Irish Royal Mail Steamer Connaught build

[greateastern]

Hi Stuart,
I'm still sharpening my pencil and you've just about got the thing built. It takes me longer to make notes than for you to build it.  Looks great so far.
Seems to me that the model train folks have some black smoke stuff. Perhaps that would work for your 4 stacker.
dave

[Stuart Badger]

Hi PDs
Thanks for the interest everyone. The saga of the funnels continues. Ther have proved to be an absolute b*##h to make!

I'm reasonably satisfied with them but they need to be filled and sanded with wet and dry - sprayed again and when I'm happy they can be painted their final colour and have the safety valve steamn pipes added.

Here's a couple of pics of the progress so far. And YES! I know one of them is longer than the others - having trouble with my numbers again!

All the best

Stuart

[mjt60a]

...errr.. you know two of them are shorter than the others, right...
(the thin part, I mean)

[Eddy Matthews]

...errr.. you know two of them are shorter than the others, right...
(the thin part, I mean)

Anybody want to buy some scrap copper? 

Eddy

[mjt60a]

...or possibly their model is made to represent the ship at a different period (to yours) when it had different funnels...

[Stuart Badger]

Oh bum!

Now I had a major problem with this aspect of the model. The Laird model in the Science Museum is definitely wrong in many respects by comparison with the few photographs in existence. The drawings I have show all the funnel casings to be the same height (the funnels are all the same height on the Laird model BUT the casings extend above the upper deck level on the centre funnels and are about head height on the outer pair).
I made my funnels according to the drawings I have - and, you spotted the difference! I have to say looking at the funnels I have made and the Laird model again, perhaps I should have copied the model.

Sooooooo - I am going to make another set. This time I shall use plasticard. The copper was a pain to work with and I am not totally happy with them - they just aren't 'clean' enough. So back to the workshop - and Eddy, do you want some scrap copper?

All the best

Stuart

[derekwarner_decoy]

mmmmmmmmmmm PD's....what do you think?

On of the great difficulties here is the accuracy of plans........but when I see the latest photograph posted  = 'the flared funnel tops' being truely horizontal is the reference ......& from earlier snaps I would have assumed this could have been achieved from the four examples as built

0.010" copper shim .... I can relate to.... I can also relate to our "OZ Buttercup Bread" bakers horse drawn cart when I was a little younger 

Stuart....my vote would be to retain the 0.010" copper funnels........

Do a mock up  using the 'the flared funnel tops' being truely horizontal as the reference

You may find that 'plasticard' may well melt with black smoke  ....Derek

[Stuart Badger]

  Thanks Derek - I've decided on a compromise. I managed to get some PVC pipe today the correct size for the funnel base casings. I also managed to get the old funnels separated from their bases. So I will make new casings (of different heights as on the Laird model) and marry them to the copper funnels. The funnels are a bit fragile and starting to look a little 'distressed' so they are going to need some attention!
Mick - thanks for pointing out the error/difference. I had seen it but it was you that decided me to start again - thanks, really!   All the best

Stuart

[mjt60a]

...the funnels are all the same height on the Laird model BUT the casings extend above the upper deck level on the centre funnels...

that's how they are on the science museum one also, the 'thick part' (spark arrestor? this was discussed elsewhere if I remember...) passes through the cabins to the deck and is level (at the base) with the fore and aft - most funnels so that they are actually the same height - which is what I meant by 'the thin part'...
Just been looking for any pictures to show this
edit - ah, there's one of the front funnels...

[mjt60a]

They look(ed) pretty good anyway, is it not possible to just remake the thicker tube on two of them and move the flared bit upwards to above the upper deck?
you should see the first attempt at a 'plasticard' funnel on my model, I think I'll try fibreglassing over a cardboard tube from the kitchen towels... 

[Stuart Badger]

Hi PDs

With any luck I should have the funnels finished over the weekend. I decided to virtually re make them, just retaining the funnels themselves. I carefully took them apart and discarded the copper casings and caps. I made new casings and caps in PVC and made the funnel ventilator bases so I had a datum to work from. Carefuly numbering each funnel with its casing and base I assembled all four in the position they will take up on the model. All I have to do now is fix the rings on top of the casing cap to hide the gap between the funnel and the cap. The toothpicks in the picture are to keep the funnel in position in its casing while the glue sets. I can then prime sand and spray the completed funels.

I thought it might be fun to take the components I've made so far and lay them out on the workbench in the position they will finally be in on the model to get an idea of size etc.

Anybody want to buy a house boat?

More photos on Sunday I hope.

All the best

Stuart

[Eddy Matthews]

The funnels look much better Stuart....

Laying the components out on the bench definitely start to give an impression of the size the beast will be! I'll bet it will look magnificent on the water, but I'm not sure I'd like to carry it!!

Eddy

[Stuart Badger]

Thanks Eddy!

I think I shal have to arrange a one boat only paddleducks members event in Greece - all welcome having passed the 'can you lift 50kg test!'

Stuart

[Stuart Badger]

Hi PDs

I don't know if it's the same for you - but for me there is always one bit of any model I have ever made that proves to be an absolute, unmitigated PIG that just won't come right!

I am hoping that Conaught's funnels are that bit. I have finished them. They are acceptable - but only just. I guess after re-making, re-painting and generally fiddling and botching it was to be expected that they wouldn't be perfect. I think they'll do for now. Any way I don't want to spend any more time on them - I'm going to play with some wood for a bit!

I have attached some pics - your opinions, criticsisms and comments (bad OR good) would be appreciated.

All the best
Stuart

[Eddy Matthews]

They look perfect to me Stuart - If I could turn out something like that I'd be extremely happy!

Sometimes you can become over critical of your own models - You know where the minor faults and imperfections are, so they stand out like a sore thumb, but no-one else is ever likely to notice them!

Regards
Eddy