Hello from a new member.

[edward]

Hi,
Just joined this forum. I have been building model boats on and off for abour thirty years but still feel like a beginner! I built a PBM Paddle steamer years ago but it wasn't all that successful- used to steam round in circles waving one paddle in the air. I think the paddle boxes used to get stuck on the surface. I have often thought of building another paddler and now have a bit more time. I'm attracted to the paddle tug Iona from the Nexus plans but can't find much supplementary information. However, do members think this would make a successful model at around 20lb weight with independent electric drive? I have always been fond of the boat since reading FC Hambleton's book years ago. I won't ask any more questions as I'm sure that many will be answered after a longer look through previous postings. These forums don't half cut into building time!
Best wishes all,
edward.

[Eddy Matthews]

Nice to see you've joined us Edward...

I can't comment on the Iona particularly, but tugs do make very practical  models. They have a relatively short length and a good beam, so stability issues are much less likely to be a problem than on a sleek (and narrow beamed) passenger vessel.

I hope someone who has built a similar tug will jump in and give you some more detailed help, but for now welcome to Paddleducks... I hope you'll keep us informed on how the build goes in due course.

[edward]

Thanks for the welcome Eddy.  
I'm sure that I will find this forum enjoyable and informative. I have already learnt a lot in the couple of days I have been reading. It seems to be a very civil affair which is not something you can take for granted. I think I will have a crack at the Iona. As you say she has quite a deep and heavy hull compared with passenger paddlesteamers. A friend of mine built a lovely Bournemouth Queen but hardly used her as she was so prone to breezes. He eventually fitted a lead from an old metre boat on a short fin which has improved things no end and we see quite a lot of her now. I think Iona  will look fine with her two funnels and perhaps twin smoke generators.
Best wishes
edward.