small sidewheeler

[chas]

Hi I'm new to paddlers, but I've built a few other boats and ships, and I need some help.  
       I can't be the only one to have trouble keeping the peace with  the wife about the size of the model fleet, so the last few builds have been quite small, under 20 inches long, great for sailing on the garden pond, plus I enjoy making the small fittings in brass etc. My question is quite simple, has anyone made a successful sub 20" sidewheeler? and was it stable? Any hints and tips will be welcome.
    I was thinking of basing it on the old plans for ps royal falcon from the model maker plans of years ago, as I have a set of these lying around.
Chas

[ya33a]

Hi,

This link may help it's the engine and paddle wheels for the small scale paddler you wrote about

http://www.paddleducks.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1761&highlight=mamod

Check into it and see what you think

[chipmonk]

Hi Chas.
I have built quite a few smaller paddlers but not down to sub 20" size. How ever I have a few hint's for you.
If you are building the hull from scratch I suggest increasing the hull depth by at least 1/2 " because you are going to need the buoyancy.
Keep the superstructure as light as humanly possible. Also keep the paddles  light as well.
All the heavy bits, battery, motor etc get as low in the hull as you can. If you need any ballast. Put it under the hull before you paint it.
Lastly have you thought about a paddle launch. No superstructure to speak of (see photo).
I hope that I have helped a bit.
Cheers Chris

[tonyh]

Hi Chris,
            The paddle launch shown in your photograph looks excellent. Do you have any further details? is it from a plan, if so which, and where can it be obtained from, or is it a freelance design?
            I am like Chas, looking for a small 'kitchen table' build paddler, I did think about the W.Hobby 'P.S. Lady', after having discussions with Walter, this has been ruled out.

Thanks Tony

[chipmonk]

Hi Tony.
The small paddler photoed above is a conversion of the  "lady Janet" kit made by SHG marine. I attach a photo of the  model as designed. I sail them together as a pair, with the wife. My conversion is relatively straightforward but calls for a little careful cutting. The kits are all made from vacuumed molded plastic and my conversion is entirely from flat sheet styrene. If you would like further details please let me know and I will try to do some CAD drawings for you. But it may take some time to draw them. Got to work you know   :wink:
Cheers Chris.

[tonyh]

Hi again Chris,
                     Thanks for the information. I have contacted SHG today. This looks a worthwhile 'kitchen table' build.
                     I am looking for a small craft to build after having lost access to workshop facilities. Storage space for large craft is now out of the question. I have had to sell a Marblehead yacht, One metre yacht, 46" crash tender and various other craft.
                     Please do not produce any conversion drawings, the conversion looks straightforward. I am also like yourself, pressed for time having to keep a job.
                     The 'Lady Janets' look a credit to you.
                     What is even more interesting is my wife's name is Janet!!!

Thanks Tony

[chas]

Thanks guys for all the info. I realy like the launch, lots of presence on the water. Unfortunatly for me I'm halfway through building an edwardian style electric launch and don't realy fancy building another similar model so soon.
   The sugestions about balance make a lot of sense, I think I will give the Falcon a try, but I will probably not go too small, about  20 inches I think. I will certainly increase the hull depth, and keep the balast well down. I'll also use independent drives to the paddles useing pulleys for quietness so I can have some manouverability in a small space.  I enjoy making all the fittings so it will be a welcome change from what I am doing now, until I change my mind again!!!
 Chas