Suter paddlewheel

[Eddy Matthews]

I've almost finished making the paddlewheel for my model of the Suter sternwheel towboat..... It still needs some final detailing, but for a first attempt I think it's turned out quite well - certainly a damned sight better than I thought it would! :-)

[Eddy Matthews]

I forgot to mention that over 170 seperate parts and 5 days work went into making it!

And before anyone asks, I meant to take some photos of the various stages of construction, but I got that involved with the thing that I forgot all about photos! Sorry!

[mjt60a]

It looks perfect  

[Khephre]

Fantastic effort Eddy! Obviously far too much time on your hands!

How have you secured the wheel to the shaft - glued?

Tony

[Eddy Matthews]

Thanks guys... The wheel isn't fixed to the shaft yet, but will probably be glued using Stabilit Express. Once that's set up I don't think it will move...

[derekwarner_decoy]

hi Eddie - in this snap & also DSCF00021, I cannot see any supporting reinforcement for the wheel mass & load below the extended rear transom level [but have little if any knowledge of stern wheeler construction]

Will additional support structure be added below the transom or is it a part of the structure that will grow above deck?? - Derek

[Eddy Matthews]

hi Eddie - in this snap & also DSCF00021, I cannot see any supporting reinforcement for the wheel mass & load below the extended rear transom level [but have little if any knowledge of stern wheeler construction]

Will additional support structure be added below the transom or is it a part of the structure that will grow above deck?? - Derek

There is a small triangular support under the deck (yet to be fitted), and there is also some metal framework above the deck which supports the paddlewheel bearing - This framework has bracing bars that are attached to the rear of the superstructure to support the weight of the wheel.  I'm in the process of making those bits now, so you should see the results in a few days. Then it's onto the drive system....

[gbritnell]

Hi Eddy,
I haven't visited the new Paddleducks site since it's inception when I loaded pictures of my paddler the Suter. It looks like a great site now. I'm glad to see that you finally got started on the Suter. It looks great so far. When I sent you the drawings I mentioned that if you ever needed any further information all you had to do is ask. The offer is still open. Best of luck with the remainder of the construction
George

[Eddy Matthews]

Hi Eddy,
I haven't visited the new Paddleducks site since it's inception when I loaded pictures of my paddler the Suter. It looks like a great site now. I'm glad to see that you finally got started on the Suter. It looks great so far. When I sent you the drawings I mentioned that if you ever needed any further information all you had to do is ask. The offer is still open. Best of luck with the remainder of the construction
George

Hi George,

Great to see you back with us!

I've been building the Suter for the last 4 or 5 weeks now, and have to admit it's been one of the most enjoyable models I've ever built! I have altered some bits and pieces on the boat, to make it work as an RC model the hull was deepened, and I simplified the paddlwheel - Your drawings show 14 floats which was going to be a pain to construct, so I changed it to 16 floats. All the small windows on the sides of the rear superstructure will either not be added, or they will just have dummy window frames and have the glazed area painted black - I just couldn't face cutting them all out! :-) The last change I made (I think?) was the "H" towing bollard at the front of the boat... This has been enlarged so it will be strong enough to take a real tow at a later date.

In fact I've enjoyed the whole process so much that my next build is already lined up - A model of the sidewheel paddler "Glen Sannox". My good friend Walter Snowdon has managed to source some drawings for the boat, so I have no excuses for not building it now! :-)