John H Amos

[grayone]

Hi Folks

While I have a Robbe Dusseldorf sitting in the workshop waiting for me to retire in a few months time I am keen on building something with a local connection.  By local I mean Teesside as I served my apprenticeship at Smiths Dock.  In looking around, and wanting a live steam, I sort of settled on the idea of either Smiths No 3 Tug (the Cob or HMT Mary).  Both of which have turned into a research exercise.  I have managed to find a copy of the deck plan and profile of the Amos and have decided to follow up on this one.  So far I have ordered the book British Steam Tugs and the Model Shipwright 113 both of which appear to have some information (still waiting delivery).  I noticed in some of the write-up on the Medway preservation site that they may just have plans so has contacted them and offered a donation for copies our local section of the National Archives also appears to have some information but at this point I don't know if it is just a list of drawings or the actual things.

So does anyone have anymore leads I could follow or if all else fails a suggestion of a suitable hull that would act as a reasonable facsimile in the 40 to 48" range.

Regards

Graham
 

[Eddy Matthews]

Hi Graham,

I'm in the process of building a model of the paddle tug Lingdale, another Tees tug... Unfortunately it's all packed away just now as I've recently moved house.

Anyway, the point of my message is to say that the hull for this tug is available from Kim at Clyde Model Boats - It's around 42" long (from memory), and you could probably use it as a basis for the John H Amos, or build the Lingdale as I am... You can contact Kim at:

01360 622 611
mail@clydemodelboats.co.uk

He also does a lovely set of brass etched paddlewheels, but they aren't cheap.... You can see a few photos of the Lingdale in the following thread http://www.paddleducks.co.uk/smf/index.php?topic=5542.msg29929#msg29929

Hope that helps a little?

Regards
Eddy

[derekwarner_decoy]

Hi PD's....& welcome Graham

One point here is ..... there are alternate UK manufacturers of brass paddle wheel sets that have grossly out of scale bolt sets [ once bitten ...twice shy]

This certainly does not apply to the wheel sets from clydemodelboats.co.uk

Keep us posted with your build images........Derek 

[grayone]

Hi Derek

 , as for paddle wheels I have ordered the ET Westbury plans of the diagonal engine which comes with details of the paddle wheels (I think).  As I have built and equipped a small workshop over the last two years for me to retire into  and I plan to scratch build the engine and paddles and possibly the boiler as well. So this is going to be a very long build

Graham

[R.G.Y.]

I am very carefull before I spend any money as is well known on this site (& OZ). But I was a beginner then. the plan is OK, the castings were a waste in my opinion. The only advantage is they are ali wieght is important even in a tug. Requiring a lot of work, plus the floats are to narrow. more for show than practical use.  A photo of my Westbury engine, needs a big boiler and a big hull. Geoff

[derekwarner_decoy]

Hi PD's....RGY that Westbury engine looks a supurb build .....but as usual I have a question or two

1. I have added two black arrows...what is the component as the source of the vertical arrow...& what is the purpose of the copper tube rising vertically then being terminated in a T fitting?

2. The exhaust steam from each cylinder exits vertically upwards.....do you experience any issues with clearing steam condensate on start up & prior to the lines heating up?

The reason I ask this is my Saito Y2DR has the same steam exhausting configuration....

Your explanations & feedback always appreciated.......Derek

[grayone]

I have found the original drawings of the paddle wheels and see unlike the ETW ones they only have 7 floats (PS any particular reason they are called floats rather than paddles?)

I would also as suggested by ETW reduce the engines to 1/2" x 3/4" (ie by 2/3rds) for a model closer to 48" and have two sets of engines per the original, however only one boiler

Graham

[R.G.Y.]

Derek The arrow points to the feed pump. Driven from the main shaft. No trouble with condensation at start 4 drain cocks fitted. I have only ever run it on air any way.
Graham. Have you been looking at my new build by any chance, 1/2"x 3/4"???Geoff

[grayone]

Graham. Have you been looking at my new build by any chance, 1/2"x 3/4"???Geoff

No point me to it, that would be 

[R.G.Y.]

Totnes Castle, constrution.  It was just the mention of 1/2"x3/4". Geoff

[R.G.Y.]

Yes quite a few ships had 7 paddles, both the protertypes for my models so far had 7 floats. I dont know why they are called floats & not paddles they just are. My latest build will have 8 floats & this time they have to be fixed, not feathering. Geoff

[grayone]

After a long hunt I located a "set" of drawings of the Amos at the Teesside branch of the National Archives .  As the drawings appear to be originals and fixed to the old fashioned stick they could not do a conventional scan.  So they have been photographed and I am waiting with baited breath to find out what these 28 drawings contain as the index was not very helpful.

Graham

[jecobin]

This maybe useful

http://www.clydesite.co.uk/clydebuilt/viewship.asp?id=12999

http://discovery.natonalalarchives.gov.uk/details/a/A13533052

The drawings are held at Teeside Archives.  Exchange House, 6 Marton Raod, Exchange Square, Middlesbrough, England TS1 1DB   -   Telephone: 01642 248 321

Email:  teeside_archives:middlesbrough.gov.uk

Hope this helps.

Regards,
JT