PS Alexander Arbuthnot/ PS Lady Catherine

[mjt60a]

If you cut the pieces so the 'grain' of the balsa goes top to bottom it'll probably be OK (that's what it says in the article on building the Tipstaff, hold it on with pins until the glue dries) When I made the Freshwater hull I just nailed it in place with a staple gun, removing the staples when the glue was dry - but that was using 1.6mm ply for the skin and 10mm ply for the framework so balsa probably wouldn't take such rough treatment!
I haven't heard of using vinegar to soften balsa but soaking in water works for ply... I had to do that to make the curved bulwark around the stern.

[thewharfonline]

Top to bottom...you're kidding, I have to cut it side to side otherwise I don't have pieces long enough!

Heres some more photos for you guys on the progress!

[thewharfonline]

Just a quick little update before Mum steals the computer off me! I uses a mixture of vinegar and water and soaked the pieces for about an hour SHABANG and hour later the pieces bent like a charm! Even the larger piece which I used for the back worked brilliantly!

I also finished the superstructure for the top deck which means it got it's roof added and now I think in the pieces that it is in I will begin to paint it and add details such as doors etc!

Total cost so far: $17 (aus) not counting glue!

[mjt60a]

Well, I must remember that vinegar/water trick! it's coming along nicely  

[thewharfonline]

Well all I have to do now is start adding the small details like doors, windows steps the fake boiler and fake wheels and then it's ready for some painting!

I have to go our though and get the colours I need otherwise it will look nothing like the boat!

[thewharfonline]

Well I tried out some paint last night on the top deck housing...but I'm not too sure if I liek teh results...not to mention I had to blend like four paints to achieve the colour...but my idea would then be to go out and get a sample sized pot of paint in a close to colour from the hardware store.

I found a nice and dandy box eith a curved lid which I unscrewed to make my boiler and I'm getting custom make wheels shipped out to me! (Thanks Mick!) and then lots of paintwork later a nice boat ready for display...or with the current large sums being paid on Ebay maybe I should sell it!

This will be one of my lasts posts now for the next week as I am going off to Echuca for my work experience and the Heritage Festival. I hope everyone on here has a good week with lots of paddler model progression. I'll make sure when I get back I keep you updated with all the news and photos possible!

Until Then Happy Modelling and Paddling
Sean

[thewharfonline]

Hey guys, well I'm back from my most excellent work experience week. To see more details check out the "Chat and Off Topic section" where I will post shortly.

I got the wheels for the boat in the mail, Thanks to Mick for all the work he did for them, they look great and there will be something in the mail shortly.

Secondly I have decided to paint the A.A in original colours (Red with white trimmings) as the colours will be easier to get and they are the originals!

Hope to be paddling with you guys again soon....just let me catch up!

[mjt60a]

I'm glad to hear they arrived OK  
The whole 'work experience' thing sounds like fun - better than mine (unloading trucks in the warehouse of Toys 'R' Us and stacking the boxes)

[thewharfonline]

Yeh my work experience was sooooo good. I've decided to become a steam engineer when I 'grow up' so I guess that will beat all of you boys and your little steam engines. And anyone who hs issues with the type of engines we use I say "Na Na Nee Na Na" because they do the job needed, they're bloody brilliant and considering the size of the boats they take up about (at least) 60% of the lower deck.

Pevensey has a 20hp engine...can go up to 16 knots...if you go on a cruise on her shes basically just idaling
Adelaide has a 30-36 hp engine
Alexander Arbuthnot has a 4hp engine (yeh I know pretty pathetic!)
Ranger- 14 hp not bad...didn't get to cruise but was on board (Thanks Adam!)
Emmylou-16hp

Other notes...the A.A is very small...not enough room to swing a three foot log of redgum! Adelaide is HUGE in the stoking department and has an Aussie made boiler and engine...Pevensey really nice!

Oh and I can't wait to put together my wheels...but there's a bit going on at the moment...a garage sale! But all funds raised by this (of my products) shall go towrds buying a hull for my lake paddler (a real one!)

[thewharfonline]

Ok so I haven't updated for awhile but i'm on holidays now so I have some time to upload photos!

The A.A whats going on with her...well shes got some paint on her now and I've constructed the wheels Mick sent me and have started putting some paint onto them!

Below are the latest pictures of the model!

[thewharfonline]

Hopefully you should get your thing in the mail too Mick! I've sent it now...give me a sign when you do recieve it!

[mjt60a]

I'll look forward to its arrival, thanks very much  

[mjt60a]

Package was awaiting me when I got home from work tonight      
I've had a quick look and will read the book (about the PS Adelaide, everyone) fully at the weekend, thank you so much, it's just the thing I would have bought if I'd ever seen it in a shop  

[thewharfonline]

I'm glad that arrived well! Hope you enjoyed the book! I sure did...i bought it at the same time as yours!

Thanks again for the paddle wheels!

[thewharfonline]

I had to get the A.A 'ship shape' for my speech to the kids so I quickloy painted her up!

No part is stuck together yet...just all painted! (I haven't had the time to stick her all together and finish painting to my liking yet, but having the kit in pieces assisted in identifying the parts of a paddler for my speech!)

Take a look!

Sorry for the dark photos...I don't think the flashgun worked properly on the camera!