Lulonga Build

[Barrie]

Hi there, I've not been around this Forum for a while as I've been building non-paddlers, but have just started (at last) my build of Lulonga.

I was struggling with the wheels and didn't want to start building until I knew that I could make acceptable wheels. Despite following the advice on this Forum I never managed to cut the rings to my satisfaction, then I saw a Lulomga where the builder had used straight joiners between the spokes and I am now well advanced in the build.

Incidentally, when I started thinking about this build I tried to source the ABS hull that Model Boats originally produced, but couldn't locate one, so scratch built mine. Last night looking at the MB Plans web site what do I find listed - Lulonga

There is a build report on the Mayhem Forum.

Barrie

[Red_Hamish]

Hello Barrie, that is an excellent matched pair  of paddle wheels. They look very authentic too for the type of  craft that Llulonga was. The boat itself is rather attractive and the bonus u
is the unususal layout of the wheels.The ones you have crafted will more than do justice to it. Please share the photos of your scratch built hull.

cheers

Jim

[kno3]

Barrie, those paddlewheels look very nice. I'll save this for future reference, as I might be building a paddler as well.

[andy]

What kind of a paddler is this Llulonga???

Some pictures? I was not able to find some.

Andy

[Dinosaursoupman]

Hey Andy,

Go to the downloads section, go to magazines, look for Model Boats articles and it's in the Decmber 1994 issue.

Randy

[mjt60a]

There was one on ebay recently...http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/R-C-PADDLE-STEAMER-SCRATCH-BUILT-LARGE_W0QQitemZ320285194391QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item320285194391&_trkparms=72%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14.l1318

[Eddy Matthews]

And guess what Mick..... That one on Ebay was won by one of my fellow clubmates, so it's new home is now Darlington & District MBC

Eddy

[mjt60a]

that's good to hear, not a bad price either for all that's included

[Barrie]

I am documenting my build on the Mayhem web site. This is the link to the topic

http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=12226.0

There are some photos of the hull and the wheels. I have now sorted out the motors for this - 2 MFA 919D 50:1. I will be driving them with an ACTion P94 dual ESC and mixer combined, no rudder - initially! Dave Metcalfe said the original didn't need a rudder with independent motor control so I'll give it a go.

I must stress that the idea for building the wheels was not my own - copied from a member of, I think, the Hartshorne Club in Lincolnshire.

Barrie

[Barrie]

Just a little update. The model is now nearing completion. I have changed the motors to MFA 950D - they are smaller than the 950s so easier to fit in.

I do have one problem to solve. On the stern of the vessel the drawings show some louvers. Its not clear if these are just decoration, or if they serve some purpose. If anyone has one of these, or can shed some light on this I would be grateful. I will eventually fit them, but I'm not sure if I should cut a hole in the stern to fit them in or just mount them on the surface.

Photos show current status, although not all the components are fixed yet.

Barrie

[Eddy Matthews]

I have no idea what the louvres were like on the real boat Barrie, but all I can say is that every model I've seen of the Lulonga had them fitted, and on the water they do let a lot of water through - So I assume they help to prevent hydraulic locking of the paddleboxes....

Regards
Eddy

[Barrie]

The model is now finished - as a static model I still have to install the motors etc, but the objective of having it ready for the Leamington show is achieved. I have not yet fitted the 'louvres' at the stern. I'm hoping to find some more models of Lulonga at Leamington and see how they have been made. As Lulonga is a figment of Dave Metcalfe's imagination, I am not sure if they actually fitted to this type of vessel or just looked nice when Dave was doing the drawing There are a number of improbable details on the model, so maybe the louvres are another

Thanks Eddy - just seen your comment as I was about to post this.


Barrie

[Barrie]

OK -I give in

I have now added the louvres, and the Life Rings on the bridge that I had forgotten. I just need to add the electrics, but need to buy a new radio set first. I am planning to research the 2.4ghz sets at the Leamington Show.

Barrie

[Eddy Matthews]

I got to meet up with Barrie for a short while down at the Warwick model boat show on saturday.... Fortunately he spotted me, as I was doing my normal thing, and walking around with my eyes closed!!

I got to see his Lulonga in the flesh, and I have to say that the photos Barrie has posted don't do the model justice, it has to be one of the nicest models of Lulonga that I've seen - So well done mate, let us know how it goes once you get it on the water...

Regards
Eddy

[Barrie]

Thanks Eddy

When you're stuck on a stand you keep your eyes open for friendly faces to accost for a chat

I bought a new 2.4Ghz set at the show and when I get my model back - tomorrow I hope - I will finish fitting her out. I don't think I will get her on the water before April however.

Barrie