BILLING HJEJLEN

[dgp1957]

Guys I am getting this kit and was wondering how easy it is to motorise, has anyone built it with working paddles?

David

[Eddy Matthews]

Hi David,

Yes the Hjejlen can be made into a working model, but there are a number of problems with it.... First it's a small model with a narrow beam, so it must be built light or it will be unstable. The second major problem is that it's such an open boat, so it's difficult to hide all the working parts away! There is a rear cabin, but you cannot put everything in there or the bows will be pointing skywards!

So it needs very careful planning to get everything in, and as mentioned earlier, weight will be critical - Don't be afraid to ditch the kit parts in favour of lighter materials!

The kit is designed as a static model, so the paddlewheels are mounted on wooden dowels as an axle - Obviously that would need to be ditched in favour of a metal axle, although the paddlewheels themselves can be used. The rudder will also need to be dramatically increased in size to have any effect - That could just be an extra clip-on rudder which could be removed when the model was on display.

Finally, unless you have the optional fittings kit, there are a LOT of parts missing from the basic kit that will have to be fabricated.

I hope that helps a little?

Regards
Eddy

[dgp1957]

Thanks Eddy, yes it helps mate, I've not got the kit yet but the fittings kit is with it.
Have you any idea of conversion jobs for the boat?

David

[dgp1957]

Well got the kit and fittings, it looks a very nice model, but I think it is going to take me a while to get it finished (if ever  ), plank n frame and the paddles need to be cut out from the printed wood (should be fun )
Any ideas of any paddle wheel kits like the graupner one that could be suitable for this model guys?

David

[dgp1957]

Hi Eddy, just found on a thread that you have the kit as well, have you started building her yet?

David

[Eddy Matthews]

I made a start on the build a long time ago David, but I only ever intended making it as a static display piece. Mine is complete up to deck level, but it's sat in a corner of the room ever since..... One of these days it will get finished!

Eddy

[steamboatmodel]

Hands up all those who don't have an incomplete Billings Hjejlen. For years this kit was pedalled on novice builders as an easy beginners project, that it definitely is not. I still have my original kit unfinished (Hull to deck level) on a shelf in the basement, as well as another unstated kit with fittings. I have seen a few completed RC versions done of which only one really worked great, most suffered from too much top weight. When I eventually finish mine I will increase the hull depth by at least 1/2".
Regards,
Gerald.