My new build

[big-geoff]

This is my lastest paddler named "Portsea", based loosely on PS Ryde.

So far construction has taken about 5 months, the hull was from a previous model also named "Portsea" but driven by twin screws. Why convert to paddles? Why not?

Plank on frame build, pretty much everything is scratch built, the glazing is cast in resin as are the lifeboats, the 3 crew are moulded from Milliput took about an hour each to make.

The next tricky bit is getting the motors and gearing right, I started with an action mixer unit driving 2 motors but the motors (Maxon 12v) were not man enough so I have had to rethink, any ideas welcome.

I hope to get her on the water for the 1st Sept, picture will follow.

[mjt60a]

Hey, I like it!  ...and welcome to this little piece of heaven 

[Eddy Matthews]

It's looking good Geoff, well done!

It's always difficult finding the correct motors for a paddler - The best are undoubtably Buehler or Pitman, but getting them with the correct gearing is easier said than done. The following company seem to do a reasonable selection of various makes, but I've never used them so I can't say how good (or bad?) they are to deal with...

http://www.distel.co.uk/DC_motors_geared.htm

Regards
Eddy

[big-geoff]

Cheers Eddy.

I do like Portescap motors use them on my O guage locos.

I had a bit of luck earlier this year when I was introduced to a friends father who was selling a lath, He used to run a radio control attraction with model boats and tanks, I got my hands on a dozen of these Maxtor motors and gear boxes, plus half a dozen GRP hulls for MTB style boats (future projects).

The gear boxes are of a type that can be configuerd to give varying ratios by adding and removing gears, has anyone any experience of using these things? They are in a black circular case about 3" in diameter output is by a 6mm shaft, I would like to get my hands on additional gears etc.

I shall keep you posted on my progress.

Cheers

Geoff

[R.G.Y.]

Why not a steam plant. ? R.G.Y.

[big-geoff]

Wot, boiling water and all that hot steam?

I have never tryed using steam, mainly due to cost, not to say that I wont have a go some time in the future, when SHIMBO buys me the Anton Vertical Marine unit from Westbourne Model centre for crimboI can always dream.......

Number one son bought an inflatable swimming pool this week 10 foot diameter 3 foot deep, perfect for testing, not that he is very impressed but it beats using the bath, so I may have some pictures on the water to post by next week.

Cheers for your comments and help

Geoff

[derekwarner_decoy]

Hi PD's....... ...Geoff .....steam engines are not all that expensive if you consider the alternate thought process

1) Go the your book store & purchase a copy of "How to Win Friends & Influence People" 
2) Read chapter 26......
3) Purchase 1 dozen red roses + a bottle of her favourite wine + a 1 Kg box of her favourite chocolates
4) Suggest a weekend    away in say ......France....just book a villa around the corner from where Fabrice makes his little brass ANTON engine bits & pieces

Just a thought Geoff........ .....Derek

[big-geoff]

Whenever I bring flowers home for er indoors I get "What have you done now" as a response

Well worth a try though!.

Cheers

Geoff

[R.G.Y.]

Big Geoff, Why not make your own steam engine, honestly not that difficult. (if I can do it)The boiler is where the problems lie. R.Geoff.Y