Feathered Paddles or not?

[pealdie]

This question may seem strange to some of you experienced paddleducks but for me starting out in Paddle wheelers it is confusing.
I get the concept of feathered paddle wheels and although my current build ( Forceful) has feathered paddles, I see there are a couple of paddle manufacturers who do Director Paddles that are not feathered. I suspect that they may be cheaper too.
The forum is great for people like me but i would be gratefull for some advice on this . I would like the Forceful to be as accurate as possible but if non feathered paddles don't make much difference to its sailing and they are cheaper I may go down this road unless you experienced guys or girls know different.

[derekwarner_decoy]

Hi PD's......pea..... ...you are between the devil & the deep blue sea

The RN tug series which that Forceful was a member had feathering paddles...so to keep your model as accurate as possible there is little option

Kim Maclean of Clyde Model Boats [a PD member] manufactures the most accurate brass feathering paddles....stay clear of brass feathering paddle sets by a manufacturer with the trading name of a famous Paddle vessel [sorry to be criptic]

Feathering paddle sets are heavier, more expensive and the actual performance increase over non feathering sets in our model sizing is questionable if not debateable.....however only you will to have to live with your decision....... ....Derek

PS in our WEB site copy and paste Kim Maclean Clyde Model Boats into the search box....& enjoy the reading   

[mjt60a]

just a thought..... I'd be tempted to fit non-feathering wheels but allow for the possibility of replacing later if I changed my mind.
Looking at an old copy of MAP-Plans handbook, they supply plans to build a set yourself and - this is why I'd go for non-feathering - the feathering gear seems to fit between the hull and the wheel presumably with a larger-than-normal star centre that the paddleshaft passes through.... so it won't actually show if they're feathering or not!

[pealdie]

Hi guys .
Thanks your your thoughts and recommendations. I will stick to the feathered variety to keep the boat as accurate as possible and try making them myself

[mjt60a]

the feathering gear seems to fit between the hull and the wheel presumably with a larger-than-normal star centre that the paddleshaft passes through....

picture - and a place that sells the plans .... http://www.myhobbystore.co.uk/product/17027/forceful-paddle-mm1293-working-drawings

[Talisman]

Hi guys .
Thanks your your thoughts and recommendations. I will stick to the feathered variety to keep the boat as accurate as possible and try making them myself

Good luck to you!
I would be very interested to see how you go about it.
Regards
Kim

[R.G.Y.]

Pealdie, if you intend to make your own may I suggest you look at. (construction, Duke of Devonshire, then page 4)You will see how I made mine. Made from aluminium sheet, light most important[/u]and easy to work. Geoff

[pealdie]

Hi Geoff

Thanks for the info and sorry for delay in responding. Have been looking closely at the Paddle wheels and they may just a bit ambitious at the moment as I would have to invest in some tooling. May eventually purchase the wheels from Clydeside Models in case I have bitten off more than I can chew.

Pealdie

[R.G.Y.]

Although I have no experience of clydeside models I have had good reports.
I had no tooling to make my wheels except the hubs. best of luck Geoff