The "Monarch" build

[chipmonk]

Hi Eddy. Yes you are correct the drive shaft is slightly high. There are two reasons for this. Firstly I did not have access to that photo when I drew up the drawings . And secondly when I looked at the photo's of her it struck me that the paddles went below the waterline a very long way. I have found that models with deep set paddles tend to to be a little unstable, tending to dig in. So I used a little "artistic licence".
That is why I always try to test as early in construction as I can. As you put it, it can easily be changed now. We shall soon see.
Cheers for the advice Chris M

[Eddy Matthews]

Good man Chris, I had a feeling there would be a simple explanation for it....

I agree wholeheartedly about testing as early as possible, it's one thing I always try to do, especially with a paddler. Not only can you get an idea of how it will perform, but it also allows you to judge accurately how much weight you have to play with and still end up with a stable model.

I'm looking forward to watching the build as you progress, as I really like the Monarch and may have a go at my own version at a later date....

Regards
Eddy

[chipmonk]

Hi guys, well as promised the beasty has gotten her hull wet and the results are "promising". The temporary paddles worked fine (I am still going to increase the blade area though). What shocked me was the amount of ballast that I had to use to get her to the water line. 2x 6V 10AH gel cells, 3x 6v 3AH gel cells, all my lead offcuts and three bags of lead shot that I use for trimming .
The drive was too slow on six volts so I ran her on twelve. The motor pulls just 0.25 amps on load so I will have plenty of spare capacity for any extra effects that I care to install. The foreman was a bit peeved that I got in the way of her sushi bar (goldfish pond) . Still I buy her cat food.
What next? well the paddle boxes I think, then to sort out the battery and electrics positions then off to the lake for her maiden voyage. I must find out her turning circle. If its too big then I will have to install the second motor and drive. Then make up a rudder operated switcher to cut the inboard paddle. That should tighten the turns. I just can't get on with independent throttles or proportional mixers.
Cheers Chris M

[Eddy Matthews]

The foreman seems to have her own shopping bag ready to pick up her dinner from the sushi bar - clever moggy!

I'm not sure about the blue skirt you appear to be wearing in the last shot though Chris!

Seriously, it looks like your getting there.... Now onto the interesting bits to make her look like the real thing.

Regards
Eddy

[chipmonk]

I am not sure about "clever moggy". She sits right on the edge of the pond and gets confused because her tail gets sopping wet . Defiantly "blond".
As to my alleged blue skirt that's the Boss . Mine is beige .
I think I had better sign off before I make a total twit of myself.
Cheers Chris M 

[chipmonk]

Hi all, well the beast had her maiden voyage yesterday and the results were "interesting". I was going to take some shots of her gliding gracefully across our club lake but the weather nearly finished her off . as she is, she steers like a block of concrete and has all the speed of ,well a block of concrete. As a result when the wind grabbed her she crabbed across the lake and would not come round . Only making any headway when the gust eased. Needless to say I had my hands full and did not get any photo's.
To help the power problem, I have upped the supply voltage to 18v and increased the rudder throw. Next test will be in calmer conditions.
If I get the time I will post a couple of shots to show my progress.She is looking like a paddler at last with a funnel and the rear saloon fitted.
Cheers Chris M

[Eddy Matthews]

Just minor teething troubles Chris, so don't be disheartened!!

I'm looking forward to the photos so we can see how she's looking....

Regards
Eddy

[monarch]

The real one doesn't do that.....honest!!!

Took her out in an F9 a few weeks ago, keep trying and I'm sure you'll crack it in the end!!

[R.G.Y.]

Is she still clonking? Captain sir. R.G.Y.

[chipmonk]

Hi all, as promised a couple of photo's to show how she is progressing. She is beginning to get that steamer character.
As you can see the laser cut parts for the paddles have arrived and I have started to assemble them. Mind you it takes longer to make the jigs than it does to assemble the paddles. But it is worth it.
Next back to the lake to see if the drive mods have made a difference to the handling. I must remember to check the wind speed first .
Cheers Chris M

[Eddy Matthews]

This will probably only make any sense to UK members, but why is it that the paddlewheel frames remind me of the Isle of Man?

Looking good though!

Eddy

[Talisman]

Ok, (Hands up  you know why i ask \ see other posts )
Your method of paddle wheel construction looks like it will work well, however I'm interested in trying to produce a paddle wheel set for commercial sale and would be very interested in your reasoning / choice of construction.

She does seem toi be coming along nicely.
Regards
Kim

[steamboatmodel]

This will probably only make any sense to UK members, but why is it that the paddlewheel frames remind me of the Isle of Man?

Looking good though!

Eddy

It does look like the Running Man.
Regards,
Gerald.

[monarch]

I'm pleased to say that there is no clonking!!  Twas a simple case of replacing a set of flexible coupling in the end!

There are other issues though, which I will put on a separate post.

[chipmonk]

Hi all. Things have been a little quiet on the build recently. I'm afraid "life" just got in the way again.
However a bit of progress has been squeezed in. As you can see the new paddles have been painted and fitted and she has been in the test tank (garden pond). I then had to lower the paddle shaft ( don't say a word Eddie) to get them to work. A carrying cradle has been made to help shift her about, after I strained my back getting her back in the workshop. As a result of the rebuild she should be a little lighter as well.
The next big job is cleaning her up and spraying her with "Halfords" acrylic plastic primer. A job for the work shop at work I think. Then another trip down to the club lake for some more testing. Weather permitting, right now its slashing down with rain and blowing a gale. I don't mind a light shower but draw the line with it coming at me horizontally 
I shall keep you posted as I progress.
Cheers Chris.