G'day everyone

[TK1]

Hi,

I thought I'd say "g'day"...and then it's obvious I'm from Australia 

By way of introduction, I'm getting back into model building after a break (this time) of 6 years since building my last boat.  In the past I built plastic kits of boats, tanks and planes and went through the model rail phase as well.  Then I saw the light and moved on to wooden model ships.

Having gotten my fill of square-riggers, this time around I'm focussing on Australian ships/boats, and will also build some paddle steamers, predominantly from plans by Float a Boat (www.floataboat.com.au)...[insert usual disclaimer about no commercial connections/interest, except Adrian, the owner, draws great plans and has many AU paddlesteamers in his inventory].

I'm currently building a 1/24 tugboat, but amd starting the research and planning to build the PS Curlip, a small PS which took passengers and towed tugs on the Snowy River in Oz.  Then on to some bigger ones which plied the Murray River.

So, based on my current and immediate future PS leanings, I thought I'd join up and seek help or impart knowledge as appropriate.

Regards,
Darren
Melbourne, Australia

[Eddy Matthews]

Welcome to Paddleducks Darren, we have a lot of Aussie members, so I'm sure there will be plenty of help with whichever boat you choose to model....

Regards
Eddy

[derekwarner_decoy]

Hi PD's......& yes welcome Darren....... ...    PS Curlip would make an attractive model......but only 609 mm length @ a Scale of 1:24

Derek....     just up the road a bit in Wollongong 

[TK1]

Hi Derek,

Good point.  I thought of 1/12 but want to stick to 1/24...however, to compensate for the fact this one is smaller than others I have planned, I intend to build 1 or 2 barges and show them being towed by Curlip.

Will certainly look small against some others, but I also chose Curlip for this reason, as a smaller, less complex foray into paddle steamers before I try something bigger.

Hope to post pics when I get going...picking up th eplans tomorrow

Regards,
Darren

[mogogear]

Welcome to you Darren from the Left Coast of the US- Oregon!! New myself-- and learning about paddlers!!

[Barry]

You'll have no worries sailing a curlip at 1:24 scale. I've seen David Bucknal's Curlip on the water, and sailed her a couple of times, and there's no problem with stability with her. She's been sailed on the Snowy River at the replicas launch and survived OK.

[Captain Andy]

Very nice model! Simple & neat drive train too!