Glasgow Paddle Tug

[Blue]

At the moment I am your newest member (Blue), hi to you all.  I am living in Turkey and a keen marine modeller, but, I am new to paddle propulsion and thought the Graupner kit ' Glasgow' would be the ideal starting point.  Fingers crossed because it is already ordered and no doubt on its way to my brother's address in the UK for transportation to Turkey by our next visitors.  Also purchased is the fittings kit and the paddle wheel kit.  Despite spending days on the internet I have not found any conclusive answers on paddle speed. (Maybe the kit instructions cover this topic).  I have a few motors kicking around the shed that could be used given this info.  Have any members made this model or maybe used the paddle kit on other projects?  If so, paddle shaft diameter would be very useful and is it included in the kit?  She'll be driven probably by MFA Como 919D motor/gearbox at 148:1 and at 12v giving 106rpm, and with pulleys or gearing, can be fine tuned to suit.  How does this sound to all you experienced paddlers?  Final question is regarding the drive system.  Pulleys and o-ring.  Toothed belt.  Bevel gears or straight gearing?  Many thanks if anyone can reply, new paddler Blue. 

[Eddy Matthews]

Welcome to Paddleducks Blue...

The Glasgow isn't a bad choice for a first paddler. An ideal paddle speed (unloaded ie. out of the water), is around 120-150rpm for a sidewheeler. However I wouldn't really recommend the MFA/Como motors as they are noisey and draw a large current - Ideally see if you can find some suitable Buehler geared motors, although they can be difficult to obtain! Other than that, take a look at Clyde Model Boats, he does some nice paddler motors that are both quiet and have a very low current drain. You'll find a link to his website in the "Traders" message area, or via the "Links" at the left of the screen.

I would use pulleys and an "O" ring for drive - The Graupner wheels aren't very strong, so if a wheel hits an obstruction the belt will slip rather than damage the wheel...

I hope that helps a little?

Regards
Eddy

[Blue]

Many Thanks Eddy

I take note of the motors you mention but MFA are so so cheap.  Maybe someone who has used the paddle kit will know the shaft size, very important at the moment.

Many thanks again, probably be in touch sometime through the build stage.

Blue

[PeeWee]

Hi Blue,

having a Glasgow i have that Eddies comments are spot on, i replaced the geard for belt and have a clyde motor.

as for the shaft size if memory serves correctly its 5mm  though i will confirm this evening for you.

good luck whit her and welcome, its adictive.

[tonyh]

Here's mine, which is currently undergoing repairs and tlc. The paddleshaft is 5mm diameter as PeeWee suspected.



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Uploaded with ImageShack.us

Good Luck with building the model.
Tony

[Blue]

Many thanks to Eddy, PeeWee and Tonyh for your speedy and informative replies re The Glasgow. Love this site, just love it. Do any of you remember if the shaft was supplied or was it a buy your own jobby?

[PeeWee]

Hi,

i ordered all 3 kits, and the shaft was included in one of them.  fittings, paddlewheels and boat.

[Blue]

Many thanks again Peewee. What a wealth of knowledge we have on this site. Look out for me in a few months time ,when the lid comes off and I get in amongst all the gubbins. No hardware ordered yet, but it'll be electric with reinforced sticky out bits at the sides (sponsons)? "O" ring pulley drive system for elasticity during heavy docking with a spare one suspended on the shaft for easy renewal.
Speak to you all again soon.           Blue