Oversized model paddlers

[Paulrjordan]

--- In Paddleducks@yahoogroups.com, "b_owen_ca" <mariner@n...> wrote:
> I belong to several boatbuilding groups and every once in a while
> there's a spate of interest in paddlewheel power for small boats.
So
> I thought I'd throw the idea out here. Anyone any good
> info/plans/whatever for say a 5hp paddlewheel system for a "model"
of
> about 15'x4', presuming a scow shaped bow?
>
> Bryant

Hi Bryant:

A 15' Alligator maybe? I'll try to contact Paul Chester who was very
close to giant paddlewheeler model builder, Bill Wilkinson, in the
UK. Bill, who died earlier this year, built large models which could
house the operator aboard the boat. His final model, which he never
got to complete, was 21 feet long!

I've searched through the material Bill sent me a number of years
ago, but none of it relates to how he powered his models. I'll see if
I can find out what kind of power train he used. I know his power
plants were electric rather than I/C. Can you elaborate a little more
on the type of ship you are contemplating and if you want fixed or
independant wheels with one or two engines?

Regards

PJ
Victoria, BC Canada

[Leighton]

Hi Bryant,

I found this "showboat" a couple of years ago and thought at some
stage I may build her.

The site is:

http://members.aol.com/_ht_a/polysail/HTML/showboat.htm?
mtbrand=AOL_US

Don't know if this is what you are looking for

Regards
Leighton
NZ

[Paulrjordan]

Fantastic, Leighton..when I heard "down undahs" refering to "PEDDLE
STAYMUZZ", I thought it was just the accent..had idea they meant
really DID mean PEDAL steamers!

PJ
Victoria, BC Canada

[gerald gardiner]

Hi Bryant, and fellow Paddleducks,
When I first saw the subject heading I wondered is he referring to the Modellers or the Models? Glad it is the models. The link below brings back memories, I think I had a copy of that plan about forty years ago. We never did get a superstructure on it and the Stern was flat. It started out with a bike frame and kid power and ended up with an old mower engine. Both of which tried to put the entire Trent River in the hull at any speed over a crawl.
Keep us posted on how you do.
Gerald Gardiner Toronto Canada

[Joe E Brown]

The Faternal order of Moose in Charleston, West Virginia, USA has a
sternwheeler simular to the "Showboat" you mentioned. The hull is
aluminium with a scow bow and is powered with a lawnmower type engine
with a chain drive to the wheel.
I live 45 miles from there, but during my next trip there, if you're
interested, I could find out more about it and take some photos.

[Bryant Owen]

That'd be great. What I'm most interested in is the propulsion
system - motor - "transmission" - wheel.

I'm not sure I've got building an Alligotor in mind - at least right
now. Lots on my plate right now. Maybe I should rethink....

Bryant

[johnatwood]

Go to http://groups.msn.com/PedersensShipYard/welcome.msnw
<http://groups.msn.com/PedersensShipYard/welcome.msnw> and look at the
pictures. Look at the first picture. 11 foot long RC model. He is a
prolific builder and a real nice guy!

[Tony Mattson]

Yes, very good, Paul. Accent? What accent?

Now back to reality! :-)

Bill Wilkinson's 1:12 scale paddle tugs have previously featured in
the messages and the website that Eddie kindly pointed us to features
an oversized model paddeler engine room.

http://www.modelmania.btinternet.co.uk/corsair/corsairengrm.htm

Bill's monster, Corsair, is powered by an 850cc Reliant engine - now
that should suit most 'overscale' applications!

warning: the page has plenty of pictures so takes a wee while to load
for non-cable/DSL web connections, but well worth the wait.

cheers
Tony
fogbound in Auckland, NZ

[Tony Mattson]

The Stupid pills I'm taking must really be working! Of course Bill Wilkinson's Corsair is not a paddler but twin screw! Nevertheless, an 850cc reliant motor makes for a decent scale model power pack!

Cheers for now
Tony
in Auckland, NZ, where the fog has lifted and rain has set in

[dragoncity]

Another interesting subject might be the man-powered paddlers that operated on
the Murray River. I've never seen reference to the type in other countries,
but I'd be very surprised if Australia was the only user of such a water
craft.

These boats were used by iterenerate workers who would transport themselve up
and down the River.

I doubt that plans are available, and I've often wondered about their
efficiency, I'd think much better than standard oars, due to the almost
constant 'push power' of a paddle wheel. I've only seen a very few photos of
poor quality but there were both hand cranked and pedal powered
versions. Cheap to run !!

BTW - if a "model' is capable of carrying a 'man' it ceases to be a model !!
Its a small boat, albeit a very small version of a much larger craft.
Fortunately, Paddleducks welcomes paddle boats of all sizes :-)
--
Brett S. Hallett