Styrene paddlewheels Circular mounting for Tipstaff

[Red_Hamish]

Hello all, as you will now no doubt be aware the Tipstaff palns are being well and truly used to construct my own interpretation of the Model Boats magazine version. The paddlwheels outlined in their article appeared to be an easy make project within themselves. First I cut out the 2 backing dicscs which everything appertains to. Next stage was to make the 16 floats (8 each) and the outer circular discs then I ran out of 2mm thick styrene sheet. Progress so far is Ok and here is the photo showing stage 1 of construction.

cheers

Jim

[tonyh]

Hi Jim,
         I have just started to build the "Phantom" which was a free plan with last months Model Boats Mag. Looking at your photograph Glynn has used a similar design of paddlewheel for this, his latest craft. The paddle shaft is 3mm dia. to suit the Maplins crownwheel (part of the worm drive set). What diameter of paddle shaft has he used on the "Tipstaff"? I am concerned that the 3mm paddle shaft is on the small size, for a 30" long hull. The hull is of lightweight construction design which Glynn has mastered over the years. I may be going 'over the top' if I was to increase the shaft diameter.

Thanks
Tony

[Red_Hamish]

Hi tony, glynn used a different method in the "Tipstaff" from the "Phantom"Because of the beam of the hull on PT T the use of independent motors is employed. Withthe paddlewheels simply mounted onto the motor shafts. The ones which were recommended were of 4mm dia output shaft. Unfortunately they are difficult to obtain. I went down the road of the MFA Motors range and chose ones which gave 150 rpm on 6v. I am presently at the stage of getting everything lined up and have them ready to epoxy a spinner adaptor from the aircraft arena to the paddlewheels. This then mounts onto the gearbox output shaft on the motor which is pushed throught the hull sides. When I get it back out of the box onto the workbench I'll take some photos for you.

Hope this helps a bit

cheers

Jim

[oldie]

Jim, I am using the Phantom drive system as a guide on my scratch-built PT Iona.   I look forward to your photos.   Pete (Oldie)