Elidir Thames riverboat

[hlowles]

Hello

I just purchased the Elidir River Boat
and would like to convert it to real
steam and remote control.
wondering if this can be done and
if there are any web pages or books on
converting a boat to remote control.

I know nothing of Remote control systems, built static up to now and
this will be my first such boat. I thought it would be an interesting
project.

Thank you
Harry

[Paulrjordan]

Hi there Harry..and welcome to Paddleducks.

I see we didn't hear too much from our Paddler people here yet in
response to your RFI, so I thought I'd jump in...but I should warn you
I know very little about model steam engines..although I do secretly
adore them!!

First, let's have a look at this nice little model you've purchased.
Here's a picture of it on this URL
http://www.phoenix-model.com/images/Constr/CON80816.jpg

Next thing which comes to mind is that Constructo actually puts her
out as a "Static" kit and at only 18" long, you might be a little hard
pushed to fit a live steam unit inside. Cheddar Models in the UK have
a number of units..or are you considering building one from scratch?

I have a couple of solutions..and this is to refer you to another list
and indeed an expert on steam we have down in South America who I'm
sure would be willing to help you.

Our actual focus here is Paddlewheelers which have a bit more room if
you're going to make them into R/C models. Also I know you're in
Canada, so tell me where and I'll see if i can find someone who can
help you from a Club that we know.

Give us a few more details, but my immediate reaction is to probably
look for a little larger vessel than 18" to install your first steam
unit..not saying it can't be done..but it's not the easiest project to
start with.

Look forward to hearing from you and, again, welcome to Paddleducks!
PJ
Moderator Paddleducks

Victoria, BC, Canada

[hlowles]

Hello

Thank you very much for all your email answers, I really
appreciate it.

First off, I am from Windsor, Ontario, I don't know if my latitude
and longitude where at the end of my last email. But I calculated it
from the Detroit River and the airport to my residence. NO gps
available.

Second, Thank you in regards to the thames boat, perhaps I will build
it as a static and later on build an actual steam boat. in regards to
the size of the kit.

Since I have built a number of static kits. I would like to try my
hands at a remote control system. I will look into it.
Any suggestions in regards to this, does not matter if it is steam,
sail or antique ie. criscraft pleasure boat.

The Elidir thames riverboat was appealing to me, but as you say it
might be to small for actual steam..


Again thanks for all your help

harry

[Paulrjordan]

Hi again, Harry:

I've been thinking about your little "Elidir" steamboat. There's no
reason you couldn't power her with a small electric motor. There
should be enough room to fit in the components you need to operate her
by radio control which are:

1) A small motor drawing not more than .25 amps no load and .5 amps at
full stall.
2) A 2 channel transmitter and receiver
3) A speed controller (preferably electronic but there are cheapie
Bob's Boards type jobs you can find if cost is an issue). However, we
have a neat trick of turning a small servo into an all-in-one speed
controller/motor combination
4) Small battery pack (you can use 4 AA's for the servo/motor combo)
5) Steering servo

In fact, I suggest you join a local R/C model boat Club in Windsor and
youll be amazed at how much help you'll get for your project (present
and future!). I couldn't find a power boat modelers' club in Windsor
(just the Model Yacht Club which is all sailboats by the looks of
things). Try your local Hobby Shop(s) and they can probably point you
in the right direction.

You can turn your steam boat into a very useful and attractive R/C
model in this way. You could even put in a little smoke "generator"
to make some "steam" if you want to complete the effect. Just holler
as there are people in Paddleucks here who know all about this stuff.

Eventually if you want to build a live steam R/C boat, there are kits
from Cheddar Models and a number of other suppliers.

You may also find your way to our "sister" Yahoo. Group called
Modelboats@Yahoo!Groups and there's all kinds of R/C help from some of
the nicest R/C people up there.

And eventually..you might even consider the ultimate in R/C boats..A
PADDLEWHEELER!!

Cheers

PJ
Victoria, BC, Canada