Lulonga - My first paddler build.

[15Bert]

I don't know if I'm putting this in the correct place, so I apologise if it has to be moved.

I really wanted a 'proper' stern wheeler, the 'Lady Lois' looks good to me, but I think that for my first paddler I will build from the 'Lulonga' plan that I already have. It is full of character and I hope it won't be too difficult for me.

I have found the plan and had a couple of copies made to work from. I have decided to make it mostly from wood. I can see the advantages of the plastic moulded route but I'm not familiar with that material and I will be happier working in wood as much as is possible.
I'm getting the materials together now, I was going to do the build over the coming Autumn/Winter but I feel the itch now...

I have some ply for the bottom and sides in stock, I am thinking of using some 1/2 inch balsa sheet for the front part of the hull, I have some and it will be easy to carve to shape.

The paddles will be scratch built from the drawings to save some money.

When there is some progress I shall post some pictures as I go along.

I should say that I am primarily a flying aircraft modeller (sorry), I have dabbled with other things over the years, but this is my first paddler and my first 'serious' boat so be gentle with me please.

Bert

[jelley_baby]

Hi Bert,

Looking forward to seeing your build log, with interest. I have one that I restored so if you need any pictures to help with build don't be afraid to ask.

Graham

[R.G.Y.]

Bert. A modeler is a modeler, aircraft, cars or boats. Its only the rail enthusiasts that add engineer to model. One big advantage boats have over aircraft they don't crash, only sink. I have posted some of my efforts, built between 1968-1973, when radio was not that reliable. Just 3 of the many. Still have a 6ft span tiger moth unflown.  R.G.Y.

[PeeWee]

I can vouch for boats sinking    though thankfully not too often.     I think many on here have many and varied modelling interests and i also have a plane in the shed though i will never fly it.

[15Bert]

It's good to know that there are varied interests on this forum, I think that modelling is more or less a problem solving exercise no matter what it is that you make.

I have some time off work this week so I am expecting to make some progress on the Lulonga. I need some 3mm ply - I thought I had plenty in stock but what I have is mostly liteply which would probably do, but it isn't easy to keep it straight in my experience so I shall be making a trip to the model shop for a couple of sheets of the real thing.

Once I get the ply I shall be on my way. On a plus note I managed to get a copy of the magazine complete with plan off the 'bay this week. I already had a tatty plan, also from the 'bay but this one is in new condition. It's also good to have the colour photos to look at for inspiration.

Bert

[15Bert]

I have made some progress on the Lulonga, there's a bit of work in the hull to accomodate the paddles, which so far has been quite enjoyable.

The bottom, sides and the lower deck are cut out and I am starting to get it all glued together. If I have got it right there should be some photos. When I have got the hull built I will be able to make sure  the other parts fit as I cut them out.







I have laminated the bow section from balsa, it just needs carving to shape.



More to come...

Bert

[jelley_baby]

Hi Bert Looking good will be following with interest. Graham

[mjt60a]

THis will be a facinating build, I've never seen this shape of hull before 

[LARRY W]

  Hi Bert,
 
            Build looking good, here is my lulonga using hull of styrene from hobby shop,   
             no paddles fitted yet or motors or drives , a pricey so now on the back burner till i have saved up to purchase ...LARRY...

[LARRY W]

 DETAIL OF DECK

[15Bert]

Thanks for the kind words chaps.

Your Lulonga looks really good Larry, yes the Graupner paddle kit is quite expensive - I shall have a go at making my own from scratch. If it doesn't work out I can always buy the kit anyway.

I've made some more progress, I shall shape the basic hull first and then fit the bow section and shape that last, hopefully this will avoid damaging the balsa bow laminations. When the hull is complete I intend to skin it with lightweight glass cloth. This will make it watertight and should make it more resistant to knocks.





Trial fit of the bow section.





Bottoms up





Trial fit of the lower deck.



More to come.

Bert

[jelley_baby]

Hi Bert, Before you fit the deck I would fill the side pods with Polystyrene or Polyurethane foam, hope that they are spelt correctly, as I had a big problem with mine in all but the smoothest of water conditions taking on water into these chambers, and on one sail it nearly rolled over. I hope that you don't mind me saying this as I would hate you to find out after you have added the deck. The model is progressing very well, and makes me wish mine was on a wooden hull not a Poly carbonate one. Cheers Graham 

[Eddy Matthews]

Your build looks very well done so far Bert, congratulations!

I hope you get as hooked on paddlers as we are, they just look so graceful on the water and always attract more attention than a screw driven model when sailing.

Please keep up your build blog, I'm sure a lot of people will be following it with interest.

Regards
Eddy

[15Bert]

Thanks for the kind words Eddy, I am enjoying the build although I'm not sure where I will be able to sail the Lulonga when she's finished. We do have a canal not far away so I guess that would do. I believe there is a lake at Basingstoke which I may look into later on.

Thanks for the advice Graham, I think I will put some foam in the compartments, though it is my intention that they will be completely sealed which is probably easier to do with a wooden hull than a plastic one.

Bert

[LARRY W]

Hi BERT
 looking good i had a bash at making paddles as shown on plan , but came out bit wobbly and did not run true,
       so was not happy.......will go back and have a go when i get a bit more info......Larry...