paddle steamer

[clive 1958]

Hi, can anyone give me any ideas, im looking to build a nice looking but fairly simple paddle steamer any assistance appeciated 

[Mike Linward]

Hello,

If it is any help, I am looking to build my first PS and I am using the build instructions that came with Model Boats magazine - October 2007 to February 2008 - for PS Albion / Glen Rosa. I don't know how easy it will be, but it looks quite straight forward. I probably won't be starting this project until later in the year but I have already purchased most of the raw materials I shall need for the build. The detail of what is required, is contained in the articles.

Regards,

Mike

[Talisman]

Hi, probably the hardest part of a paddle steamer is the paddles so maybe start by using a set of Graupner paddles.

I would suggest that the scale of whatever you build be based on the scale of the graupner paddles if you decide to use them.
They are out of scale as used in Glen Rosa and Talisman as per the article (Depends on how accurate you require i guess.)
I only mention this as it is a lot of money to fork out if you didn't realise they weren't to scale.

More noticeable on the Talisman. The paddle box height is the same height as the superstructure which is obviously not as she was built.

Another alternative maybe to start with a kit, the PT Glasgow seems to be a favourite and is great if your not confident with a scratch build or fancy a tug (sorry did i swear) 

[Mike Linward]

My understanding is that the Graupner paddle set is to a scale of 1:40 whereas the Glen Rosa drawings and GRP hull are 1:48. In the Model Boats articles, due note is made of this fact and the paddle boxes are enlarged accordingly. There are no instructions as to how to make a paddle set to the correct scale, if the constructor so wishes, so I have gone along with the Graupner option. Incidentally, it is suggested the outer rims of the Graupner paddles are removed while being assembled but the article does not explain why. Is there a good reason for removing these rims?

Regards,

Mike

[Talisman]

There are 2 reasons that i can think of.

The first reason is the real Talisman had rimless paddlewheels.

The second reason is that even with the rims removed the wheels are still very big and out of scale. As i have said if true scale doesn't bother you they will be fine.


There is a set of Waverley wheel drawings that would be ideal in the downloads section if you want to make your own wheels at the correct size & scale.

[mjt60a]

....the Glen Rosa drawings and GRP hull are 1:48....There are no instructions as to how to make a paddle set to the correct scale....

I have this plan, it's actually the 'P.S. Albion' plan and still available as far as I know. It does include drawings of the paddlewheels (well, one, the other would be a mirror image...) if the builder wanted to make them. No 'instructions' but good enough to build a set if you had the tools....

I think the reason for removing the rims (from graupner wheels) was to make the wheels as small as possible, they are also often narrowed by cutting the edges of the floats away...

[djcf]

Mike,
Just to give you another option, I have the Albion plan, & scaled it up to 1:40, so the Graupner paddles will fit. Got this done years ago, and I think the paddles fitted the boxes without modifications if memory serves me right. Would mean building your own hull though.
I never did this build, & I have the 1:48 grp hull in storage for a future project.
If you fancy the 1:40 scale, I can do you a copy of the plan (unfortunately its on 2 sheets, need to tape them together)
regards
Clark

[djcf]

Meant to say, Glen Rosa, Albion and near sister Minerva had rims on their wheels.
Clark

[Talisman]

Mike,
Just to give you another option, I have the Albion plan, & scaled it up to 1:40, so the Graupner paddles will fit. Got this done years ago, and I think the paddles fitted the boxes without modifications
regards
Clark

She will be a great looking model with better stability at 1:40 and easier to make with Graupner paddles.

I must admit i hadn't thought of increasing the size of the pland - funny how the simple soloutions are some times the most difficult to think of 

[Mike Linward]

Clark,

Many thanks for the offer. I already have the plans for Albion at 1:48 together with the GRP hull at the same scale, so will probaby stick with that option. If necessary I can take the sheets to a local copying service and have them scaled up if I decide to go to 1:40. I'm not that bothered about an exact scale model but I take the point that the larger version would be more stable. I'm not sure my novice boat building skills would enable me to make a hull from scratch!

Regards,

Mike

[djcf]

If I remember right, I think the GRP hull is slightly increased in depth, compared to the plan, which should help stability, with slightly increased draught.
Clark

[Mike Linward]

Yes, from the construction notes in Model Boats, the GRP hull has been made 5/8" deeper which would give a draught of 1 7/8" when at working weight.

Regards,

Mike

[mjt60a]

How about the 'waverley' wheels,would those fit with the rims still in place?

[djcf]

Hi Mick
Yes the "Waverley Models" wheels will fit, I have a set sitting beside my hull waiting on me finishing other projects.
regards
Clark

[Ian McGhie]

Hi guys one way of reducing the Graupner paddles is to remove the outer rim at the rim only, so don't reduce in length of the arms that support it just yet.  Shave off the outer edges of the paddle floats. not too much.  Roll from brass wire a new outer rim, solder ends to form a ring.  Now reduce in length the rim supporting arms. You will need to measure the new outer diameter required depending on how much you have shaved off the floats and taking account of clearances. You could araldite the new rim on with thin brass shim straps bent over and glued either side of the supporting arm.
Assemble paddlewheel as per instructions.
Hope this gives food for thought.
Regards
Ian