Paper boat no.2 gets 'fitted out'....

[mjt60a]

I decided as I'm not able at the moment, to continue with 'Freshwater', I'd do something with those paper hulls I was experimenting with.
Hull number 2 (the tug-shape one) now has all necessary electrics fitted and everything seems to work - despite my 'heath-robinson' independant drive setup! Just need to make a new set of wheels and paddleboxes to try it in water;
 

I'll be interested to see how it actually performs in the lake  :

[mjt60a]

....well, I've assembled the new (correct size) paddlewheels and attached the paddleboxes and some 'coamings' around the openings and tried it in the indoor test tank under full radio control....
I have to say, despite being a bit of a lash-up (hull made of newspaper, home made speed control etc. - pretty much everything's made from junk) it performs superbly!!!!
It's much more stable than the PBM model I have and seems to have power to spare (for towing, emergency stop, fighting strong winds)
Next step is to try it on the lake  
(note, no longer the 'seasick' smily face! )

[Eddy Matthews]

Got any photos after the mods were done Mick?

[mjt60a]

Not just yet, I'll take some tomorrow...

[mjt60a]

Here it is, not much to see really until I make the superstructure and finish the bulwarks....

[mjt60a]

...the show so far;

[Eddy Matthews]

Now I have to say that I like this one Mick - It has real character!

A suberb job!

[mjt60a]

Update on this boat; I've been working on it 'in the background' and building a carrying case during dinner hours at work. There's still a few details to add, decking on the sponsons with lifeboats on, rail capping all around, some rigging thread, the tow hook etc - and I'm thinking of adding a wheelhouse when the telegraphs and binnacle are in place - also add an on/off switch probably concealed under a hinged skylight...but, it's working and if the weather's OK I expect to get a test run done next weekend  

[mjt60a]

Well, I finally did get a short test run on friday in the park at southend-on-sea.......
...the fact that no other models were sailing should have been enough of a clue as to conditions on the water (that and the way the 'real' yachts and fishing boats were pitching about at their moorings!) but having brought it all the way there, I figured it was all or nothing time.
To this little 24 inch model, the 20mph-or-so wind was like a force ten storm and it required full power to even make headway. After only 2 or 3 minutes, the rain started lashing down as well and I was soon drenched so had to admit defeat, put away my boat and take the train home but at least I've learned a thing or two...
The paddlewheels work superbly (the same type I sold a pair of on ebay last year)
The boat didn't capsize - the PBM paddler would have in this weather, it doesn't do well in even the slightest breeze!
It also doesn't sink (providing the hull doesn't get damaged anyway) even if the deck is awash with water, none gets inside as access hatches for batteries and maintenance are air-tight like I've seen on racing yachts and subs. The only 'weak point' would be the rudder connection but the boat would have to be submerged already for water to get inside.
So, I'm now looking forward to a DRY and CALM day so I can video it in action - maybe towing something  

[mjt60a]

...will I ever get decent weather AND a day off!
Oh well, the model as it now looks...

[Eddy Matthews]

Looks good to me mate, it will be interesting to see how it performs on the water...

[mjt60a]

Other than some railings, lifeboats and (non-operational) navigation lights, it's more or less complete. Haven't decided wether to glue that wheelhouse on or leave it open, anyhow I was hoping to give it a try this week (as I have the week off) but the forecast doesn't look good....
...I think if worst comes to worst, I'll take it to work with me one day and try it in the paddling pool on the beach in the lunch hour (I work at shoeburyness) - I think it should be OK in sea water... :?

[mjt60a]

Well, looks like my prayers were answered - weather today was perfect for a trial run!
...see 40 seconds of it here - http://youtube.com/watch?v=SJV4T_awvl8 - it worked perfectly! only criticism is that the drive is a bit noisy (it's the same setup as in the model boats mag 'Phantom' blockade runner, but two side by side for independent drive) course, you won't hear it as my camera doesn't have sound when on the video setting........
....it's a bit shaky too as I was trying to drive the boat with my left hand only and work the camera with the other!

[Eddy Matthews]

It look like it performs very well Mick - So all the hard work has been worth it!

We just need a few more :camera when it's all complete now....

[mjt60a]

It has been worth it, yes, I'll see if I can make a few more of the fittings and finish the railings this week (before I have to go back to work and have no spare time again...)
must see about getting a 'proper' video camera too so I can record more than 40 seconds of action...