The Rufus B II

[Rufus B II]

I have determined that the 2nd deck is about 6" thick, which translates to scale in mm to 6.3mm. So, I put series of "shims" on the deck to make a carefully-spaced "plywood-like" sandwich-- without wasting the wood or increasing the weight. I wish I had taken pictures along the way but I'm sure you get the idea. Heck, there is probably even a term for it of which I am unaware. You'll see it in the pics. Also, I found some stuff at a local craft shop that perfectly replicates window screen, which is on all the windows on the first deck and about 1/2 of them on the second deck. I have to custom craft each window for each window hole-- hence the numbered scotch tape on the backside. What you see in the 2nd pic is a completed window with the screen in place. The first pic is port side with three windows in place. I am also making a couple mounting plates for the motor so I can adjust the belt tension. That's about it for now.

[Rufus B II]

I added some detail and  I have begun to remove the temporary crossmembers. To hold the sides of the cabin in square I'm using 90 degree angles attached to the walls and "deck mounts" (square wooden dowel rods attached to the bottom of the walls I'll later use to secure the cabins to the decks.

[Eddy Matthews]

It's certainly starting to look the part now.... Good job!

Just as a matter of interest, where did you get the fire axe from, or did you make it yourself? I've been looking for a source for those for a while!

[Rufus B II]

I carved the axe out of a strip of scrap basswood. I made the gang plank out of a paint stirrer, the boat hook (many people around here call it a "libby pole") out of coat hanger wire and a hand-carved hook. I will probably carve the cleats, the anchor, and many other details. Just depends on what I come across.

[Rufus B II]

I have pretty much finished the 2nd deck and cabin. Some fit and finish, painting, detail and other work remains but here are some pics of "the Roof" coming together! Honestly guys and gals, this project is turning out better than I had ever envisioned. Next I am contemplating the "Princess Margy" but that comes later-- as in several months. Google it if you want. Super great paddler with a split wheel, jacuzzi, and hydrostatic drive! Great lines and intricate wrought iron trim- stuff- whatever the hell you call it. Only thing is I can't just go down the street and take photos and measurements in the middle of the night. We'll see where that one goes.

Without further delay...... The Roof is ON FIRE!

[Rufus B II]

Getting the job done!

[Rufus B II]

[Rufus B II]

I am bench testing the drive train to work out the bugs before I put it into the boat.
Here's a video on youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ye2ooRd0lG4

[Eddy Matthews]

I've been trying to view the video for nearly an hour, and all I get is the following message

The video you have requested is not available.

If you have recently uploaded this video, you may need to wait a few minutes for the video to process.

[Eddy Matthews]

Ignore my previous message, two hours after you posted it I eventually got it to load!

Seems like you have a system that will be usable...

[Rufus B II]

Well, I took the Roof on her maiden voyage today. She isn't finished-- a long way from it. I'm down to detail work because I now have the drive and steering functioning. I took her down to the marina across the river to try her out. She carrys exactly right in the water without ballast! A pleasant and unplanned surprise no doubt... total luck! I did learn that some adjustment in the gearing may be warranted but perhaps not. Once she gets moving, she is moving at a decent clip. It just takes a bit to get her going and she is slow to stop. In addition, steering is not all that crisp. She starts turning slowly and once she gets going she turns pretty sharply and likewise is slow and hard to get going straight again. I guess that's what you get with a long, heavy vessel that steers from the stern only.

I now understand why the real riverboat has monkey rudders. I would not want to pilot a 70 ton vessel at 6-8 knots that handled like that. So now, I need to install the monkey rudders and make them funtional. I'll wrap that under detail work as the main rudders were tough enough to route.

[herrmill]

How's that Rufus B II coming along?  

Since we're both from West 'BY GAWD!' Virginia, I thought I'd ask how you're coming along with that sternwheeler.   I passed through Charleston twice last December but didn't have time to stop through & say hello.

One thing is certain is that I am sure that your progress will be lightning fast compared to when my DQ project once I get the kit back here in early June.  

Regards,

Chuck

[Rufus B II]

I have not worked on the Roof for a while now but I'm starting up again next week. Anyway, for those of you who toy with Google Earth, you can actually see the Rufus here:
Latitude:  38°23'29.89"N
Longitude: 81°49'42.33"W

and here is my humble home down the street:
Latitude:  38°23'40.63"N
Longitude:  81°49'54.15"W

Also, interesting note-- I saw the Lady Lois the other day in the Kanawha River-- still in service pushing a barge with a crane on it. There is a picture of a model of the Lady Lois that pops up on the Paddleducks homepage sometimes. I still don't know who built that model or if it is a static or working.

[Eddy Matthews]

Also, interesting note-- I saw the Lady Lois the other day in the Kanawha River-- still in service pushing a barge with a crane on it. There is a picture of a model of the Lady Lois that pops up on the Paddleducks homepage sometimes. I still don't know who built that model or if it is a static or working.

The photo on our homepage is of TowboatJoe Brown's model of the Lady Lois - It's most definately a working model. I'm sure Joe will give more details if you want them...

[towboatjoe]

Been a while since I've been by the site. Lot's of things going on right now. If you want to see more pics of the Lois model go to this link
http://www.towboatjoe.com/lois.htm