Yet another newbie!

[Dickie735]

Dare I say "Evening All" well I am a long retired "Bobbie". Now fully retired I am becoming more active in the modelling field. I remember when I was a lad my dad had a couple of free running steam models that we used to sail on Hove Lagoon. I have built working models of many kinds over the years and had recently returned to serious model flying. With others in a local model shop, we were bemoaning the lack of flying weather this year. Someone chipped in that that was why they had gone over to model boats and advised me of where one can sail at virtually any time. Although I now live in Lincoln, I started life in Sussex and made regular day trips to The Isle of White, frequently crossing on a paddle steamer I can just about remember seeing paddle steamers calling at the piers in the Sussex resorts and they do hold a certain fascuination for me. I have discovered a drawing of the PS Brittania and propose starting work on the model soon. This site and forum apear to be just what I am looking for.
Hoping I have not waffled on for too long.

Best regards to all
"Dickie"

[Eddy Matthews]

Welcome to Paddleducks Dickie....

You've certainly stumbled across the "home" of many steam and paddler fanatics, so hopefully you'll fit right in and soon learn who we all are. We're a quiet forum, but a friendly one, as I hope you'll soon realise, and we're always here to help wherever we can...

We have a few ex-bobbies in our membership, but we don't hold that against them! 

Regards
Eddy

[Red_Hamish]

Hello there Dickie, welcome aboard the best paddle forum on the web   ask away with any questions that you may have and there'll definitely be an answer forthcoming from our learned members. Waffling on is welcome on the site there are many who do and even they are appreciated  

cheers

Jim

[Tug--Kenny]

Hi Dickie

Welcome to Paddleducks. A good choice of hobby (as I've found out). 

We are a group of of 'like minded individuals' who appreciate the finer points of Paddle craft. Here, you will find most of the answers to your questions. I hope you are planning on constructing one, and would be interested in any pictures of your build, as you go along. You may like to start with a partially completed one on Ebay, as referred to by Eddy.

Now that you have the time, you will find there is plenty to browse through on here.

All the best

ken

[derekwarner_decoy]

Hi PD's....&  Dickie.......we first fleet Convict stock out here in OZ often miss the olde country & that is why they have exported programmes like "The BILL".....to remind us of the land we left & the wonderful new land  we found

When you were in service...did you know PC Reg Hollis?........ ...anyway as Eddy & Jim have said .....welcome on board

You will not regret joining PD's...........regards Derek.....

[Walter Snowdon]

Hi Dickie. Itoo am a retired bobby but I have never let this lot get me down. Just keep up the superior air and give them a quick kick now and then ! So, you are building the Brittania- Which plan are you working from ? Is it the model boats magazine plan, about 42 inches long with a modified Mamod steam engine for power?. If so, I think you will find the magazine construction article in the downloads section. If it is that plan, I have been searching for a copy of that plan for a long time! I loaned my copy to a retired prison officer living in - you guessed it -LINCOLNSHIRE - who never returned It!! If it is that plan, whats the chance of a copy or photo copy- I will reimburse any costs Or swap you for another paddler plan ( I have plenty to choose from !!) A great welcome to you from one of the friendliest model sites there is. If you have any( Model) problems, dont hesitate to get in touch.  Regards, Walter.

[Fred Graham]

Hi Dickie,

May I offer my welcome to you also. I too am a 'very newbie' but I have felt very welcome from my first post. The colonial natives get a bit restless now and again but you can always rely on good banter and they thrive on it.

I have just been reading a post from California by Randy, who has been reporting, quite casually, an earthquake. Can you believe it, the Oz and Kiwi folks all just pass it off like 'SO WHAT'.

Thank god for simple rain!

All the best, Fred Graham

[Dickie735]

Many thanks for the kind and generous welcome. Sorry for the delay in responding. I have been away for a while also I had difficulty in finding my way around. Daft really when I realised where I was going wrong.
The "Brittania" drawing that I have is that wich was intended for the Mamod steam plant but I intend using electric power, initially at any rate. Unfortunately the drawing is appallingly faded and discoloured .I have inked over the most essential elements but would not wish it any one else. I see that it is still available from plans suppliers and may have to replace it eventually.
I was a bit daunted by the fancy fretting on the paddle box sides but with patience and a sharp scalpel they were not that bad to cut from liteply.
I'll let you know how things go.
Thanks again for the warm welcome.