Gentlemen.
Following the epistle by Paul about the stability problems associated with
model paddle driven ships, I thought you might like to know that it appears
that the original ships were fairly "tender" as well. At least that is what
I deduce from the following:-
In my reading about paddle tugs, I find that an early tug called the
"Monarch" was fitted with a small wheeled truck full of scrap iron that ran
on tracks across her foredeck. She was 64ft 10" long with a beam of 13ft
11". She had a single engine and was very difficult to steer. When a sharper
course change was required the truck was run across the deck to get one
paddle to dig deeper than the other, so helping her to turn. Apparently this
also resulted in the occasional broken shaft!! It was not a common
installation!!!
According to the P N Thomas book "British Steam Tugs", there is a model of
this tug, complete with her scrap iron truck, in the Museum in Newcastle,
England. Anyone game to construct a model incorporating a working truck???
Interesting concept!!! Certainly get some attention!!!
Has anyone actually seen this model in the Newcastle Museum? Eddy, I guess
that is not so far from your neck of the woods, is it??? Do you, or anyone
else, ever go/have been there??
I am still awaiting the plans of the "Scotia", which I intend to scratch
build as a model of a clinker built paddle driven tug. This was due to the
National Maritime Museum enforcing a policy not to use airmail when posting
the application form for the plans overseas. Surface mail can take many
weeks to reach me in Spain. I reacted rather strongly and they then faxed me
four pages. No expense spared!!! The "no airmail postage" policy seems even
weirder, when you see what they charge for the plans, plus a research fee!!!
NOT cheap!!
In Australia, the Murray River paddle rally sounded very interesting. I
assume some of the ships must be preserved by societies?? Can they be
contacted?? Really??? As I understood it there were over 100 paddle ships
in one place!!! WOW must have been QUITE a sight.
If anyone happens to be around the Barcelona area of Spain next Sunday 9th
Sept, there is a large model boat show in Lloret del Mar, just north of
Barcelona, close to Blanes. I will let you know of any interesting paddle
stuff that turns up there.
Well that is it for today. Happy paddling.
David
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