hello

[brockya]

Hi
Well after 7 boats I have taken the plunge and gone paddle power. I've bought a Lulonga, but it seems a bit different to the few others I have seen. The stern is different and the area around the paddles is much higher. I've fitted two smoke units from Hunter Systems and steam whistle by Action.
Well all for now
Richard. (Potteries Model Boat Club)

[PeeWee]

Welcome Richard to paddleducks

that is a fine looking boat you have there and those smoke units certainly look like they are doing the job well. 

[jelley_baby]

Hi I like your Lulonga, mine is at:-
http://www.paddleducks.co.uk/smf/index.php?action=gallery;sa=myimages;u=1537
on this site I have had it for about 15 months and have started to rebuild it at it was much to low in the water.

I would be very interested to know what motors and drive system your uses, and do you steer with the paddles or by a rudder.

A very good looking boat.

Graham (Cwmbran Modelling Society)

[brockya]

Hi Graham
Very nice Lulonga you have, great fun aren't they. Mine is powered by what looks like two 380 size geared motors running on 12 volts driving the paddle wheels by toothed belts . Both motors are powered by the one ESC, steering is by the two large rudders, and it works very well, forward anyway!!

Thanks
Richard

[jelley_baby]

Hi Richard, Many thanks for your reply are the motor/gearboxes Como drill, and are 380 big enough mine had 540 size motors with 50:1 gearboxes and used a meccano chain and sprockets with a 2:1 reduction drive giving 100: in total, but because the motor and gear box were mounted quite far back it meant that a large amount of lead was used to balance these out. I have therefore been trying to move the motors forward or find a lighter alternative. I have attached a photo below.
Graham

[brockya]

Hi Graham
This is one of the motors, I dont know what they are as they were in the boat when I got it. Their cetainly not 540 size, more 380. Sorry the pic is not to good but its hard to get too. Running on a 12volt 7.5 amp sealed lead acid battery it runs vey well and I dont know how long for as its never run out yet but I've run it for well over an hour.
Richard

[jelley_baby]

Hi Richard, Have seen these on Ebay but been afraid to by them as the looked too small. Many thanks I see that they are the same 100:1 ratio that I have been using.

Regards Graham

[Spankbucket]

These motors (without the gearboxes) are what I am using in my 'Presto' but in my case the 3-6V version.

Given I have had a few problems with them at 6v I may change to something else.

[jelley_baby]

Hi Richard, Have bought Two motors and gearboxes like yours, I thought they were from Hong Kong but they were dispatched from this country and arrived yesterday about three days after they were ordered, I've fitted them and the weight saving over my previous motors/gearbook is amazing and in the bath give plenty or pushing power.
So many thanks for your information I will keep watching for any updates you add. I will add some more photo's of mine now the refit is nearly complete.

Regards and Thanks Graham (Cwmbran Modelling Society)

[jelley_baby]

Hi Richard, Just one more question, what smoke generator are you using. it is very good.

Graham (Cwmbran Modelling Society)

[brockya]

Hi Graham
I use two smoke  units from Hunter Systems they use smoke fluid that comes with them  and can be bought separately, they need 12 volts I use a separate 12 volt 9 amp sealed lead acid from Component Shop for them. The smokers need small fans to push the smoke up the chimneys Hunter Systems can supply these, in fact they gave me two for free!!
Best of luck
Richard (Potteries Model Boat Club)