope to spuce up to my detailing standards. It may sink, but
it will be a lovely wreck.

Brian Peck
Raleigh, NC

[Stuart Badger]

Dear Brian

I'm glad you've decided to join paddleducks and, more to the point that you
are going to power your model the only way it shoulb - with real, hot, oily
and exciting STEAM!!!!!!!!!!!

Can I recommend that you get hold of a copy of 'Scale Model Steamboats' by
Phillip Vaughan Williams. It is published by Traplet publications and they
have an office in the USA - phone (217) 328 4444, email usa@traplet.com.

This details virtually all you will need to get you going and covers
prototypes, steam plants etc, etc.

I am not sure that Unit steam engines are still around, you might want to
gonsider the Wilesco steam rngine which I believe is available in the US.
As for paddle wheels, Graupner make a fully feathering set for their model
tug the 'Glasgow'and they sell these separately - I'm sure they are imported
to the USA also.

If you go to the paddleducks main pageand do a search through the archives
you will find a lot of info that will be of help.

Perhaps the No 1 consideration is keep the weight down REAL LOW in the
hull - even to the extent of installing it at the bottom of a small
removeable keel. Paddlers are thing of beauty but do have a tendancy to lean
then topple!!

All the best and post some photos as you go along!!

Stuart Badger.