Lulonga - My first paddler build.

[LARRY W]

HI Bert ,
      making steady progress , beware what you by from china , unless tested they can be expensive,
         
         fitted .....        a 30 amp job in my sea queen . the result a nice little fire , good job it easy access and on the water  for test ,
       now only use ACTION ELECTRONICS ESC , not cheap but a good product and made in England.
      and good after sales service, worth a look ,.......as web page .......Larry..

[15Bert]

That's a good point Larry, but the current draw on this set up is very low.  I will probably put a one amp fuse in each circuit just in case.

I had to do some proper measurements to check the actual speed and current draw at six volts. The test set up all a bit crude but I'm now satisfied that it will do the job. The speed at six volts is 286 RPM (measured) and the current draw tallies with what I roughly measured when the drives arrived. I will sort out a final drive of 2:1 to the paddles to get around 140 RPM.

Bert

[15Bert]

I glued the lower deck in place last night and did some measuring up for the final drive to the paddles (for when I get them made).

I plan to use aluminium timing pulleys 2:1 to get the final speed about right. I have ordered these (40t and 20T):

http://www.technobotsonline.com/pulleys-and-cams/aluminium-timing-pulleys/synchroflex-t2.5x6mm.html

 I hope my measurements are right, they came to £27 including postage which is a bit more than I wanted to pay but I couldn't find anything cheaper. I could have gone for ordinary pulleys and belts but I want to avoid any chance of them coming off.

It may seem a bit premature to be worrying about the drive at this stage of construction, but I like to know that something is going to work ok before I make it.

I have a (probably stupid) question concerning the rudder. I intend to steer by driving the paddles through a mixer, the rudder will not be used, so can I leave it off? I notice that the photos in the magazine article do not show the rudder, so is it necessary? It would be vulnerable to damage and is a possible source of leakage.

Bert

[LARRY W]

 Hi Bert,
  no rudders on this model , twin motors are used to turn the model using tank steering,
 action electronics have a duel ECS  P94  see there web page saves you lots of work ........Larry...

[15Bert]

That Action electronics stuff looks really good Larry, but the price is beyond what I can pay at the moment.

I don't think that the P94 dual esc is expensive for what it does but I don't have nearly £80 to spare right now. Also it would be a bit over-specified for my set-up, I don't need 20A per motor.

I shall stick with the cheap Chinese junk that I've ordered (pun intended).

The drive stuff has arrived from Technobots and it seems that my sums were correct so that's a relief. I shall have to remove the output shaft from the gearbox and turn it down a bit. I don't know what metal it is but I can mark it with a file so I guess it will turn ok. The shaft is 8mm diameter and it needs to be 5 or 6mm to avoid having to drill too much out of the pulley.



I need to get on with glassing the hull this week, my legs are a bit dodgy at the moment which makes it difficult to stand for long. Hopefully they will sort themselves out as the week progresses and I can get a bit more done.

Bert

[PeeWee]

Hi Bert,
i would say that it should turn no problem if you can score it.  those belts and pullies look like they should work a treat   

[LARRY W]

Hello Bert,
        Drive chain looks good,    will you do mock up before installing , ?...
 cheers Larry..

[15Bert]

Thanks for the support chaps, it's much appreciated.

I shall probably try a mock-up first, I do love to see things going round and round. 

That's my lot for the night, my supper's on it's way...

Bert

[15Bert]

I got back on with it today, not too much progress. I filled the joint between the lower deck and the hull.

When it's dried off I shall sand it and start glassing. I use this filler, it's very easy to sand and doesn't shrink. It's also incredibly light which makes it good for aeroplanes too.



Bert

[derekwarner_decoy]

Hi PD's.......Bert in our PD Links pages you will find the path...Model Steam Engines......Maccsteam Boilers

http://www.paddleducks.co.uk/smf/index.php?action=links;sa=visit&id=96

In the Maccsteam site  you will find a simple calculation on engine steam consumption based upon number of cylinders, stroke, speed and pressure & so to determine the size of boiler required....  .....taken a step further this naturally also provides an approximate running time between boiler refills

Keep us posted with more images of the vessel and boilermaking bits as you progress 

[LARRY W]

hi Bert ,
         Looking good , how are finding model boating after modelling air frames ?..
        i used to fly models back in the 27 meg days , was member of Sutton Coldfield model club ,
 and part of Jim Davis display team,   happy days,    cheers Larry.

[15Bert]

The Jim Davis display team, now that is going back!

Good for you Larry.

Building a boat is good fun , but I won't be giving up my aeroplanes!

I have glassed the hull, I have to wait until it cures so I can flat it down and give it the second coat of resin.








Bert

[15Bert]

After much elbow grease with the 400 wet and dry the hull got a coat of Halfords spray can red primer. They do two kinds, one for plastic and glass fibre and another for metal and previously painted surfaces. I went for the former and it seems to have adhered well. My only misgivings are concerning the likelyhood of the matt surface picking up shiny marks. I may overspray it with some kind of clear laquer.



I shall now turn my attention to the paddles and drive system. the plan (if that word can be used for my haphazard meanderings) is to completely enclose the gear drives and to insulate the mountings so that there is as little sounding board effect as possible. I don't want my paddle tug clanking and whirring like a Sherman tank.

There is plenty of room for the motor/gear assemblies so that's good.



Bert

[LARRY W]

Bert looking good, i spray my models with semi mat spray , very lightly and stand away so you don't get it patchy.Larry..

[15Bert]

That's a good idea Larry, semi-matt would look OK.

What spray do you use?

Bert