Saito Delta Queen Build

[ir3]

Hi PD'rs,

Just started the Saito Delta Queen build.  A few problems fitting the frames into the fiberglass hull. With resin buildup and irregular thicknesses the frames needed a bit of shaping but not too much. If anyone is going to build this boat, dry fit all the rear frame and paddle wheel drive boxes in the hull. Once everything fits nicely, tack the pieces and do the final gluing out of the hull. I did not do that and had a bit of a time getting the pieces to fit.  I uploaded a few pictures and will keep the thread up to date as I continue the build.

I have a question about paddle wheels that I will post in the Paddle Wheel forum.

Iran

[Eddy Matthews]

Thanks Iran, the Delta Queen has been a kit I've admired for a long time, and one that I'd like to get myself. So I'm looking forward to seeing your build progress....

Regards
Eddy

[ir3]

Hi PD'rs,

I moved this question Paddle Wheel forum.

A question about paddle wheels for this model. As was commented earlier, the paddle wheel for the DQ does not look too good. If a scale paddle wheel was to be constructed for this model would it drive the boat as well as the original Saito Paddle Wheel. It seems that there is a trade off between true scale and the ability to propel the boat. Any comments would be appreciated. I would like to build a scale paddle wheel since it will look better but it has to perform.

Thanks,

Iran

[ir3]

Hi PD'rs,

The dimensions of the paddle wheel are: diameter = 120mm and the width = 105mm, bucket tip to bucket tip. The pics show a simple buildup using 4 buckets and two spoke assemblies. There are a total of 8 buckets and 4 spoke assemblies.

Thanks,

Iran

[Eddy Matthews]

Iran, I built a model of an American sternwheel towboat/snagboat called Suter - A build log and photos are on here somewhere.... That used a wheel with 16 floats, and it performed superbly. So I don't think you will have any trouble with a scale paddlewheel!

Regards
Eddy

[ir3]

Hi PD'rs,

A little more progress. The forward deck has been temporarily installed.  . I used a technique that Saito suggested. There was no way that I was going to get the margin planks bent ...  ... so I fashioned two margin planks from scrap stock. Drew a pattern and laid the planks off the bow a bit over sized. A bit of shaping and fitting and the results are quite satisfactory. 

Thanks for the update on the scale paddle wheel. I will do some bashing on the parts that Saito supplies and try to get a more scale looking wheel.

Iran

[ir3]

Hi PD'rs

It looks like all of that planking of the fore deck is all for nought. It appears from all of the pictures that I have seen of the current Delta Queen, the foredeck is iron plate. It could very well have been planked in its earlier years but not now.    Why Saito had the fore deck planked, I do not know. So unless anyone has some updated information on this issue, I am going to a fore deck that appears to be iron and not planked.

Iran

[derekwarner_decoy]

Hi PD's..... ...before you rush in here ir3....do a little reasearch ....

1. an older year period for the DQ may well have had a wooden planked fore deck
2. wooden decking in it's natural beauty can be far more impressive than plated steel

Take your time & keep the   as postings ....Derek

[Barry]

As originally built the Delta Queen, and King, had a deck house on the foredeck. The deck house was removed after she was taken East, the upper decks where extended then. The King retained the deck house. Flicked through the book 'King and Queen of the river' and didn't see anything about the deck material many need to sit down and read it a bit closer to see if it says anything.
Had a bit of a fiddle with the DQ paddle wheel drawing and as stated on the other thread with 28 floats  I think they'd be too close together. Looks a bit more open with every second one removed. What size shaft do Saito intend you to use with their wheel?

[Eddy Matthews]

I forgot that I'd posted a short video of my model of the Suter when I first tested it on the water - It clearly shows that a 16 float paddlewheel works fine on a sternwheeler...

http://www.paddleducks.co.uk/smf/index.php?action=downloads;sa=view;down=161

Regards
Eddy

[ir3]

Hi PD'rs

The deck is in place.  The next question regards painting. The instructions recommend that the deck color be prepared and various doors placed before cabin structure goes on. Staining could be a problem since I used yellow glue to assemble the deck. Stain will not cover any residual glue that has permeated the wood. Most of the color pictures show the deck either red or a combination of red and black.

In response to Barry, the shaft is 4mm. Saito supplies 4 vary nice brass hubs to fix the paddle wheel. I am considering adding 6 floats and make each float a little smaller. ... ... I think that will give the paddle wheel a more pleasing look.

Pics show the deck in place and the wheel hub fittings.

Iran

[Tug--Kenny]

I liked the video. She seems powerful on the water with not much spray upwards.

Very good work so far. Regarding the deck then if it's originally planking, you could try imitation sheet planking to cover the glue marks. 

ken

[ir3]

Hi PD'rs,

Some distractions have kept me away from the build but now ready to get back. I am struggling with paint or stain for the fore deck. I assume the deck was wood planked until the 1991 refit to widen the hull. Looking at the resources I have at hand, the Hartman plans which are based on photos taken in the early 70's do not show that the fore deck is planked. The only reference to a planked deck in the early 80's is the Saito plan. I have no idea what they based their plan on. The Hartman plan also show the maintanence deck houses on the fore deck. That could be consistent with a planked deck, but can't be sure.

The only photos that I can find of a build from the Hartman kit show the fore deck in red and black. There is another reference from Popular Mechanics that shows the deck red up the gang plank mast and black going aft.

I really do not want to dwell on this issue much longer as I need to get cracking. Are the original Hartman slides available in some archive. On his plans he always references slides that pertain to the area on the plan.

Any help and/or suggestions on the deck finish would be welcomed.

Thanks,

Iran

[Barry]

Perhaps an e mail to Don@Loyalhannadockyard.com He'd be able to tell you about the photos referenced on the Hartman plans.

[ir3]

Hi PD'rs

A bit more work on the DQ. All of the structure in the hull is complete as well as the first cabin level which is fixed.  The instructions indicate the next step is the cabin but I am going to finish the hull with the steam engine and RC stuff all working before building the cabin. Almost like two kits. The only glitch so far is the spacing between the fore deck and the deck above it. Mine came out to 32mm spacing but the kit only supplied 30mm support posts. A trip the the local hobby shop for some 3mm tubing or dowel is in order. 

I checked with Don at Loyalhanna and unfortunately the Hartman Estate threw out all of his slides and pictures before Don could access the inventory.  I guess they felt that something this historical in nature was not worth saving.

Until next time,

Iran