Open launch nearly complete

[GreeboTheCat]

Getting down to the nitty gritty on my Alexandre launch so I thought I would drop in a couple of pics before dropping it into the pond  Just got to finish off the reversing mechanism and the whistle activator and she's hot to trot.

[Red_Hamish]

Hello there GreeboTheCat, very nicely turned out. I hope your maiden sail goes well, looking forward to the photos of the proud moment.

cheers

Jim

[derekwarner_decoy]

Hi PD's...& hey Greebo..... ..Alexandrina looks great....will she have a water line ...line? .....regards

[GreeboTheCat]

The white line IS the water line....... not much freeboard.......... only kiddin . I was gonna wait until she's got a full load, water, coal, picnic basket, etc and then do it. When I first floated her in the bath, she was very sensitive to rolling but about a kilo of lead in the bilges and she's rock steady now but still with a good freeboard. For a fairly small boat, she is dammed heavy though

[derekwarner_decoy]

Oh dear PD's....sounds like our RED Hamish......has consumed a litttttttle too much PLONK when he suggests

 hope your maiden sail goes well..when the vessel does not have any sails

 .....Greebo....please post a few snaps of the engine & boiler & gas tank setup

  Jim...couldn't resist the challanage ......

[GreeboTheCat]

The missus has just got a new digi camera so as soon as I figure out how the macro setting works, I'll oblige. I don't feel quite so bad about showing pictures of the internal workings of this project unlike the Trent whose insides looked like a "rats nest". Being an open launch, I had to think a tad more carefully about how to route everything out of sight, servos, battery and Rx all tucked out of sight, if you look very carefully, you might just see the on/off switch alongside the steering wheel. (couldn't think what the proper terminology was  ) As for the pipework, I think it looks quite pretty, shame to lag it but I guess I'll have to eventually. Wish I could get hold of a wee galvanised bucket to hang under de oiler. The figure that came with the Krick kit was a complete disgrace, looked like one of the Mysterons, so I'm looking for a suitable figure to dress up as I.K. Brunel seeing as it's steam powered.

[Eddy Matthews]

Approx what scale is the model?

Dolls house suppliers do some great figures in full period dress, mainly Edwardian era, at 1:12 and 1:16 scale..... Could be worth checking out if they are suitable?

[GreeboTheCat]

Scale is 1:10 so I don't suppose the 1:12 figures would look too out of place. I'll do a Google search.

[Red_Hamish]

Hello all, Greebo as previously mentioned the inaugural  voyage, whether under sail or not  is eagerly anticipated.
Sorry about this Greebo but the Derek chappie has got to be told  don't insult a Scotsman, RED Hamish......has consumed a litttttttle to much PLONK .  I refute the allegation that any PLONK is consumed, it is always aged to at least 10 years  and comes from the grain rather than the grape! Single Malt is the only way to go and it is a good way to go  Dalwhinnie 15yo is the present acquired taste 

Of course all this is said in jest chaps
 


Jim

[clifforddward]

Great looking launch Greebo!...please do give us some close up photos when you have the camera sorted out...I am planning a yacht tender launch based on a Kingston Mouldings hull and have been anxiously studying every engine/boiler layout I can get my eyeballs on....your's looks to be a well thought out and neatly executed example...
Regards,
Cliff

[GreeboTheCat]

A few more closeups of the gubbins. I was nearly hoisted by my own petard last night when I tried to access the Rx to change over one of the servos. I had hidden it so carefully under the bulhead and then fitted the seats in - I couldn't get at it anymore  Took several attempts with bent wire and tweezers before I managed to swap the servos but if the Rx ever packs up, it will be radical surgery to replace it 

[derekwarner_decoy]

Hey PD's &  ...Greebo...all looking super  great..wish I had the time to progress as you have   


One little point......we both have the same steam regulator valve & whilst I have the greatest respect for the manufacturer... ...I found I lost tension within the steam control arm to valve spindle ... a combination of arm gap closure & stretch in the brass BA tensioning screw

So to resolve this I used a 2-56 Grade 10.9 socket head cap screw & a few extra Dubro bits as shown ...again.... build & post some snaps on the water

regards

[Eddy Matthews]

Only one thing to say Greebo.....

Gorgeous!......

[clifforddward]

Outstanding model Greebo...with a very nice layout of the steam plant and controls.

A couple of questions:

   1) Who is the source for the regulator?  Looks like a size that may fit a stationary steam plant I am working on.

   2) What woods are you using for the contrasting interior vertical ribs?  Did you steam bend the ribs before installation?

Regards,
Cliff

[GreeboTheCat]

Many thanks for your kind comments fellas, much appreciated.
In answer to the query about wood used for the contrasting ribs; I used mahogony and lime which I picked up at the Leamington boat show last year and they were thin enough not to need steaming, just wedged betwen the bulwarks and the deck and dab of cyano. Halfway through I was beginning to wish I hadn't started but was glad I did when finished. Even the missus was impressed!
The R/C steam regulator is from ACS.
The big question running through my mind at the moment is.... What next? I keep thinking "well this is a paddler site so I ought to do a paddler". I've not been struck by the kits on the market but I don't fancy a complete scratch build. Should I go for stern wheeler or sidewinder? decisions, decisions...